Vacation scheme student 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

4.5/5
  • About You
    4.5
  • The Company
    4.6
  • Everything Else
    4.4

    About You

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
  • My vacation scheme at Shearman & Sterling LLP was a fantastically enjoyable experience. It combined interesting legal work with numerous social events, for example meals out. I would very much recommend an insight programme at this firm to others.

    5/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
  • I certainly felt valued. There was a maximum of 2 vacation schemers in any one department, so we managed to do a range of work for a number of people, and each and everyone appreciated it hugely.

    5/5

  • 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
  • As previously alluded to, everyone was extremely friendly and willing to help. I think the fact that there was only 10 of us benefitted the care and attention that we received. I would argue that this is a big advantage of a vacation scheme this size. From trainees and associates regarding legal work to members of the graduate recruitment team, all queries were answered in a thorough and helpful manner. Even during the assessment days, we were given relevant advice and encouragement from people at the firm.

    5/5

  • 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • I think the work received depended very much on the department one was sat in. Speaking from my own personal experience, I gained valuable insight into the working environment and managed to participate in typical trainee tasks, such as filling out company search questionnaires. Going forward it will certainly be beneficial to know how these sorts of tasks can be completed efficiently. I also received some fantastic career and industry advice from some incredibly experienced people, which I will no doubt follow in the future.

    4/5

    The Company

  • 5. How well structured was the insight?
  • The graduate recruitment team clearly put a lot into planning the vacation scheme, and their efforts paid off. Various department talks and social events were pencilled in from the start, and the rest of the time we were working for our associate supervisors or trainee mentors. The only thing to get cancelled was the talk with the managing partner of EMEA but, given the importance of his position, this is completely understandable.

    5/5

  • 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
  • The firm operates an open door policy and all the offices, including those of the partners, are glass. This creates an aura of transparency throughout the firm, and it enables everyone, including vacation schemers, to feel welcome. The overall atmosphere was obviously professional, but friendly, encouraging and sociable too.

    5/5

  • 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • They really did invest. As stated previously, when there is only 10 vacation schemers, the firm give each and every person considerable attention. They reiterated that as well as us impressing them, they had to make an effort to impress us, due to the level of competition that exists in attracting good students. In terms of social events, again they went to every effort to spoil us and ensure we received a well-rounded, enjoyable experience.

    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?
  • Working anywhere full-time is a different experience than being on a structured vacation scheme, but it definitely gave me a great insight. As stated, we completed typical trainee tasks, gained a greater understanding of the hours that people ordinarily work and spent several evenings socialising with the firm's current trainees.

    5/5

  • 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
  • Having completed this vacation scheme, I am certain that the only way to truly understand how a firm operates and its culture is to spend a couple weeks there. From the 2 departments I sat in, the atmosphere was professional and competitive as expected, but also encouraging and positive too. In 2 weeks there I did not hear one person shouted at.

    5/5

  • 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
  • I was relatively certain before doing the vacation scheme, but it has absolutely confirmed my ambition to pursue a career in corporate law. I hope that can happen at this firm - I enjoyed the work and culture immensely.

    5/5

    Everything Else

  • 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
  • We were paid well.


  • 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
  • Vacation schemes provide a great opportunity to build your network, which is something it is crucial to capitalise on. I spoke to and got to know a range of employees that I hope to remain in touch with in the future.

    5/5

  • 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
  • Great fun - the graduate recruitment team got the amount and type of social events right. They also took part and were good to be around. The social aspect is crucial to me, and I was very pleased with it at Shearman & Sterling LLP.

    5/5

  • 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
  • We did. I played football for the team in an internal friendly one week and was later invited to play against another firm in the following week. I know that other activities are organised at the firm and occur on a regular basis - they're a great chance to take your mind off work and get to know the people you work with better.

    4/5

  • 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
  • Certainly.

    5/5

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Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

London

December 2016


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