2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

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WannabeSolicitor24

Legendary Member
Junior Lawyer 26
  • Apr 14, 2020
    247
    482
    I just wondered whether anyone else was in a similar position to me for the CMS Academy programme...
    I was offered a place on the Academy and I was just giving my contract a final read-through before sending it off and saw the words 'You will be invited to a virtual Open Day, due to take place on Wednesday 14 April 2021.' I assumed that this would be optional (given an invitation can usually be declined) and because it was called an open day. I am unable to make this date as I have already accepted a place on a different firm's Easter scheme. I rang grad recruitment just to double-check and they said that if I can't make the day, I must withdraw my application.
    This was a huge shock to me as they didn't mention it at any point during the recruitment cycle and by blocking out that time in Easter as well as 3 weeks over the Summer, it really requires candidates to put all their eggs in one basket with CMS. I can understand why they do this, but it seems pretty unfair to me and I am devastated that I will have to forfeit my place after being made an offer because of a single open day. If anyone else has been caught out by this, I would love to hear from you 😢😢😢
    Can you not miss that day of the Easter scheme? Seems pretty ridiculous imo
     

    Elle W

    Valued Member
    Jan 12, 2021
    102
    249
    I just wondered whether anyone else was in a similar position to me for the CMS Academy programme...
    I was offered a place on the Academy and I was just giving my contract a final read-through before sending it off and saw the words 'You will be invited to a virtual Open Day, due to take place on Wednesday 14 April 2021.' I assumed that this would be optional (given an invitation can usually be declined) and because it was called an open day. I am unable to make this date as I have already accepted a place on a different firm's Easter scheme. I rang grad recruitment just to double-check and they said that if I can't make the day, I must withdraw my application.
    This was a huge shock to me as they didn't mention it at any point during the recruitment cycle and by blocking out that time in Easter as well as 3 weeks over the Summer, it really requires candidates to put all their eggs in one basket with CMS. I can understand why they do this, but it seems pretty unfair to me and I am devastated that I will have to forfeit my place after being made an offer because of a single open day. If anyone else has been caught out by this, I would love to hear from you 😢😢😢
    How long is the virtual Open Day? Maybe if it is only a few hours you might be able to make up the hours that evening for your Easter scheme?
     

    Grace_winter9

    Well-Known Member
    Oct 21, 2020
    23
    40
    I just wondered whether anyone else was in a similar position to me for the CMS Academy programme...
    I was offered a place on the Academy and I was just giving my contract a final read-through before sending it off and saw the words 'You will be invited to a virtual Open Day, due to take place on Wednesday 14 April 2021.' I assumed that this would be optional (given an invitation can usually be declined) and because it was called an open day. I am unable to make this date as I have already accepted a place on a different firm's Easter scheme. I rang grad recruitment just to double-check and they said that if I can't make the day, I must withdraw my application.
    This was a huge shock to me as they didn't mention it at any point during the recruitment cycle and by blocking out that time in Easter as well as 3 weeks over the Summer, it really requires candidates to put all their eggs in one basket with CMS. I can understand why they do this, but it seems pretty unfair to me and I am devastated that I will have to forfeit my place after being made an offer because of a single open day. If anyone else has been caught out by this, I would love to hear from you 😢😢😢
    They're saying 10-3:30 atm
    Could you somehow juggle both as they are both virtual?
     

    Holly

    Legendary Member
    Forum Winner
    Nov 23, 2019
    327
    424
    Could you somehow juggle both as they are both virtual?

