Vacation Scheme Review
by Simmons & Simmons LLP
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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About You
4.3
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The Company
4.3
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Everything Else
4.3
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
- 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
- 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 5. How well structured was the insight?
- 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
- 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 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?
- 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
- 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
- 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
- 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
- 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
- 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
- 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
About You
As we were only there for a week, we had to pick things up quickly. Graduate recruitment made every effort to include a social aspect despite this - overall very enjoyable
Vac schemers were given tasks that would otherwise have been given to trainees - in other words 'real' work so we felt like we were doing something useful.
Each vac schemer is assigned a supervisor and a trainee to provide work, answer any questions and help with first introductions to everyone in the department. Everyone gave time to answer any questions and explain new legal concepts
The scheme's main advantage is providing a first-hand look at how a City law firm operates, which is invaluable when making career choices.
The Company
There was a good balance between organised activities, networking sessions and time spent in the department right from the first day
Everyone was incredibly welcoming and grad rec organised a couple of events (including a virtual golf event in Soho) to ensure that we spent some time out of the office. The atmosphere amongst vac schemers was also good - there seemed to be no element of competitiveness, but perhaps this was because we were the first vac scheme of the year's intake
Our assigned trainees and supervisors made every effort to aid our development. Some IT training could have been helpful though to prevent mishaps with the online filing system
Vac schemers took on work that is usually assigned to trainees; a great insight to what to expect on a training contract
We were assigned our own desks within the department and shared an office with a trainee, associate or partner who was already working there - this allowed us to see how various employees interact with each other and how teams are structured
I was lucky enough to be placed in my first choice of department, so I was able to confirm that it is an area of law in which I wish to specialise
Everything Else
Standard pay for a City vac scheme
We were able to meet partners at a networking brunch, associates and trainees at a 'speed networking' event, and we were introduced to everyone in our department on the first day
Two networking events and two social events in the week
I was able to spend some time on pro bono projects, and my supervisor explained about the sports opportunities
An invaluable insight into the firm
Details
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Intellectual Property Law
London
December 2013
