How to get the most out of a Vacation Scheme
Want to know how to get the most out of your vacation scheme? Check out our top tips.
Vacation Schemes (also known as ’Vac Schemes’) are used by many law firms as an integral part of the recruitment process for a training contract. They are also a fantastic way for aspiring solicitors to gain invaluable experience of the legal profession while boosting their CV. Most schemes last between one and two weeks and will give you plenty of opportunities to enhance your legal knowledge and develop the core skills you need to be successful at the start of your career.
If you secure a Vac Scheme, take confidence
Whether or not your Vac Scheme leads to a training contract offer, securing one will mean that you have already stood out from the crowd in an intense competitive process. Take that as a vote of confidence in who you are, what you’ve achieved to date and use your time at the firm to prove that the graduate recruitment team got it right when considering your application.
Let’s explore 5 ways in which you can get the most out of this opportunity.
Do your research
Who are the partners, associates, and junior lawyers that you will be working with in the department(s) you will be assigned to? Research their LinkedIn content and the firm’s company bios, as well as researching their major clients and any recent reported cases and deals they have been involved with. Undertaking your research thoroughly, will give you opportunities to show the depth of your preparation and commitment to the firm during the Vac Scheme, which can only enhance your employment prospects with the firm
Ask good questions
Whether this is your first Vac Scheme or your fifth – it’s crucial to seize the opportunity, ask good questions (e.g., where the answer can’t be found on the firm’s website) and constantly observe what’s happening around you. The skills and knowledge which you will gain through experience in practice is invaluable and will help you stand out in any other applications you may make for training contracts or qualifying work experience.
Go in with the right attitude
Creating a good impression is key and showing your enthusiasm and willingness to learn and work hard is guaranteed to show you have a great attitude. Not only will this help you get the most out of your Vac Scheme, it’s sure to create a lasting impression on those that you are working with.
Ask yourself whether you enjoyed the experience
Vac Schemes will provide you with a real-world taste of what it’s like to work in the legal profession. While you’re learning, working, and building your skills, ask yourself if you’re enjoying what you’re doing. If you are, it’s likely that you’ve chosen the right path and possibly the right firm for you if the feeling is mutual! But if the Vac Scheme does not fulfil your expectations, don’t rush to judge whether or not you wish to be a solicitor from that one experience. Try to secure another Vac Scheme or two at a range of firms who focus on different practice areas and then review your options.
Keep a written record of your Vac Scheme experience
Keeping a log of what you’ve done, legal knowledge you have acquired and key advice you have received is essential. Not only will this help with future applications and interviews, over time, you simply won’t recall all of the detail unless you log it as you go along. For example, you may need a more in-depth account of your Vac Scheme experience when, perhaps, you apply for a role at the same firm after you have trained and qualified somewhere else.
