Vacation Schemer Review

by Simmons & Simmons LLP

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

Rating

4.6/5
  • About You
    4.5
  • The Company
    4.7
  • Everything Else
    4.6

    About You

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
  • I thoroughly enjoyed the vacation scheme at Simmons & Simmons - everyone was very friendly, I was given interesting work to do, and the various social events ensured that we all got to know everyone very well.

    5/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
  • It was made clear to us at the beginning of the scheme that the firm likes to recruit as many vac schemers as possible. A lot of time and effort went into introducing us to our departments and ensuring that we had tasks to do. Spending a week and a half in each department (as opposed to one week as is the case in some other firms) meant that we got to know people in that department much better.

    4/5

  • 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
  • My supervisors always took the time to explain things in detail whenever I was set a task, so I never felt as though I was given little or no guidance. The graduate recruitment team also made it clear that if we had any questions of a general nature, we were always welcome to make an appointment to talk to them. Various meetings with my trainee buddies and supervisors also gave me an opportunity to ask any questions or ask for advice - overall, the scheme was very well organised and it was clear that support was always available if we needed it.

    5/5

  • 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • The scheme was invaluable in showing me what day to day life was like in a City law firm - for me it confirmed that I did want to work in the City. I was also set challenging and quite diverse tasks, which definitely improved my time management skills!

    5/5

    The Company

  • 5. How well structured was the insight?
  • The scheme was very well organised and structured, with various social/team building events scheduled over the three weeks to make sure that everyone got to know each other well.

    5/5

  • 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
  • Everyone was busy and worked hard, but the atmosphere in the office was friendly and welcoming, and people were never too busy to ask how I was getting on.

    5/5

  • 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • I got the impression that the tasks I was given were aimed at improving my skill set and challenging me. I was also given detailed feedback after each task, which was really useful.

    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?
  • I was given a thorough insight into what day to day life was like as a trainee at the firm. I also attended meetings with more senior members of staff, which was useful in terms of understanding what associates and partners are required to do.

    5/5

  • 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
  • We were given talks on the company's strategy, and attending departmental meetings also gave an insight into the culture of the firm.

    4/5

  • 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
  • For me, the vacation scheme confirmed that I wanted to pursue a career in a City law firm.

    5/5

    Everything Else

  • 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
  • I was paid.


  • 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
  • There was various social events and meetings scheduled throughout the three weeks. Trainees, associates and partners all attended which gave us the opportunity to ask different questions and gain a broader sense of what it was like to work at the firm.

    5/5

  • 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
  • There were some fantastic events scheduled - we took part in a pub quiz, went bowling, went speed boating down the Thames and had a champagne reception on the London Eye!

    5/5

  • 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
  • I took the opportunity to go to Battersea Legal Advice Centre to see how pro bono advice worked. However, it would have been useful to have a talk on any sports societies etc. which employees can get involved in.

    4/5

  • 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
  • Absolutely. It was a very well organised scheme and was extremely beneficial - we worked hard, but had a lot of fun too!

    5/5

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Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

London

September 2014


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