Hi all, I am in the fortunate but unlucky position of having 3 summer vac scheme offers and only being able to do 2 because of the dates overlapping. Therefore, I have to ask HSF if they'd let me do the spring scheme instead of the summer one and was wondering if anyone has had any experience with HSF specifically or with law firms in general about changing schemes and whether you were allowed? I'm also not sure how to go about explaining it to them, do I tell them about my other offers etc? Thank you
@George Maxwell
Hi
@vacschemesforeveryone,
Thank you for the question! Congratulations too for getting three vacation scheme offers. I am aware that this result will reflect a lot of hard work, so really well done(!).
Before I start my answer , I want to caveat the following by saying that this really is
my opinion. This is not the sort of thing for which there is a right answer, but my thoughts below demonstrate how
I would deal with this. Unfortunately I cannot guarantee that this will yield a positive outcome etc.
That being said, I will answer your question in two parts.
First I will speak about deferring vacation schemes.
Second I will touch on HSF.
1. My advice would be to be as open and honest as possible with the firm. In my experience, honesty is
always appreciated. In addition, it avoids the possibility of the firm finding out later. It also prevents uneasiness (for you) in knowing what you can/should say (given what you think you have told them) to the firm in the future about your experiences or movements.
If it were me, I would send the Graduate Recruitment team an email. I would include the details of each of my vacation schemes. I would be open and explain that I found myself in the fortunate position that I had been offered three vacation scheme places and would like to discuss options with them.
I would then detail the various reasons why I wanted to complete three vacation schemes/the firm to transfer me to another scheme. I would emphasise that this does
not mean that I value HSF/the offer from them any less, but that it is the only way in which I could feasibly complete all three schemes (bear in mind, I would only say this if this really were the case!).
Legitimate reasons, in my opinion would include: making an informed decision, money, networking opportunities and professional development opportunities resulting from the schemes. I would really encourage you to remove/add your own reasons to these in accordance with your own thoughts.
I would also offer to speak on the phone about my predicament to fully explain my reasons too.
I do not think that a firm will not withdraw your offer for
asking. HSF may just say no. However, at least this way you have not been dishonest (you have shown integrity) and you have done all you can to explore all the available options. By doing this you are not being rude (the firm is a commercial entity and Graduate Recruitment will not be personally offended you asked), but in many ways mature and considered.
2. HSF are a fantastic firm. I felt like I genuinely fit in during my vacation scheme.
The Graduate Recruitment team, along with the rest of the firm are, in my experience, understanding people who would appreciate honesty (and the maturity that being honest often requires!).
If you would like to know anything further about the firm, please do tag me! 💪
