Vacation Student Review
by Shoosmiths
This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
4.5
-
The Company
4.6
-
The Culture
4.0
- 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
My expectations were high based on what I had read and heard about the firm; it didn't take long for them to exceed these expectations.
Straight from 9am Monday morning I was welcomed and treated as an equal by everyone from trainee to managing partner.
I mostly shadowed a trainee, which was convenient as the work they were providing wasn't too daunting but more demanding that proof-reading. I was also given work from associates, partners and a research note for the managing partner providing me with a broad depth of tasks and exposure to the firms workload.
The balance was right, I was regularly and considerately asked how much I had on before being given additional work to ensure I wasn't too busy. They made sure I took my full lunch break and left on time - certainly not a firm that keeps their coats on the backs of chairs just to look busy.
I prepared for and participated in conference calls, taking of witness statements, drafting letters, training days, charity events and presentations. Not only was i given a depth of responsibility but also across a broad range of tasks.
Invaluable insight into the working world of a lawyer; something that can only be taught to a limited level in a classroom.
The Company
Very friendly and upbeat, the open plan office means that you get a lot of interaction between the staff.
When asked during my exit interview how they could improve the scheme I was genuinely stuck for suggestions - could not have asked for or expected a better placement, the structure was well though-out, gave me lots of invaluable insight into the company and the industry, I was given lots of work and the week just seemed to fly by.
I was treated like a real trainee, given my own desk, logins and phone extension whilst exposed to clients and the work the firm conducts for them.
Subsidised Canteen
National Travel
Company Parties/Events
Extremely appealing
The Culture
We always went out for lunch as a group of trainees and placement students, allowing for open discussion regarding the firm and training. We were also treated to dinner and drinks after work and invited to a variety of professional networking events.
Situated in the city centre, living and socialising costs in the area are as to be expected. The city has a lot to offer and knowing the right places to go helps to limit costs.
Nottingham is renowned for having a vibrant and extensive nightlife with something to cater for everyone's tastes
Charity events, themed Olympic events, professional networking, drinks with trainees, client visits... too much to fit in.
Details
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
East Midlands
July 2012
