Vacation Scheme 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

2.8/5
  • About You
    2.1
  • The Company
    3.4
  • Everything Else
    2.4

    About You

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

    • Quite often didn't have much work to do.

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

    • Definitely felt like I was being treated like a student. Presentations and training sessions were in training rooms rather than client rooms and tea, coffee, biscuits, etc. was not provided (a sign of effort in my opinion). People (above trainee level) were nice but did not make much effort to find out anything about you.

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

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

    • Nothing I didn't know already.

    3/5

    The Company

  • 5. How well structured was the insight?

    • Fine. Had lots of cancellations for department talks which again goes to show how valued the vac scheme students are..

    3/5
  • 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?

    • The students got on really well and made the experience and social events more fun. The atmosphere at the firm was very focused and hard-working. People don't seem to have a lot of fun.

    3/5
  • 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • We got some library and IT training. Both mediocre.

    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?

    • I think I got a good insight into how life really is at the firm.

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

    • Being there for three weeks, you definitely get a feel for the reality of it.

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

    • It was very useful to see the reality of life at this firm so that I knew if it was for me or not.

    4/5

    Everything Else

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

    • Paid £250. Less than at other firms where I did experience.

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

    • Only trainees. You obviously weren't prevented from speaking to people but the only opportunities that were provided for on the scheme were drinks etc with trainees.

    2/5
  • 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?

    • Fine but I did not feel like there was much effort put into them. For our first event we had to take the tube to the place we were going which meant half the group got lost on the way or didn't have Oyster cards - a bit inconsiderate or unncessary when you consider how much taxis would have set the firm back. We had dinner at mig-range chain restaurants which were fine but nothing spectacular. The events at the firm were nice due to the roof gardens outside and the catering.

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

    • There are some sports teams but people don't seem to have time for very much outside work. There is a gym in the building.

    3/5
  • 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?

    • There is no doubt that this is a good firm. Whether I would want to work here is another matter. I think it is a very personal thing and I wouldn't dissuade people from going on the scheme because of my experience. Everyone has different priorities for these things.

    3/5
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Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

London

August 2013

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