Winter Vac Scheme Review

by Allen & Overy

Best Student Employer

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
    4.3
  • The Company
    4.3
  • Everything Else
    4.9

    About You

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
  • Really enjoyed the ten days at A&O on their winter vac scheme - made me sure that law is the career I want and that A&O is where I want to work.

    4/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
  • Felt very valued, everyone was very supported and grateful for any work you helped them with. HR were particularly good as making us feel important while we were there. A&O has a very collaborative feel to it. People were in & out of each other's offices all the time asking for help.

    5/5

  • 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
  • Guidance was good, could ask the partner we were sat with for advice, and anything we felt we couldn't ask them, we could ask out buddy who was a trainee that has been partnered with us for our time at the firm. The HR girls were also really supportive and approachable.

    4/5

  • 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • Presentation skills definitely improved. Had to use team working skills the whole week. Researching in short time frame very foreign concepts was challenging but rewarding.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 5. How well structured was the insight?
  • Very well structured. From breakfast on arrival to leaving drinks. There was a schedule that was followed through the entire ten days, which was nice to be able to plan days ahead.

    5/5

  • 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
  • Nice balance between genuinely learning about the career, job roll and firm, and having a good time. The festive spirit (it was the week before Christmas) could definitely be felt around the office.

    4/5

  • 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • We had talks from the Managing Director who's time is precious, workshops from various members of staff including IT & library. I learnt alot.

    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?
  • Very much so. I was worried that being a magic circle firm it would be impersonal, but it was the opposite. It confirmed by desire to be a commercial solicitor but more important my desire to work at the firm.

    5/5

  • 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
  • I was apprehensive about the culture as it's such a big firm, but it seems to have a global reach yet local reach about it. You only really what the culture of a firm is like by spending time there.

    5/5

  • 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
  • Very helpful. I got to sit in on meeting, do research, drafting, talk over different responsibilities with them. I really got a feel for the career as a commercial lawyer.

    3/5

    Everything Else

  • 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
  • Yes!


  • 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
  • Plenty. Lunches & suppers with trainees, drinks with partners. We were encouraged to email around for a chat with different people to get a wide feel. Talks from different employees - good exposure.

    5/5

  • 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
  • Got to go ice skating, up the Gurkin, drinks, another supper, lots of lunches, a tea party, breakfasts! It was amazing!

    5/5

  • 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
  • Yes! Sports clubs etc. One intern joined the choir in their Carol Concert while were were there.

    5/5

  • 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
  • 100% yes!

    5/5

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Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Legal/Law

London

May 2015


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