Vacation Scheme Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent at Ashurst. I felt the vacation scheme gave a very real and genuine insight into what life at Ashurst as a trainee would be like, and cemented my ambition of trying to secure a Training Contract there. Everyone was extremely welcoming, and the socials were very enjoyable, as I got to experience fun things such as bowling at the All Star Lanes and going up the Shard. The work was stimulating and enjoyable, and I felt as though I was contributing and helping the clients with the work I was doing. I also particularly enjoyed the 'Ashopoly' task. It provided a wonderful opportunity to see more of London, as well as learn more about the deals Ashurst has been involved in.

Having done vacation schemes at other firms, I can honestly say that I felt extremely welcomed and valued during my time at Ashurst. This welcoming and friendly culture emphasised my desire to secure a Training Contract at Ashurst. Much of the work I did got sent to the client, which was a welcome surprise, as I was entrusted with genuine responsibility, and not just given meaningless tasks to 'keep me out the way.' Furthermore, having been given the opportunity to sit in on client meetings, I was given some follow up research to do to answer some of the clients questions. I felt truly valued having been given this responsibility, and felt that I was really contributing within the team.

I received a lot of guidance and support during the scheme - both to do with the work, and also regarding the training contract process. Of particular note, was the trainee buddy scheme; each vac schemer was allocated a trainee buddy who attended the same university as us (where this was possible). Each vac schemer got the chance to have lunch with their buddy, and get to know more about the firm, and life as a trainee. Not only did I think that the friendliness of the trainees added to the outstanding reputation of Ashurst, but it also helped me to relax into my work, thereby increasing my enjoyment and improving the quality of my work.

I think the skills I developed and the information I received while I was at Ashurst will greatly assist in my life beyond University, having successfully acquired a Training Contract at the firm. I feel that my vacation scheme has put me in good stead regarding the future, as I am confident I am entering a firm where I know the culture and work ethic is well suited to me. Not only this, but my knowledge regarding the corporate world was vastly increased by my time spent at Ashurst, which has consequently proved very useful in the company and commercial modules I take within my law degree.

The organisation of the vacation scheme cannot be faulted. I felt our time was split well in terms of allowing us enough time to get the work our supervisors set done, as well as learning more about life at Ashurst and the other departments we didn't get the opportunity to sit with. The socials were well spread throughout the scheme, and consisted of really fun and interesting activities.

The general atmosphere during my insight was extremely fun, interesting and enjoyable. All of the vacation schemers got on well and we were extremely well supported by the Graduate Recruitment Team, Partners, Associate Supervisors, and Trainees. We all worked hard, but also had a really good time during the socials and our time off. I immensely enjoyed the time I spent at Ashurst, and I'm looking forward to the future.

The company really invested in our personal training and development, as we received many talks from different departments across the firms, including the CSR team. There were also a lot of different talks on what life as a trainee would be like, what we can expect from the scheme etc. I felt the firm were really taking the time to help develop my future.

My vacation scheme significantly assisted in my understanding of what life would be like with a full time role at Ashurst, and cemented my ambition of wanting to work there. I felt the hardworking ethic and supportive and friendly culture created a firm which I wanted to contribute to.

The vacation scheme was extremely helpful in understanding Ashurst's culture. As the scheme was three weeks long, this was a significant amount of time spent observing and contributing to the work the firm was doing, and I felt I saw the genuine hard working, and friendly culture of Ashurst.

The content of my vacation scheme was extremely influential in deciding on my future career. Having also done vacation schemes at other firms, I became convinced that life as a City lawyer was one which I aspired to, and I became even more dedicated to gaining a Training Contract.

There were plenty of opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of Ashurst. There were many networking drinks and lunches, and we also had the opportunity to attend a dinner in the Partner's dining room with some of the Partners. The Partners seemed genuinely interested in talking to us, and I felt extremely valued that they took the time out of their evening to enlighten the firm's culture and type of work even more to us.

The networking and social opportunities were a lot of fun, and we got to do a lot of fun activities. The highlights of the social events for me were the 'Ashopoly' Game, and getting to go up the Shard.

Ashurst has an extremely strong set of extra activities that employees can get involved in. I was particularly interested in the pro bono opportunities that will be available to me, as Ashurst already work with a pro bono charity which I am involved with at University.

I would definitely recommend the vacation scheme to a friend.