Summer Scheme Student Review

I had a fantastic time during my two week summer scheme at RPC.

All employees of the firm, whether they were partners or trainees, took time to listen to and consider our ideas and thoughts. I was able to make attendance notes during a conference call for a partner and conduct research for senior associated. I was made to feel welcomed and my contributions were noticeably appreciated and valued by all employees.

We were assigned a set of a supervisors and trainees in each seat who gave us guidance and support throughout. Beyond this, there was plenty of opportunity to receive work from other members of the team who also made every effort to offer support. There was also a feedback session at the end of the two weeks.

Throughout the two weeks I developed my research and communication skills, and learnt to access new software and legal databases that I am now benefiting from in the final year of my degree.

We were assigned to two different departments and spent one week in each. The vacation scheme was very well structured with the focus on integrating into the departments, yet with allocated time to learn about RPC's business, strategy and key values. There was also presentations and other opportunities to learn about the departments we were not sitting in. Alongside working in the departments, we were set to work on a business project where we learnt more about the company and developed teamwork and presentation skills.

The general atmosphere was very welcoming and friendly. RPC's offices are very modern and nice, and the open plan environment really lends itself to a collaborative and creative environment.

The business task was the main form of personal training and development. It was organised and structured in the way that a personal training and development exercise would be if you were a trainee solicitor. After completion of the project, there was opportunity to reflect on the experience and the strengths and weaknesses exhibited by the team and individuals.

I felt as though I was fully immersed into both departments and got a real understanding of the work undertaken by the firm.

The company's creative, innovative and collegiate culture was clear right from the outset. The firm really values its employees and the environment within which they work. A healthy and creative culture is fostered from the work environment itself to the social aspects of the firm. Employees are split into three houses and take part in inter-house sports, music and social events.

Extremely valuable.

I was paid £275 per week and also received money for lunch.

There were plenty of opportunities for networking and meeting the other employees. This ranged from informative presentations from each department within the firm, to networking lunches with trainees, associates and partners, to a speed-networking event where you had five minutes to talk to various different people from various different departments.

There were plenty of social events throughout the week, including a table tennis competition at the bar 'Bounce', friday night drinks with the other vacation scheme students, and a curry night with the trainees.

Sports teams, socials, pro bono, charity events.