Willkie VI! Wow that was a speedy one. Wish they could have invited me a week later because I am so busy packing to go back to school this week. The deadline is 4 Oct, and I'll be back in school on 2 Oct. Hmm not sure if I should wait till I get back to do it or get it out of the way before my flight so I can stop thinking about it.
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Manifesting a TC: An international non-law's TC journey
- Thread starter Izzy1026
- Start date
Jones Day AC (Winter swapped to Summer)
Mischon Open Day
Dechert Written Exercise invite
All within an hour… Guess good things do come in three
Mischon Open Day
Dechert Written Exercise invite
All within an hour… Guess good things do come in three
Thank you! I’m very grateful 🙏Wow, impressive!!! A lot of good news so early into the cycle
A very quiet week so far but still feeling blessed with the opportunities from last week. Dechert written exercise was more straightforward than I imagined, but overall I cannot say that I am confident. We will wait and see!
So far here's an overview of my VS and Open Day application progress this cycle:
1. Jones Day: Submitted >> First round interview >> AC (in Feb after being switched to summer vs)
2. Willkie: Submitted >> VI
3. Dechert: Submitted >> Written exercise
4. AO Shearman: Submitted >> VI >> PFO
5. Sidley: Submitted
6. NRF: Submitted >> Test
7. Mishcon Open Day: Submitted >> Invitation
8. Weil Open Day: Submitted (I am assuming a PFO at this moment because the event is literally less than a week away)
I am quite happy with the progress so far! It is a 50% success rate from app to the next stage!
I eventually didn't submit the winter apps for HSF because the scheme dates fall within my school term. Same for Simmons, whose recruitment was very nice and swapped me to the summer scheme and extended my SJT deadline.
I am working on the Covington app now and hopefully will get it done this weekend! They were my top firm last cycle. I honestly networked so hard on LinkedIn and even had an alumni referral, only to get rejected post app last year. Although after reviewing my answers now as a (arguably) more seasoned applicant I can recognise what the problem was. This brings me to something I have been reflecting on for a while, which is people do not realise how much the process of job application pushes one to grow and adopt a more mature mindset.
This year, my strategy towards written responses is treating it as an opportunity to be reflective and becoming introspectively *aware* of what I truly want, instead of trying to impress grad rec. Doing that helped me sound more genuine in my responses and definitely more "human", which I think is important to bring across.
I am still working to improve on VIs and SJTs though, such a pain.
Alright that's it for now, thank you for coming to my ted talk. Toodles!
So far here's an overview of my VS and Open Day application progress this cycle:
1. Jones Day: Submitted >> First round interview >> AC (in Feb after being switched to summer vs)
2. Willkie: Submitted >> VI
3. Dechert: Submitted >> Written exercise
4. AO Shearman: Submitted >> VI >> PFO
5. Sidley: Submitted
6. NRF: Submitted >> Test
7. Mishcon Open Day: Submitted >> Invitation
8. Weil Open Day: Submitted (I am assuming a PFO at this moment because the event is literally less than a week away)
I am quite happy with the progress so far! It is a 50% success rate from app to the next stage!
I eventually didn't submit the winter apps for HSF because the scheme dates fall within my school term. Same for Simmons, whose recruitment was very nice and swapped me to the summer scheme and extended my SJT deadline.
I am working on the Covington app now and hopefully will get it done this weekend! They were my top firm last cycle. I honestly networked so hard on LinkedIn and even had an alumni referral, only to get rejected post app last year. Although after reviewing my answers now as a (arguably) more seasoned applicant I can recognise what the problem was. This brings me to something I have been reflecting on for a while, which is people do not realise how much the process of job application pushes one to grow and adopt a more mature mindset.
This year, my strategy towards written responses is treating it as an opportunity to be reflective and becoming introspectively *aware* of what I truly want, instead of trying to impress grad rec. Doing that helped me sound more genuine in my responses and definitely more "human", which I think is important to bring across.
I am still working to improve on VIs and SJTs though, such a pain.
Alright that's it for now, thank you for coming to my ted talk. Toodles!
8 applications and only 1 rejection is insane, congrats!!!
As for Weil, I've spoken to the graduate recruitment; they aim to let people know the week before the event. I assume they're a little behind for next week's one, as they had a few events this week.
You are writing solid applications to get the written and VI for such select firms thus far. Hoping you hear more good news tomorrow and next week
As for Weil, I've spoken to the graduate recruitment; they aim to let people know the week before the event. I assume they're a little behind for next week's one, as they had a few events this week.
You are writing solid applications to get the written and VI for such select firms thus far. Hoping you hear more good news tomorrow and next week
Weil PFO was so diplomatic and sweet... "We were very impressed by your application and very much encourage you to apply for a Vacation Scheme."
