VAC Scheme Review
by Mayer Brown International LLP
This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
3.9
-
The Company
3.1
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The Culture
2.5
- 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
I've thoroughly enjoyed the three-week VAC scheme. It has introduced me to several aspects of the firm and it has provided with an opportunity to get a better feel for the kindof working environment that I would be a part of if accepted for a training contract.
Everyone was very welcoming and friendly - I felt as if the contributions I was making through my work actually meant something.
I was largely left to my own devices, but if I needed help or if I felt as if something should be explained to me everyone was always prepared to explain.
I would often start the day at 9am and leave at 6pm. Other than leaving
I was always assigned important tasks but never anything crucial.
I gained a first-hand insight into the world of a lawyer. I gained confidence through completing the tasks that I assinged and now possess enhanced teamwork dynamics thanks to several tasks which required me to work as part of a team. A visit to the firm's office in Paris also introduced me to the importance of commercial awareness internationally as well as nationally.
The Company
It was a standard office environment, although there was quite a lot of cake and everyone was good humoured enough - lots of laughs.
We knew from the outset what we were doing every day which worked well because it meant that we could arrange the work that we were assigned around the activities / trips that were taking place during the day.
Other than the general work given we were never introduced to any skills development workshops although we did receive a talk about the importance of skills development by the relevant department.
Subsidised Canteen
Healthcare/Dental
The firm recruits directly from its VAC scheme candidates to its training contract programme. After 3 years of training you become an associate. One can expect to become a senior associate within 7 years and to make partner within 15 - 20.
The Culture
Yes! The social events that were organised during the VAC scheme - bowling, dinner, a trip to Paris - allowed all those that were taking part to get to know each other and our supervisors better.
The cost of living and socialising was higher than normal, but then this is London!
We were often too tired after a day at the office to go out, although there are plenty of bars and clubs around had we had the energy!
Other than a few firm sporting events that took place there was nothing really unlesss you count the talks.
Details
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
South East
July 2012
