Vacation Scheme Student Review

I really enjoyed working at Linklaters. The departments I worked in were really friendly and inclusive. Graduate recruitment also really try to take care of you during the scheme; there are lots of events planned for evenings such as dinner in the ivy, rounders and a bbq and drinks on the first evening to help you get to know the other interns and trainees in the firm.

In both seats I felt like people in the department made an effort to get to know who I was and include me in any social activities of the firm. I received emails from other trainees in the department who wanted to see how I was getting on, and I was also included in staff drinks on a friday evening.

In one seat my principal was really keen to give me tasks to do and let me have a go at mock documents which would normally be done by a trainee to get a feel for the type of work. In the other seat, whilst I didn't get much work from my principal, they were willing to answer any questions I had about the department which i found really useful

I generally had enough to do without getting stressed, but also had enough time to do some research and prepare for my interview whilst on the scheme.

I was given responsibility to get on with the work I had been set, but obviously not responsibility to the extent a trainee would be given. However, this was reassuring as I did not feel as if I was under an unnecessary amount of pressure.

I don't think the work will help with my studies because it was more commerically orientated than academic work. However, I do believe the type of work I was exposed to and the commercial knowledge I gained will be useful on a training contract.

I think this really depends on the department you are in and the type of people in that office. I did feel relaxed in the office and felt like I was able to be myself and talk to my supervisors about work and non work related topics.

There were time-tabled talks from different departments throughout the internship which were useful, and lots of social events were also organised. However, other aspects of the scheme could have been better organised.

We were given the opportunity to have a go at the type of work which trainees might do, such as drafting and amending documents. After doing this, my supervisor gave me feedback on the work I had done so that I was able to learn from the task and do a better job next time.

I have a training contract interview next week and would be really pleased if they decided to offer me a job.

As well as the organised events, the interns also met up for lunch every day and went out together after work on a friday.

Fortunately lots of events were paid for my the recruitment team which lowered the cost of the internship. Generally living and socialising in London is quite expensive though it is possible to limit the amount you spend to a certain extent.

There are a number of bars and restaurants within working distance of the company.

The firm has a gym and lots of sports teams which you are encouraged to get involved in. The work ours are not bad so if you do want to pursue hobbys outside of the office then this is definitely possible.