Thank you will do 😭
Thank you will do 😭
Progress update:
Received PFO from NRF winter and Willkie spring back to back. NRF was expected because SJT is my weakness and I know it!! But the rejection from Willkie actually hurts so much. I put so much effort into the VI and it is one of the firms that resonates with me in terms of values. Of course I know their intake is tiny so I will rationalise and recover.
Finally sent off my application to Covington today. Again I spent the most time writing it compared to all other firms I applied to this cycle. I made sure I was very Covington-specific in my response. Please just give a girl a chance.
Applications that I'm planning to complete this week:
- Travers Smith TC
- Mishcon Spring VS (actually fell in love with the firm following its Open Day, but it also has a VI assessment which makes me quite anxious about but we will cross that river when we come to it)
- Cooley Open Day
Praying for good news later in the week!
Received PFO from NRF winter and Willkie spring back to back. NRF was expected because SJT is my weakness and I know it!! But the rejection from Willkie actually hurts so much. I put so much effort into the VI and it is one of the firms that resonates with me in terms of values. Of course I know their intake is tiny so I will rationalise and recover.
Finally sent off my application to Covington today. Again I spent the most time writing it compared to all other firms I applied to this cycle. I made sure I was very Covington-specific in my response. Please just give a girl a chance.
Applications that I'm planning to complete this week:
- Travers Smith TC
- Mishcon Spring VS (actually fell in love with the firm following its Open Day, but it also has a VI assessment which makes me quite anxious about but we will cross that river when we come to it)
- Cooley Open Day
Praying for good news later in the week!
Omg the craziest thing just happened to me. I am just writing this down so I know I am not dreaming or making things up in my mind!!!
I was initially rejected for mini-pupillage by a set, but just now I got an email saying that they had a mix up in sending the scores and I actually ranked 6th out of 93 applicants which means I just NARROWLY missed out because they only take 4 at a time. I also narrowly missed out last year (I ranked 22nd/120+ when they took in 20 in total). So I emailed the barrister in charge of the recruitment asking if they operate any waitlist system. He replied in like 2 min asking me to call him and when I did he said he could make an exception for me because I was very very close both times and I am one of the candidates whose chance at the mini-pupillage is affected by completely random factors like how they suddenly changed the number of mini-pupils they take this year. I guess he also felt bad that they sent me the wrong scores initially lol. The TLDR is that he has offered me a mini-pupillage in December!!!!!!!! Does anyone have any idea how crazy it is for a non-law to get a mini pupillage at a top set 😭😭😭 I feel I have gotten SO LUCKY and although I only have the verbal offer now, I am over the moon. 😭😭😭 I just need to write it down so I know it's real. Dam I was so disheartened by the Willkie PFO this afternoon but now I am pumped. Will ride on this adrenaline and send one more app hopefully!!
I was initially rejected for mini-pupillage by a set, but just now I got an email saying that they had a mix up in sending the scores and I actually ranked 6th out of 93 applicants which means I just NARROWLY missed out because they only take 4 at a time. I also narrowly missed out last year (I ranked 22nd/120+ when they took in 20 in total). So I emailed the barrister in charge of the recruitment asking if they operate any waitlist system. He replied in like 2 min asking me to call him and when I did he said he could make an exception for me because I was very very close both times and I am one of the candidates whose chance at the mini-pupillage is affected by completely random factors like how they suddenly changed the number of mini-pupils they take this year. I guess he also felt bad that they sent me the wrong scores initially lol. The TLDR is that he has offered me a mini-pupillage in December!!!!!!!! Does anyone have any idea how crazy it is for a non-law to get a mini pupillage at a top set 😭😭😭 I feel I have gotten SO LUCKY and although I only have the verbal offer now, I am over the moon. 😭😭😭 I just need to write it down so I know it's real. Dam I was so disheartened by the Willkie PFO this afternoon but now I am pumped. Will ride on this adrenaline and send one more app hopefully!!
Thank you! They emailed me again this week to ask for my availability in Dec and asked me to fill a form, I hope that means it's confirmed hahaCONGRATULATIONS!! 🥳
Keep us updated with how it goes
Hello friends, I'm back for my application diary ✨
My inbox has been super quiet this week. I submitted the TC app for Travers and Open Day app for Cooley yesterday. I am quite (pleasantly) surprised that these days I am able to finish more than 1 application a day - I used to take 3-5 days to write one app last cycle. I am also loving how much flexibility my Masters timetable is giving me.
I treated myself to a rest day today and took a long walk in the park. Autumn is truly the golden season in this country, everything feels so Laufey and romantic. I also bought my favourite flavour of ice cream on my way home 🍨 Back at my desk now and working on another mini-pupillage app to submit tonight.
Hope everyone's keeping well and don't forget work life balance! Toodles!
My inbox has been super quiet this week. I submitted the TC app for Travers and Open Day app for Cooley yesterday. I am quite (pleasantly) surprised that these days I am able to finish more than 1 application a day - I used to take 3-5 days to write one app last cycle. I am also loving how much flexibility my Masters timetable is giving me.
