Vacation Scheme Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the work placement! The organised timetable meant we had a variety of activities organised for us during the week including working in a department, taking part in group exercises organised by BPP or the College of Law and also a few drinking sessions, including one big social.

All the people in the Corporate department were extremely friendly, provided me with really interesting work to complete and were always willing to answer my questions. I got on well with everyone from the partners to the secretaries!

My supervisor was extremely helpful. I was regularly called into his office for catch ups to make sure I was happy with my work and also to give feedback on any work I had already completed. My supervisor was also very encouraging when it came to the workshops with the College of Law and BPP, as he would always invite me into his office after to tell him how it went.

I was given a lot of work to do on the placement, however it was never too much. I never had to stay until very late and I thoroughly enjoyed all the work I was given. I was gfiven three bigger pieces of work on the first day which were to be handed in by the last day which then meant it was up to me to orghanise my time between those pieces of work and other work I was given throughout the duration of the week. This meant I was never over-burdened and also meant I always had something to do- Perfect!

When allocated work, it really was up to me to do all the research in order to complete the work. This meant I felt like I was given a lot of responsibility, especially since I was extremely keen to get it right! However, I was never put in an uncomfertable position where I felt under pressure or that a lot was resting on my work, since the supervision given by all the staff in the department meant I always had someone to check my work for me before it was used (for example, to check letters before they were posted).

Although I am yet to commence my studies again after the placement, I am sure that the things I learnt from the placement and the experiences I had will really help me. The trainiong sessions from the BPP and College of Law were especially helpful in practicing team work skills, skills in presentation and in negotiation. I am looking forward to recieving my feedback on my performances in these two tasks in order that I may seek to improve these skills in the future.

The Corporate team were all so friendly! Sat next to one of the solicitors, there was always the offer of a cuppa or chance for a quick chat in betweenm work. Generally, everyone seemed to get on well and there were lots of photographs around the office of wild Christmas parties!

We were given a timetable before we commenced the week, which was adhered to throughout. This was extremely helpful as it meant I could organise my work in the department better since I knew from the first day when I would and wouldn't be in the department.

The firm organised two workshops for us during the vacation placement, which were also assessed by their graduate recruitment team. The feedback we will be given from these will therefore be extremely helpful! Moreover, I always asked for feedback on any work i completed in the department and all members of staff were willing to give me this which was brilliant.

Having spoken to the current trainees at the firm, especially those in second year, the retention rate at Walker Morris is extremely high. Therefore, it is a brilliant firm to gain training with as there is a good chance a job will be available for you at the end.

Yes! After a hard days work in the office or after the assessments, the trainees always invited us out for a drink after work. This was a perfect opportunity to get to know the other vacation students better and also to ask the trainees any questions about work/the firm in general. Moreover, there was a social organised by the firm for the Wednesday night which included a free bar all night and free food! We went to the Elbow Rooms in Leeds and had a pool tournement amongst trainees and vacation students- it really was fun.

Since I live in Leeds, the cost of living was minimal since I had free accomodation and food all week!. However, those who did get a hotel or travel lodge said it was reasonably priced and the firm pay for the weeks placement which will definatley more than cover any accomodation costs. Socialising was cheap :)

The big night out was really good fun, we were really encouraged to have a good time and drink. Starting at 5, I left at about 11 however some people partied on until the early hours!

Drinks after work were organised most nights which provided an opportunity to wind down after work.