Spring Vacation Scheme Review

I really enjoyed my week spent at TW. Everybody was incredibly friendly and made me feel very welcome.

It was evident that the firm had put a lot of time into ensuring that we all had an enjoyable time at the firm.

For most of the first day we had training presentations outlining the support available to us. Everything was explained very clearly and questions were encouraged operating a "no such thing as a stupid question" policy.

I was able to work on real deals rather than exercises and so the work I did and skills I developed will go towards assisting my future progression.

The scheme was very well structured. We were given a timetable before our arrival and this was stuck to throughout the scheme. The timetable began with training sessions on the first day and networking events as well as our work throughout the week.

Everybody was incredibly friendly which created a really nice atmosphere to work in. The others on the scheme were all very sociable and the team I worked with were very helpful and ensured that I settled in okay. At no time did it feel like we were competing against one another, rather we were working as a team towards a common goal.

It was evident that the firm invested a lot of time and energy in ensuring that the scheme was beneficial to us. I was able to receive informal feedback on all work I submitted as well as a formal appraisal on the final day. We were asked to give a group presentation on the final day and we received group feedback after as well as the opportunity for individual feedback at a later date.

The firm ensured that I worked on current and real work to gain exposure to what life as a trainee is actually like. We also had several opportunities to talk to trainees (formally and informally) to hear their perspectives on working in the firm. I didn't feel like the firm sheltered us at all from what life is actually like at the firm.

Having previously attended an Open Day I felt I had a good understanding of the culture within the firm. However, I was able to gain a much more in-depth understanding of the firm during the scheme. We were encouraged to socialise with trainees and associates out of hours as well as attending a partner lunch on the final day. From this extensive exposure we were able to gain a real understanding of the company culture.

During my time at the firm I was able to meet with trainees, associates and partners in other departments to gain a more in-depth understanding of what it would be like to work in the firm. There was also a formal presentation on the Training Contract process following the scheme. We didn't feel constantly assessed and although not applicable to myself the firm made it clear that they realised not everybody was at the stage where they knew they wanted a TC and said that they would keep in touch with everybody after the scheme.

I was paid £250 for the week.

There were timetabled opportunities to network with other employees (of all levels) within the firm. However, meeting employees, for example in other departments, was strongly encouraged outside of these.

The networking events were very good. These ranged from social drinks on the first day to a partner lunch on the final day. These events did not feel forced as they have done at some other firms. The social event was also very enjoyable and was only with the people on the scheme and trainees so it was very relaxed.

Yes, I found out there are many activities employees can get involved in. Employees are encouraged to take one day a year to get involved in charity work and participation in Pro Bono clinics is also encouraged

The insight has provided invaluable exposure to what life is like working at TW, from the work undertaken to the overall culture of the firm.