Linklaters, the culture and the work through various seminars and workshops throughout the vacation scheme. The best advice I can give to students is to always ask questions when visiting a firm; everybody is really friendly and wants you to make the most of your time here. It’s a two-way process, which people can sometimes forget.” The experience has also stood Adam in good stead when bringing through subsequent generations of vac schemers: “I was a trainee buddy during a subsequent summer vacation scheme and was really impressed by the quality of the work the students were able to produce. I managed to get involved in some of the scheme’s social events, which provided an informal environment for students to network with lawyers from across the firm while also showcasing some of the fun opportunities that sometimes come our way.” Another former vac schemer, now an associate at a City firm, gave this advice: “Get stuck into the work; I was certainly made to feel that I could ask any questions. Also, get to know the people, from your fellow schemers to the graduate recruitment team to the associates and partners. Go to as many of the social events as you can. You are trying to work out whether that firm is right for you, so make the most of your time there. The placement is a two-way process, for them to impress you as well as you to impress them. I found it a very beneficial experience.” He also points out that it takes you one step closer to a training contract, as most firms will guarantee you an interview if you attend their work placement scheme. Mini-pupillage: case study One barrister-to-be says of his mini-pupillage experiences: “Mini-pupillages were an invaluable part of the pupillage application process. By doing them, I was able to get a proper feel for the work that a chambers did
and the set’s atmosphere. Mini-pupillages (though they are often unassessed) also give chambers the opportunity to have a look at you and see whether you could be a good candidate for pupillage. I would strongly advise anyone applying for pupillage to do several mini-pupillages – particularly at the sets they might end up applying to. My favourite mini-pupillage was at the set where I ultimately ended up doing pupillage and getting tenancy.” Alternative experience Those of you who aren’t lucky enough to get a place on one of the formalised programmes must be resourceful. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t get a place, but you will have to take the initiative and create opportunities for yourself. Lucie Rees, graduate manager at Watson Farley & Williams, says: “All experience is relevant and shapes you into the person you are. Firms are looking for well- rounded candidates and experience in a variety of areas will help with this. All the work experience you have will build your knowledge and transferable skills – it’s how you then choose to make it work for you on your application form that counts.” Puneet Tahim, senior graduate recruitment and development coordinator at Latham & Watkins, agrees: “Non-legal work experience can be incredibly valuable to students in terms of developing their wider skill sets. Where they can sometimes let themselves down is not really thinking about using it in their application forms to sell themselves. Rather, they need to take the time to explain what they were doing, the skills they developed and how these will be useful to them in a career in law.” Andy Creer, barrister at Hardwicke Chambers, adds: “We recognise that people have different opportunities according to their
57
Sign up to
WORK EXPERIENCE
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online