This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 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 Graduate Recruitment team at Nabarro went to such an effort to ensure everyone on the scheme had as enjoyable time as possible. The induction days ensured that we felt equipped to complete the tasks, I found the work interesting and challenging, and there were quite a few fun events put on for us in the evenings.
My immediate supervisor and 'buddy' (a trainee who looks out for you) were 2 of the nicest people I have met and made me feel really welcome in the department I worked in. I certainly felt valued. I was set an assignment and after handing in my report my supervisor commented that I may be one of the most knowledgeable people in the department on the subject (which probably isn't true but was a nice complement to receive).
My supervisor was really approachable and was brilliant at explaining things and giving me feedback. Others in the department were great at answering my questions even when they were extremely busy. Some of the partners tended to go into too much detail and were sometimes ambiguous about what they wanted, but there were always others available to fill in the gaps.
Over the 12 days of being in my department I had enough work to keep me busy, but I never felt like I was drowning. It helped that I was invited to so many client meetings (4 in all) because other than writing up your notes, they are not very labour-intensive tasks. However, a 'business game' called Project Nabarro ran in parallel with department work, and I felt the pressure whenever those deadlines dawned.
The answer depends on your interpretation of responsibility. Nobody embarking on a summer scheme should expect to have free reign to correspond with clients directly, or be in charge of a task so critical that the proverbial will hit the fan if you don't do it properly. But I felt like I was given a fair amount of responsibility. I was set a research task that took 1-2 days to complete and culminated in me speaking on the subject in a room of 12 people at a client meeting. Other times, I was highlighting and proofreading.
The training on LexisLibrary and WestLaw will prove invaluable, and I really valued the advice on got on how to draft reports, and I have a better idea of what a lawyer does (of course)
The Company
Nice people, quite chatty, lots of biscuits and cake. But at the same time, you knew straight away when the department were busy and knuckling down
So well organised! A seamless transition from induction into department work was done through training in IT and the Knowledge Centre (which was capped off with a research game). Opportunities to boost your networking skills were done by organising network coaching, followed by a meet-and-greeting with vac schemers from other firms, and finally a partner dinner. Very impressed with it all.
I was aware before it started that we were a select few to be chosen for the scheme, but I did feel rather spoiled through-out. There was a wide variety of training, department briefings, and they were accompanied with food and drink and many partners turned up to those events too.
Subsidised Canteen
Sports and Social Club
Company Parties/Events
Awaiting to hear if I've landed a training contract with the firm. I'd be over the moon if I got it, but the pressure is on when you consider how many places have already been given to the previous stream of summer students.
The Culture
The other students were a sociable bunch, Nabarro arranged some excellent social occusions, and my department colleagues were always keen to go for lunch or hit the pub after work.
I've lived in London for a while, so have acclimatised to the shock of London beer prices and know where to find the cheap eateries.
A few great boozers in the area - The Enterprise for ale and jazz, and a hidden 'old man pub' just around the corner was relaxed.
I was signed up for the Office Olympics and busted a gut for a very mediocre score, but it was still warmly appreciated by my colleagues.
Details
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
London
August 2012