Winter Vac Scheme Review

by Shearman & Sterling LLP

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

4/5
  • About You
    3.8
  • The Company
    4.1
  • Everything Else
    4.1

    About You

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
  • The winter vac scheme was great. A valuable practical look into work at a commercial law firm. The tone was serious and professional, whilst everyone was friendly and welcoming and encouraging of participants to be themselves.

    4/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
  • The teams made every effort to give participants genuine work and treat them as they would a full-time employee. This is important for our professional development and their assesment process, and was really well done.

    4/5

  • 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
  • Support and independence were well-balanced. While help was available if needed, there was a healthy expectation of participants to get on with thing.

    4/5

  • 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • The soft skills demonstrated by Shearman's people are a great example of professional conduct for early career lawyers.

    4/5

    The Company

  • 5. How well structured was the insight?
  • Very good. The timing of the formal assesments was well thought-out and made sense. Just the right number of social events as well.

    5/5

  • 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
  • The participants naturally started nervously but Shearman did well to put us at ease. While it was always made clear that we were being evaluated this did not get in the way of a friendly atmosphere. One of the great aspects of the firm is it's openness and this was reflected in the vac scheme.

    4/5

  • 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • All associates I worked with took time out of their busy schedules to give feedback. It was clear that the firm understands that regardless of outcome the scheme is valuable for participants, and I never got a sense that they were purely looking for hires: they took everyone's development seriously.

    4/5

  • 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?
  • The firm tries to give an accurate presentation of the life of a trainee. Extended (but constructive) time doing general trainee work determined by department (and not assesment) needs is a good way to do this.

    4/5

  • 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
  • Very well. We were included in, for instance, the Christmas party as if we were full-time employees. We also played 5 a side with the firm team. This gave a full and authentic view of the firm's culture.

    4/5

  • 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
  • I'm set on this career and a firm like Shearman, but this re-emphasised that fact.

    4/5

    Everything Else

  • 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?
  • Yes, at several events with employees of all levels. They were responsive and frank.

    4/5

  • 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
  • Enjoyable. I felt encouraged to be myself.

    4/5

  • 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
  • 4/5

  • 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
  • Very much so. Having applied by the direct route I will certainly endorse the vac scheme method to my friends.

    5/5

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Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

London

December 2016


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