Rejection from open day - finding motivation

Lawgrad

Active Member
Jan 3, 2021
11
10
Not usually one to post but am hoping by starting this thread I can gain a little reassurance in myself and anyone else who may be in a similar situation!

I recently applied for the HSF innovation open day and got a rejection through today. All rejections knock confidence but this one has scared me a bit more. If I can’t get accepted onto an open day, how am I meant to secure a VC?

I think I’d just like to hear a few success stories from people with similar situations just to give me that motivation to continue applying!
 

Kubed

Legendary Member
Future Trainee
Forum Winner
Junior Lawyer 49
  • Nov 25, 2020
    271
    798
    Bit of an anecdotal story so not sure if it's common or will help but last year I applied to an open day for a firm I really liked. I was unfortunately rejected but still sent in a vac scheme application. Much to my surprise, I went through the process and was offered a place on the vac scheme followed by a TC offer. I'm not sure if the criteria for each were different or if they just ran out of places at the open day but my message is - don't let it dishearten you too much!
     

    Jaysen

    Founder, TCLA
    Staff member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    M&A Bootcamp
  • Feb 17, 2018
    4,719
    8,627
    Not usually one to post but am hoping by starting this thread I can gain a little reassurance in myself and anyone else who may be in a similar situation!

    I recently applied for the HSF innovation open day and got a rejection through today. All rejections knock confidence but this one has scared me a bit more. If I can’t get accepted onto an open day, how am I meant to secure a VC?

    I think I’d just like to hear a few success stories from people with similar situations just to give me that motivation to continue applying!

    I agree with @Kubed here. Open days are extremely competitive. It's certainly not a given that you will be accepted and the reasons could range from the time in which you applied to the number of places available.

    I would encourage you to reflect on your application, but I promise you it's not a reflection on your future success in this profession. @Alice G had a great post on this: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ith-rejections-at-the-application-stage.1736/.
     

    Lawgrad

    Active Member
    Jan 3, 2021
    11
    10
    Bit of an anecdotal story so not sure if it's common or will help but last year I applied to an open day for a firm I really liked. I was unfortunately rejected but still sent in a vac scheme application. Much to my surprise, I went through the process and was offered a place on the vac scheme followed by a TC offer. I'm not sure if the criteria for each were different or if they just ran out of places at the open day but my message is - don't let it dishearten you too much!
    Thank you @Kubed, an anecdotal story is actually what I wanted to see! It’s comforting to know others have been through similar instances and still found what they wanted at the end!! Congrats on your TC offer :)
     
    • 🤝
    Reactions: Kubed

    Lawgrad

    Active Member
    Jan 3, 2021
    11
    10
    I agree with @Kubed here. Open days are extremely competitive. It's certainly not a given that you will be accepted and the reasons could range from the time in which you applied to the number of places available.

    I would encourage you to reflect on your application, but I promise you it's not a reflection on your future success in this profession. @Alice G had a great post on this: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ith-rejections-at-the-application-stage.1736/.
    Thank you @Jaysen, the link you attached was really helpful, I’m definitely going to take on that advice!! I appreciate everything you’ve said and have definitely found some more motivation from both of you. Sometimes you just need some reassurance all will be fine when having a moment of despair!
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Jaysen

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    14,512
    20,201
    Not usually one to post but am hoping by starting this thread I can gain a little reassurance in myself and anyone else who may be in a similar situation!

    I recently applied for the HSF innovation open day and got a rejection through today. All rejections knock confidence but this one has scared me a bit more. If I can’t get accepted onto an open day, how am I meant to secure a VC?

    I think I’d just like to hear a few success stories from people with similar situations just to give me that motivation to continue applying!
    Firms can often be looking for different or specific things from open day applicants. Open days can also sometimes be more competitive than vacation schemes. I wouldn’t take this one decision as a predictor of what will happen in the future.
     

    Jaysen

    Founder, TCLA
    Staff member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    M&A Bootcamp
  • Feb 17, 2018
    4,719
    8,627
    Thank you @Jaysen, the link you attached was really helpful, I’m definitely going to take on that advice!! I appreciate everything you’ve said and have definitely found some more motivation from both of you. Sometimes you just need some reassurance all will be fine when having a moment of despair!
    Exactly, wishing you the best of luck :)
     

    George Maxwell

    Administrator
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Junior Lawyer 50
    Oct 25, 2021
    551
    1,085
    Not usually one to post but am hoping by starting this thread I can gain a little reassurance in myself and anyone else who may be in a similar situation!

    I recently applied for the HSF innovation open day and got a rejection through today. All rejections knock confidence but this one has scared me a bit more. If I can’t get accepted onto an open day, how am I meant to secure a VC?

    I think I’d just like to hear a few success stories from people with similar situations just to give me that motivation to continue applying!
    Hi @Lawgrad,

    I know that your query has been largely answered by @Jaysen and @Jessica Booker . However, I just wanted to reaffirm what they said in their replies. As someone who did end up getting a vacation scheme offer, I can certainly say that I was also rejected from some Open Days(!). It certainly is not a ringing indictment of your strength as a candidate (at all). Although I know it must be disappointing, try to remember that there is a lot of luck in getting past the initial application stage.

    Very happy to discuss any further worries or concerns you might have as always :).
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Jessica Booker

    About Us

    The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

    Newsletter

    Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.