Vacation Scheme student Review
by Pinsent Masons LLP
This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
3.8
-
The Company
3.8
-
The Culture
3.6
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
The vac sheme was great! Graduate Recruitment and the Trainees clearly put a lot of effort into organising the two week placement - activities, practice area presentations and social events were organised for most days.
The team was quite friendly and open to lending time to discuss and give feedback on work - very helpful given that a lot of it is new territory!
My training-buddy was very helpful in getting me introduced and making sure I was always kept busy.
If you demonstrate the ability to work...be prepared to, it's the best way to get a true view of the firm!
After the first few days, a lot of the work was taken as is, and my comments / suggestions were often implemented.
The Company
The office has a real buzz (maybe partly due to the merger), but everyone was generally friendly and ready to answer questions, no matter which department.
Graduate Recruitment and the trainees clearly put a lot of effort in! As well as each practice area presenting each morning, social activities were planned with trainees, and sometimes even the partners. You really feel that firm is trying to welcome you, it was impressive!
Significantly! Each morning started with a practice group presentation (by partners, lawyers and trainees) which really gives you a feel for what each practice group does, and what you can expect to be involved with at all levels in the firm. Some were very interactive, and a lot of though was clearly put into these. From a work perspective, everyone was happy to explain the context of the work, and answer any questions - it wasn't just a matter of being given odd jobs to complete.
Subsidised Canteen
Company Parties/Events
Apparently almost 70% of the intake are taken from the vac schemes - all the other participants were good fun and genuinely nice people, so it would definitely be something to consider!
The Culture
Yes! The rest of the students were great fun and we enjoyed a few good nights out, lunches and dinners. The rest of the trainees also clearly socialise a lot, with sports events going on and Friday drinks in the office after work - there was a really great vibe! I'd hope to see all the vac scheme students in the same intake...if possible!
The placement was in London, so you have to expect London prices. Saying that, all nights out organised by the trainees were on the firm's account...so you wouldn't even notice!
Right in the city, there are cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants everywhere, and busy all the time!
Yes, several sporting events were organised, and a few nights out with the trainees as well. To celebrate the end of interviews we had a great night out bowling, more fun than it might sound!
Details
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
London
June 2012