I treated myself to a rest day today and took a long walk in the park. Autumn is truly the golden season in this country, everything feels so Laufey and romantic. I also bought my favourite flavour of ice cream on my way home 🍨 Back at my desk now and working on another mini-pupillage app to submit tonight.
Hope everyone's keeping well and don't forget work life balance! Toodles!
Week of agonising silence from all my American firm applications but just got a call from Travers Smith inviting me to interview next week! This is for the direct TC route btw. Really liked the firm when I interacted with them last year, Grateful for the small win to brighten up my weekend 😄
Also got a final round interview invite yesterday from a finance summer job that I applied to. I almost forgot that I applied to them because I did the AC a long time ago!
Two interviews next week let’s go!
Also got a final round interview invite yesterday from a finance summer job that I applied to. I almost forgot that I applied to them because I did the AC a long time ago!
Two interviews next week let’s go!
Congrats! When did you submit your application? That’s such a quick turn around considering the deadline was just a week ago.
Thank you! I submitted on 29 Oct. Yes it was fairly quick, and I didn't expect them to call me to schedule the interview. I declined it twice thinking it was a scam call 🤣
Had an absolutely crazy week, I am so burnt out from all the interviews and events but also grateful for the opportunities I had. Here's a quick recap:
The win some:
- The Travers interview was surprisingly very enjoyable and conversational.
- The finance internship interview was less technical than I expected. The HR dropped me an email afterwards saying the "preliminary feedback is positive", I hope that's a good sign?
- Received another mini-pupillage offer
- Received Dechert interview invite
The lose some:
- Sidley WVS PFO - finally
- Paul, Weiss Open Day PFO
- Kirkland Open Day PFO
I will still definitely apply to Paul Weiss and Kirkland for vac schemes. I am not too disheartened by the PFO because I applied on the deadline for both and I have a feeling that Paul Weiss is prioritising people with less legal experience for the Open Day.
The Dechert interview is this Friday - a really tight turnaround and I am so terrified lol. I will be back with more updates next week. Toodles!
The win some:
- The Travers interview was surprisingly very enjoyable and conversational.
- The finance internship interview was less technical than I expected. The HR dropped me an email afterwards saying the "preliminary feedback is positive", I hope that's a good sign?
- Received another mini-pupillage offer
- Received Dechert interview invite
The lose some:
- Sidley WVS PFO - finally
- Paul, Weiss Open Day PFO
- Kirkland Open Day PFO
I will still definitely apply to Paul Weiss and Kirkland for vac schemes. I am not too disheartened by the PFO because I applied on the deadline for both and I have a feeling that Paul Weiss is prioritising people with less legal experience for the Open Day.
The Dechert interview is this Friday - a really tight turnaround and I am so terrified lol. I will be back with more updates next week. Toodles!
Finished Dechert AC today! It went better than I thought. Everyone was so down-to-earth, the commercial case study was also very similar to a case that I've done at a negotiation competition. Overall it was very manageable and relaxed. However, I felt that I was not able to build rapport with the interviewers in the same way I did at my Jones Day and Travers interviews. Perhaps it is because Dechert does the CV-blind interview thing and I cannot really share much about my degree and more personal experiences. Anyway, what's done is done! Also to everyone waiting post-AC, the recruiting partner said we will all hear by early next week.
This kinda concludes my first half of this cycle as I have no more interviews coming up (as of now). I will send my spring VS for Milbank and Debevoise and then I'll be done.
I am also having some Big Career Dilemmas. I just got an offer from the summer finance internship that I applied to. It's a big buy-side role and the pay well surpasses Big Law. I never seriously entertained the idea of being a finance girlie but through my preparation process for the interviews etc I really grew an interest in what they do. I have accepted the internship, which will be 3 months in the summer. This means I won't get to apply for some of the summer VS and I need to be more selective about the spring ones.
I am excited by how things are going but also absolutely terrified at how fast they are going. It is like I have to make a new decision about my life every week.
Wishing everyone a lovely weekend. Thank you for being with me on this journey. I will be back with more updates soon x
This kinda concludes my first half of this cycle as I have no more interviews coming up (as of now). I will send my spring VS for Milbank and Debevoise and then I'll be done.
I am also having some Big Career Dilemmas. I just got an offer from the summer finance internship that I applied to. It's a big buy-side role and the pay well surpasses Big Law. I never seriously entertained the idea of being a finance girlie but through my preparation process for the interviews etc I really grew an interest in what they do. I have accepted the internship, which will be 3 months in the summer. This means I won't get to apply for some of the summer VS and I need to be more selective about the spring ones.
I am excited by how things are going but also absolutely terrified at how fast they are going. It is like I have to make a new decision about my life every week.
Wishing everyone a lovely weekend. Thank you for being with me on this journey. I will be back with more updates soon x
Rooting for you!!
I am hoping you receive good news and congratulations on the summer internship!! ✨🥳
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