Winter Vacation Scheme Student Review

I had a great time on the vacation scheme. It was a great chance to get a snapshot of what life is like at the firm. Everyone was willing to explain what they were doing and give you a candid view of the firm. Although a week is a very short period, in particular in being able to carry out any meaningful work, the fact that the week before Christmas is often a very busy week means you get a good feel of the work, pace of life in the firm and the general atmosphere. The socials were really fun (pasta making, lunches and drinks on the last day) and there was a really nice group of people on the scheme with me.

The office was very friendly and most people even up to the highest levels seemed to take an interest in you and wanted to check you were enjoying yourself. It was a very busy week so obviously that can affect how much time people have to talk but I did feel valued even if there was not always work I could help on.

We have insightful talks about the 3 main practice groups which was helpful and otherwise most of the guidance and support came from our supervisors and mentors. My supervisor and mentor were great although my mentor had a huge amount of work so I could not spend that much time with her. She however made sure to have lunch with me and was always there if I had any questions. Graduate recruitment always were available as well but the main guidance will be dependent on your supervisor.

The experience will be very helpful in the future as an insight into the life at a commercial firm. It is particularly helpful in picking between firms and I have come out with a very positive impression. The shortness of the scheme means it is difficult to do that much work but the insight and the exposure to the deals will be very helpful.

The insight was well structured however the work will always be dependent on your supervisor/mentor, as it is up to them to give you work. It is good if you can take initiative if they have nothing to give you and see if anyone else has anything you can do for them. The talks were useful in the mornings

The general atmosphere was great. Everyone was really friendly and willing to explain and that is what made the firm really stand out. Good to get a feel of the office life.

It is only a week long and so is difficult for the firm to invest much in your training but the whole week is well tailored to give you an understanding of the firm and a taste of the sort of work you would be doing.

It was a very good way to understand what it would be really like. They do not seek to lie or sugar coat what it will be like as they are clearly looking for the right match and committed people.

Was very helpful, in particular as we went out for lunch with our supervisors, mentors and I also went out for lunch with other people from the firm. They were very good at explaining what the culture of the firm is like.

It was very helpful in particular in showing me the type of firm I would want to work for.

I was paid 300 pounds for the week.

We had opportunities to meet the trainees at our socials but it was difficult when people where very busy The drinks on the last night were a good way to talk to people from different levels of the firm.

They were good and the pasta making was particularly fun. It was a good chance to speak to the trainees.

Yes, the graduate recruitment made sure that the trainees told us about these opportunities such as volunteering, socials etc

Yes I would, I had a great experience and would recommend it to anyone.