Vacation Scheme Review

I found the three weeks extremely busy, but extremely enjoyable. There was always something to do or an event to attend. All of the events were well organised and well planned, and details of all events were provided well in advance. We did a whole host of activities and it was clear that the graduate recruitment team had invested a lot of effort into making sure that it was an enjoyable three weeks.

The entire firm was extremely welcoming. I was quickly welcomed by my department, by lawyers at all levels including partners as well as general staff members such as secretaries and those in the business development team. Everyone was extremely inviting and keen to ask how I was doing.

We had two full days of induction at the start of the vacation scheme so we went into our departments fairly well prepared. If ever there was something I didn't understand I felt as though there was always someone I could approach, whether it be my buddy or my supervisor, someone in the department or the graduate recruitment team. I never felt like I'd been left alone.

I had already completed my studies by the time I took part in the vacation scheme, however I did learn valuable professional skills, and learnt a lot about working in a legal environment.

Everything was well thought out and planned in advance. We had information on events well ahead of schedule with useful calendar invites and email reminders. There was never a moment where I felt like I didn't know what was going in.

Amazing. Everyone at the firm was so positive and full of life. Even during busy periods, there was never any sign of people becoming overwhelmed or stressed. There was a consistently good atmosphere.

The firm encouraged us to make the most out of our three weeks and that was most definitely good for building my personal confidence. That gave me the courage to go out and seek work from different people in my department and even in different departments.

The three weeks at the firm appeared to be a mirror image of what it would be like to be a trainee at the firm. The firm were honest and open about their systems and processes and this was great as it meant there would be no shock surprises if I came back.

The firms culture was apparent from the very first day of the scheme, it meant I knew I was a fit for the firm from day one.

I was paid for each of the three weeks that I spent at the firm.

There was an event arranged for the vacation scheme students almost every night and these would be attended by loads of different members of staff around the firm. We were invited to the firm summer party which was open to everyone and was an excellent networking opportunity, I met future trainees, current trainees, partners, associates etc. There was also a partner dinner which was an excellent evening to meet partners in different departments. I even felt comfortable enough around the firm to meet and speak to other employees when visiting different departments, in the canteen etc.

Amazing! There was a partner dinner, a firm summer party, karaoke, bowling, charity World Cup football matches, networking events with interns from different companies, all just to list a few!

Yes, the firm has a volunteering committee and during my vacation scheme I was able to attend an event held at the firm. It involved spending the afternoon with children from a London school looking at different career paths and creating a presentation on a particular career path. This was definitely a highlight of the three weeks for me.

Definitely, be prepared for some long days and busy schedules. You may be exhausted by the end of the three weeks but you will definitely enjoy it.