Vacation Scheme Milton Keynes Review

Everyday was varied. On some days there were “lunch and learns” which were useful sessions where all the vacation scheme students gathered together to learn about a topic, for example building your personal brand or pro bono. But everyday your supervisor and buddy would choose some tasks for you to complete, and always be available for support and review your work with you. They would then assign you new work.

I was able to build my time management skills and also ability to appreciate constructive feedback. As weird as it sounds, I was able to build both my individual working and team working skills: I was able to work individually on the tasks I was given and give them a go, as well as manage my workload individually. I was also able to work as part of the seats I was sitting in and collaborate with the fee-earners in completing tasks.

It was very interesting to learn about all of the different roles within the firm: I initially thought everyone would just have one or two specific jobs. But the amount of people that make up the business was very interesting to learn about.

I was so scared going in on the first day because I thought everyone would just be like robots. But actually, everyone was so bubbly and full of life. They got all of their important work done but always found the chance to talk to the people around them and have a good time, and everyone was very sociable going out for lunch and sitting and enjoying time with eachother while completing all of their jobs. I was pleasantly surprised by the flexibility whereby anyone can sit anywhere with anyone else, and more senior and junior members were sat together and I found it amazing

I loved it so much I am almost sad it is over. I feel like every firm will be doing similar sort of work, but here it was all about the people and I genuinely felt it. Everyone acknowledged and respected my opinions and work and I genuinely felt like I was just as important as the fee-earners. I truly loved the experience and I would love to be able to join the firm again for a training contract.

Yes

To be honest, just be yourself. Everyone in every team is an individual person and adds a new flavour and depth with their personality. Also, try and do some wider reading around your seats: is there any reform to the law surrounding the work they do, or any major news or development? It’s not required to be able to complete the work but it’s good to help you understand what everyone else is doing, and what sort of work might be coming in soon.