Vacation Scheme Student Review

The first two days we had induction. This involved welcome talks, information about what we would be doing (where we would be sitting, how the teams structures work etc). Then, from Wednesday-the following Friday we sat in our department. I was in the tax team. My daily tasks ranged from research tasks, readings, to attending team meetings and lunches. Early Careers also organised social events for us to socialise with the rest of the cohort which was really fun.

I definitely learned new skills, including: Research - the research tasks allowed me to develop my ability to use legal tech to find necessary information, cases, etc. My supervisor was very helpful in this. Networking - there were lots of occasions where I could socialise and network with people from the firm, including at lunches, after-work socials, and meetings I had arranged during the day. I developed existing skills too, such as my ability to meet and create professional relationships with a new team.

The induction was very helpful in helping us understand the business and the roles available. For instance, we had a long talk about the different areas of the business and where we may fit if we were offered a training contract at the end of the scheme. There was a particular focus on the insurance side of things because that is one of Clyde's main practice areas. My supervisor was also very helpful in explaining seat options.

The culture of Clyde & Co is absolutely faultless. I knew immediately from the induction session that the firm promoted a really friendly and accepting environment, one in which I felt very comfortable. It made it easier for me to meet and connect with people at the firm, without ever feeling that people were unapproachable. This was particularly noticeable in the tax team where everyone was really welcoming. The building itself, as an additional point, is very open, airy, and a nice environment to work.

For all the reasons I listed above, I really enjoyed my experience. But, to expand on one other point I haven't mentioned, I also really enjoyed the socials put on by the early careers team - we had a few after work drinks, but also an evening of crazy golf up the road in Shoreditch. It was really well organised and a nice opportunity to bond with everyone in a fun (and definitely competitive!) environment. Thank you to the EC Team!

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I would say: make sure to highlight that you're an open and friendly person. This is key in the company culture and I think they'll definitely look more favourably on your application if you show that you're human! Also, make sure to do your research on where Clyde & Co sits within the legal market, as that will show that you have good knowledge on the firm's practice areas. For instance, Clydes has massive presence in insurance, but also in marine, shipping, aviation, and other areas.