2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[konanslan]

Just want to say (before it closes) that this thread has been such a support for me, both emotionally and in terms of application knowledge. So glad to have received a summer vac scheme offer from White & Case and I couldn't have done it without you guys. Thanks everyone and Jessica for answering my many questions!

 

[C]

anyone heard back from Lewis Silkin yet?

 

[RoughWood]

anyone heard back from Lewis Silkin yet?

Nothing here, they said we should have a response by the 28th

 

[Celestie]

The forum isn't closing - just the thread! I'd encourage everyone to use the general discussion thread going forward!

Amended - vv sleep deprived ahahha

 

[KS94]

I have finally been offered a vacation scheme by a firm I'm really keen on!

However, due to difficulties with annual leave, I may be unable to undertake the scheme (it is 2 weeks plus a separate 1 day event as the final stage).

GR said they completely understand and they said I should apply for a direct TC - but I should apply all over again despite the process being the same?

Has anyone experienced something similar? I just find it strange they want me to even redo the VI because surely if I was offered a vac scheme I'm at least able to skip that part?

 

[Jessica Booker]

I have finally been offered a vacation scheme by a firm I'm really keen on!

However, due to difficulties with annual leave, I may be unable to undertake the scheme (it is 2 weeks plus a separate 1 day event as the final stage).

GR said they completely understand and they said I should apply for a direct TC - but I should apply all over again despite the process being the same?

Has anyone experienced something similar? I just find it strange they want me to even redo the VI because surely if I was offered a vac scheme I'm at least able to skip that part?

It is quite common for firms to ask people to reapply if ultimately you are turning down a vacation scheme.

Some to just convert your application over, but given it's often the case that firmware looking for slightly different things in a TC application, they can just think it's better/fairer for you to reapply and for them to pick up your application from there.

It could be the case that the video interview questions are different for the VS and the TC and that they want to benchmark you against the TC applicant pool rather than against the VS applicant pool.

 

[cmaj]

SOOO SAD to see this thread closing! Lots of memories and memes in here <3 Thanks all for all your support - to concur with the others, I wouldn't be in the position I'm in now without this forum/thread. Now my actual question is... are any vac schemes actually going ahead in person this year?

 

[BorgP95]

Just found out that I managed to convert my VS last week into a TC!!

Absolutely over the moon, can't wait to get started and just wanted to say thanks to everyone on this thread. The amount of helpful advice has been incredible and it was definitely a comfort to be able to come here and 'be around' other people going through the same process!

Good luck to everyone moving forward, it has been a pleasure

 

[Lumree]

It is quite common for firms to ask people to reapply if ultimately you are turning down a vacation scheme.

Some to just convert your application over, but given it's often the case that firmware looking for slightly different things in a TC application, they can just think it's better/fairer for you to reapply and for them to pick up your application from there.

It could be the case that the video interview questions are different for the VS and the TC and that they want to benchmark you against the TC applicant pool rather than against the VS applicant pool.

Hi Jessica, would you mind elaborating a bit on what different things firms might be looking for on a TC application as opposed to a VS?

 

[E1998]

For an interview does anyone have any advice on being asked to prepare a presentation on something I am passionate about? I must apologise, as this isn't for a vac scheme but for a commercial / business internship for a large well known company. I was thinking of basing it around weightlifting / the mental health benefits of exercise as that is like my main hobby haha. But does it need to really be a commercial topic or something more like campaigny? Sorry if this doesn't make any sense I am just rather sleep deprived...

 

[Taylah]

After nearly 4 years, I am so happy to say I have managed to secure a TC 😭

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jessica, would you mind elaborating a bit on what different things firms might be looking for on a TC application as opposed to a VS?

They can take a bit of a gamble with vac scheme applicants. They can aim off on minor things that may usually worry them, particularly in terms of career motivation.

With TC applicants you are typically having to be a bit more certain the applicant is going to meet the criteria you are looking for.

 

[RoughWood]

so motivating seeing all of the TC conversions recently, Well done guys!

 

[Matt_96]

Hiya, yes it is I thought the same thing but that's just the third party platform that Dechert use!

Oh amazing! Very surprised. Didn't think they were still assessing people this late into spring! What are the questions like, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[GK8997]

Oh amazing! Very surprised. Didn't think they were still assessing people this late into spring! What are the questions like, if you don't mind me asking?

Questions were pretty typical competency, motivational and commercial questions- nothing too out there!

 

[Matt_96]

Questions were pretty typical competency, motivational and commercial questions- nothing too out there!

Thanks so much!

 

[Jacob Miller]

For an interview does anyone have any advice on being asked to prepare a presentation on something I am passionate about? I must apologise, as this isn't for a vac scheme but for a commercial / business internship for a large well known company. I was thinking of basing it around weightlifting / the mental health benefits of exercise as that is like my main hobby haha. But does it need to really be a commercial topic or something more like campaigny? Sorry if this doesn't make any sense I am just rather sleep deprived...

I think these things should generally be taken at face value: present it about something you're genuinely passionate about, don't try and fake your interest for the sake of the presentation as it will just seem contrived.

These presentations are much less about your substantive topic and much more about your ability to make a presentation, justify your position on something you say is interesting/ important, etc.

 

[jd3447]

Just been invited to SH first interview for summer scheme (got WG invite two days ago)- anyone got any advice/ would love to know what sort of interview it is!

 

[Jaysen]

The thread will still exist and the posts will still be there for people to see.... It is just that you won't be able to add further posts to it.

We will start a new vacation scheme thread when applications open in the late summer/early autumn.

Just to clarify this - as @Jessica Booker said, all I'm doing is locking this particular thread to new posts and moving the discussion into a new thread. Nothing is really changing, and you'll be able to read all of these posts!

Well done to all the recent TC offer holders, this is excellent to see

 

[E1998]

I think these things should generally be taken at face value: present it about something you're genuinely passionate about, don't try and fake your interest for the sake of the presentation as it will just seem contrived.

These presentations are much less about your substantive topic and much more about your ability to make a presentation, justify your position on something you say is interesting/ important, etc.

Thank you very much!