Vacation Scheme 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

4.4/5
  • About You
    4.1
  • The Company
    4.4
  • Everything Else
    4.6

    About You

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
  • The winter vacation scheme is very intense in the best possible way. Although exhausted when it's over there is a great pride in what you have achieved and what you have overcome. The social events are great and the client pitch exercise is a great way to really get to know some of the other vacation scheme students.

    5/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
  • Graduate recruitment make a big effort to learn your names and talk to you individually. My trainer was very attentive and at no point did I ever feel that I was in anybody's way or a hindrance.

    4/5

  • 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
  • There is as much guidance as you want; some need more than others. My trainer was very laid-back which made it very easy to ask for help if I needed it.

    4/5

  • 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • With regards to the skills- organisation is a key one which the scheme helps you develop. You have to juggle so many things at one point- this is going to be hugely beneficial at university. Moreover given that much of the time is spent talking to people- whether that be your trainer, partners or other students- your communication skills really develop. As does your confidence!

    4/5

    The Company

  • 5. How well structured was the insight?
  • Extremely well- grad recruitment do an unbelievable job with this. The structure is ideal.

    5/5

  • 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
  • This is probably the best aspect of the firm. Every single person I met, from senior partners, to HR and support staff were nothing but welcoming. The atmosphere and culture really are great assets to the firm.

    5/5

  • 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • We received help with applications, as well as regular feedback on pieces of work. The firm did their best to show us the range of things on offer at the firm- and there were many opportunities to see even the most senior of people.

    5/5

  • 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?
  • It was a fantastic indicator of working here- people are very honest and you do get a real opportunity to immerse yourself, as much as you want to, in the work and the firm.

    4/5

  • 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
  • The collegiate culture is evident throughout the firm and this experience just served to highlight this.

    5/5

  • 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
  • You do real work, perhaps not far off that which a trainee might do. In this sense you were essentially doing the job and thus could decide whether it was right for you.

    5/5

    Everything Else

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


  • 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
  • Yes- many opportunities- and you could do as much or as little of this as you wanted. Really the whole scheme was ideal for meeting people.

    5/5

  • 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
  • Social events were great- great ways to meet other people in a more relaxed setting. The meal at the gherkin and the night out afterwards were a highlight for me.

    5/5

  • 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
  • Yes we had talks on pro bono work as well as all aspects of training at A&O.

    5/5

  • 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
  • Not only would I recommend this insight, but I would recommend getting any experience with A&O that you can- whether that be at Open days, vacation schemes or even law fairs.

    5/5

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Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

London

December 2014


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