does anyone have any advice for coping with not getting a tc after a vac scheme? it was my first vac scheme and i'm really struggling with it. i haven't had any feedback yet so not sure where i went wrong/what i could've done better, and in all honesty i thought the scheme had gone really well and i really loved the firm. i start my next vac scheme on monday which is feeling really daunting right now. it's really knocked my confidence so wondered if anyone's got any tips for feeling more positive about my next one?
I'm sorry to hear that you've been struggling with this. Rejections can be extremely painful and challenging, especially for one's confidence and self-belief. Acknowledging this is the first crucial step in moving on, at least in my experience. Allow yourself to feel sad and disappointed and try taking a short break from thinking about applications or your future while you process your thoughts about this experience. These things really helped every time I faced a rejection, apart from taking time to focus on my interests and pursuits outside of being a commercial lawyer. Maybe consider doing something over the weekend that you really enjoy- a sport, a hobby? I also ensured that I kept my inner circle, especially my family and close friends, in the loop about what I was feeling and the the things I was struggling with. My greatest learning from dealing with rejections was that it is only when you ask for support that you can receive it, so you're doing incredibly well by posting here.
As for your next vac scheme, I'd recommend being extra kind to yourself in the first few days, while trying to give it your best. This is a new scheme, with new people and a new firm, and importantly, you've already been through one scheme so you're better prepared and armed with more knowledge so try not to talk yourself into believing that you're not fit for a TC. I've said this many times here on the forum but treating your rejections as redirections is a great way of dealing with them, and maybe you needed to have the experience you've just gone through to make the best of your scheme starting Monday.
Wishing you the very best for your vac scheme- please do keep us in the loop about how it progresses and if you're feeling better going into it. You've got this! 💪