Vacation scheme student Review

by Linklaters

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

Rating

4.2/5
  • About You
    4.3
  • The Company
    4.3
  • Everything Else
    4.0

    About You

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
  • I found the vacation scheme extremely enjoyable. The work given to me was interesting and challenging - I was rarely stuck performing routine administrative tasks or proofreading. There were a number of well-planned and creative social events, and lots of opportunities to get to know people at the firm and the other vacation scheme students.

    4/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
  • I felt very valued - there was a lot of support available, with various points of contact to whom I could turn for support or advice. Training and ice-breaker sessions were provided to help us integrate ourselves into the workplace quickly.

    4/5

  • 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
  • There was lots of guidance and support on offer. There were many people to whom I could turn for help or advice, and the scheme was well-structured so that I would not find myself at a loose end. People in the various departments were generally supportive and willing to lend a hand.

    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 feel that I have a much better understanding of the commercial law environment, and have developed my transferable professional skills. The vacation scheme is an excellent way of getting a training contract with Linklaters, and stands one in good stead for applying to other firms as well.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 5. How well structured was the insight?
  • The scheme was well-structured: information sessions and talks were spread out quite evenly over the duration of my time at Linklaters, and there was a clear timetable. The only complaint is that there were a few (though not too many) sessions with HR or talks during the middle of the day, which did interrupt time in departments a little.

    4/5

  • 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
  • Extremely positive. The vacation scheme cohort got on very well, and the staff at Linklaters were very friendly. Many trainees and associates happily came over to chat to me during the working day, and I was able to approach people at all levels, including partners/heads of department.

    4/5

  • 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • There were a number of professional skills sessions which enabled us to develop our transferable skills. We were also given access to the firm's extensive knowledge and training resources.

    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?
  • Naturally the vacation scheme experience cannot fully replicate that of the trainee, but I was given various tasks similar to those undertaken by a real trainee. Spending time at the firm also gave a good sense of the culture and atmosphere, and how trainees fit into the broader picture.

    5/5

  • 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
  • A great deal: the immersion into the firm was a valuable tool in getting to know its culture, as well as the individual departments and their similarities and differences.

    5/5

  • 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
  • 5/5

    Everything Else

  • 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
  • I was paid, but after deducting the costs of accommodation and transport etcetera, I was not left with very much money; however, the point of the exercise was to further my future career and so this is not a serious criticism.


  • 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
  • Yes: much of the time was spent in departments with other employees of the firm and so I was able to mix with many at a variety of different levels. There were also several more formal opportunities to engage with employees, mostly trainees but also associates and partners, including a dinner with several partners at a Mayfair restaurant.

    3/5

  • 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
  • The opportunities to network with employees at the firm were very valuable, and I gleaned a lot of useful information from them. The social events generally were very elaborate and extremely good fun, and provided an opportunity to bond with the rest of the vacation scheme cohort.

    5/5

  • 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
  • Yes: there was a specific session organised to explore the various extracurricular opportunities at the firm, as well as a presentation on the pro bono work in which trainees can become involved.

    4/5

  • 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
  • I would absolutely recommend the vacation scheme as a wonderful experience in itself and an extremely useful tool for career advancement.

    5/5

    Report this review

Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

London

August 2014


View More Reviews