Insight Student Review

by A&O Shearman

Best Student Employer

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

2.1/5
  • About You
    1.9
  • The Company
    2.4
  • Everything Else
    2.0

    About You

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?

    • Found the firm a lot less 'friendly' than I expected. Their marketing and the reality are two different entities.

    2/5
  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?

    • Really depended on the department. In smaller departments, you do feel like a part of the team- in the larger ones, you just feel like an outsider.

    2/5
  • 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?

    • Support from Grad Rec was decent- support from the associates, not so much. Trainees were briliant.

    3/5
  • 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

    • Knowledge on Banking and ICM etc was actually helpful. Good to know.

    2/5

    The Company

  • 5. How well structured was the insight?

    • Theoretically structured. But didn't fit in reality- cancelled presentations etc.

    2/5
  • 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?

    • Was the most bored I've ever been on a vac scheme. Quite a lot of dull work, socials didn't compensate for much either.

    1/5
  • 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • Grad Rec and Richard Hough are actually really good- they take their time out to get to know you. But the firm itself? Nothing from there.

    2/5
  • 8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?

    • The fact that none of the associates really try means that you realise what it would be like to work there. And that's pretty useful.

    4/5
  • 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?

    • Understood more about A&O definitely- and the difference between its marketing and what it actually is.

    4/5
  • 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?

    • Somewhat useful- would have been if it was my only vac scheme but, when people have had others, you've heard a lot of it before.

    3/5

    Everything Else

  • 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?

    • Pay was remarkably quite poor. £250 and one week after the vac scheme finished!

  • 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?

    • Opportunities of meeting trainees but not really associates and never partners.

    1/5
  • 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?

    • There were socials- but very tame.

    3/5
  • 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?

    • Got invited to cricket and softball events through email- that was quite nice.

    4/5
  • 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?

    • It's a brilliant firm on paper. Magic Circle, leading in Banking and ICM etc. but there's better firms to go to in terms of atmosphere. People just didn't seem happy.

    1/5
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Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

London

August 2013

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