    I agree! Is CMS’ virtual open day interactive? If it’s just presentations, you could attend on a mobile device and complete your Easter vac scheme on a laptop perhaps? I know this isn’t ideal but I think this may be better than having to sacrifice your place on their vac scheme
     

    sam970

    Distinguished Member
    Feb 23, 2021
    61
    56
    Mine is fairness, focus and generosity
    but just because they are unique, doesn't mean they are positive

    the 'most unique' ones are the ones that are either above or below average so, for my generosity one, they said that I tend to focus on my own personal goals, as opposed to sharing my resources willingly, but I would say I'm the opposite? If anything, people in the past have said that I'm quite easy to walk over as I tend to want to help others out as much as I possibly can (I've tried to fix this over the years, but my biggest weakness is probably still finding it difficult to say no)

    But because, in one game, I prioritised my own money gain, I've now been painted as not generous?
    I had the same. I will withhold judgement until it becomes clear how much weight they place on these games. Genuinely can’t understand how an individual’s performance in a game can be truly reflective of their ways of working?
     
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    ally_p939

    Standard Member
    Junior Lawyer
    Mar 4, 2021
    7
    13
    I agree! Is CMS’ virtual open day interactive? If it’s just presentations, you could attend on a mobile device and complete your Easter vac scheme on a laptop perhaps? I know this isn’t ideal but I think this may be better than having to sacrifice your place on their vac scheme
    They said group work yesterday and apparently they will be putting us in the same groups that we will be working on during the actual vac scheme.

    I am defo considering the logistics of juggling both, but my main concern is messing up my chances with both by being distracted, stressed or just not physically there for something.
     
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    cryingoverTCs

    Legendary Member
  • Mar 1, 2020
    221
    511
    I had the same. I will withhold judgement until it becomes clear how much weight they place on these games. Genuinely can’t understand how an individual’s performance in a game can be truly reflective of their ways of working?
    Yeah tbh, I might be overreacting - I think I just had to do a bunch of these and was fed up 🤣 😭
     

    Lawyer101

    Distinguished Member
  • Dec 30, 2020
    57
    421
    I just wondered whether anyone else was in a similar position to me for the CMS Academy programme...
    I was offered a place on the Academy and I was just giving my contract a final read-through before sending it off and saw the words 'You will be invited to a virtual Open Day, due to take place on Wednesday 14 April 2021.' I assumed that this would be optional (given an invitation can usually be declined) and because it was called an open day. I am unable to make this date as I have already accepted a place on a different firm's Easter scheme. I rang grad recruitment just to double-check and they said that if I can't make the day, I must withdraw my application.
    This was a huge shock to me as they didn't mention it at any point during the recruitment cycle and by blocking out that time in Easter as well as 3 weeks over the Summer, it really requires candidates to put all their eggs in one basket with CMS. I can understand why they do this, but it seems pretty unfair to me and I am devastated that I will have to forfeit my place after being made an offer because of a single open day. If anyone else has been caught out by this, I would love to hear from you 😢😢😢
    In the same position as you! I'll PM you to discuss:)
     
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    Reactions: Holly

    Celestie

    Legendary Member
    Future Trainee
    2020 Community Winner
  • Nov 14, 2020
    731
    3,903
    I just wondered whether anyone else was in a similar position to me for the CMS Academy programme...
    I was offered a place on the Academy and I was just giving my contract a final read-through before sending it off and saw the words 'You will be invited to a virtual Open Day, due to take place on Wednesday 14 April 2021.' I assumed that this would be optional (given an invitation can usually be declined) and because it was called an open day. I am unable to make this date as I have already accepted a place on a different firm's Easter scheme. I rang grad recruitment just to double-check and they said that if I can't make the day, I must withdraw my application.
    This was a huge shock to me as they didn't mention it at any point during the recruitment cycle and by blocking out that time in Easter as well as 3 weeks over the Summer, it really requires candidates to put all their eggs in one basket with CMS. I can understand why they do this, but it seems pretty unfair to me and I am devastated that I will have to forfeit my place after being made an offer because of a single open day. If anyone else has been caught out by this, I would love to hear from you 😢😢😢
    Why would a firm make there be a compulsory open day in the middle of spring VS season. That seems weird to me: they are essentially backing you into a corner...
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