TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

[S87]

Does anyone know if Reed Smith has a preference for prose vs bullet points for the work exp section?

Prose

 

[LS12]

Anyone who knows me knows I’ve been on this forum for a little time and I’ve had my fair share of disappointing outcomes. Although I’m over the moon to say I’ve secured a winter vac scheme with Simmons - it’s also worth adding that this was my first AC for a vac scheme and I know the general advice is to never expect good news bc it’s such a unique experience but this is your reminder that sometimes you can beat the odds

 

[WillF]

Anyone who knows me knows I’ve been on this forum for a little time and I’ve had my fair share of disappointing outcomes. Although I’m over the moon to say I’ve secured a winter vac scheme with Simmons - it’s also worth adding that this was my first AC for a vac scheme and I know the general advice is to never expect good news bc it’s such a unique experience but this is your reminder that sometimes you can beat the odds

Huge congratulations - well done!

 

[LS12]

Huge congratulations - well done!

Thank you xxx

 

[Bugsy Malone]

Anyone who knows me knows I’ve been on this forum for a little time and I’ve had my fair share of disappointing outcomes. Although I’m over the moon to say I’ve secured a winter vac scheme with Simmons - it’s also worth adding that this was my first AC for a vac scheme and I know the general advice is to never expect good news bc it’s such a unique experience but this is your reminder that sometimes you can beat the odds

So happy for you!! Well done!

 

[Cantab_95]

@Jessica Booker correct me if I’m wrong, but I read a post from you earlier saying something along the lines that it was a strange time to be in graduate recruitment and that applications had fallen. Is this really the case? Fewer applicants would be music to my ears

 

[James Carrabino]

Anyone who knows me knows I’ve been on this forum for a little time and I’ve had my fair share of disappointing outcomes. Although I’m over the moon to say I’ve secured a winter vac scheme with Simmons - it’s also worth adding that this was my first AC for a vac scheme and I know the general advice is to never expect good news bc it’s such a unique experience but this is your reminder that sometimes you can beat the odds

Incredible stuff, congratulations!!

 

[S87]

Anyone who knows me knows I’ve been on this forum for a little time and I’ve had my fair share of disappointing outcomes. Although I’m over the moon to say I’ve secured a winter vac scheme with Simmons - it’s also worth adding that this was my first AC for a vac scheme and I know the general advice is to never expect good news bc it’s such a unique experience but this is your reminder that sometimes you can beat the odds

Happy for you! So they are handing out WS?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Would you advise include being a quarter finalist in the commercial awareness comp on a CV/application?

Definitely - even participation is something to include.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Anyone who knows me knows I’ve been on this forum for a little time and I’ve had my fair share of disappointing outcomes. Although I’m over the moon to say I’ve secured a winter vac scheme with Simmons - it’s also worth adding that this was my first AC for a vac scheme and I know the general advice is to never expect good news bc it’s such a unique experience but this is your reminder that sometimes you can beat the odds

Amazing news - but you didn’t beat the odds though! You have worked hard to get where you are! Congratulations and hope you have a fab time with the firm.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker correct me if I’m wrong, but I read a post from you earlier saying something along the lines that it was a strange time to be in graduate recruitment and that applications had fallen. Is this really the case? Fewer applicants would be music to my ears

Firms are reporting lower application numbers generally. It isn’t just specific to law though - it’s also across other industries too.

There are a few reasons for this. People who were on 4 year courses (industrial placements/year abroads in 2020/21) generally cut their degrees short by a year in 2020, meaning there are fewer applicants coming into their final year this year.

General attitudes on campus seem to be many students are completely opting out of careers events where they are focusing on having a university experience, where they haven’t for the last 20 months. Enjoying living on campus and enjoying a proper “campus experience” seems to be many students’ preferences, especially those who haven’t really experienced it before (eg second years).

 

[Cantab_95]

Interesting, is this the first slump in a while? I imagine in previous years applications would go up with each cycle rather than down. But that does make a lot of sense!

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Definitely - even participation is something to include.

Thanks for this Jessica! Would I include this in a CV/additional information section?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Interesting, is this the first slump in a while? I imagine in previous years applications would go up with each cycle rather than down. But that does make a lot of sense!

It fluctuates from time to time - law gets less popular at certain times. Application numbers have generally gone upwards but there are years where they have dropped previously.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Thanks for this Jessica! Would I include this in a CV/additional information section?

Yes could be included in there or in a extra curriculars section.

 

[Ambs123]

Anyone who knows me knows I’ve been on this forum for a little time and I’ve had my fair share of disappointing outcomes. Although I’m over the moon to say I’ve secured a winter vac scheme with Simmons - it’s also worth adding that this was my first AC for a vac scheme and I know the general advice is to never expect good news bc it’s such a unique experience but this is your reminder that sometimes you can beat the odds

Congratulations! That's amazing to hear and has given me hope that I can secure a vac scheme this year!

 

[GOI983]

Anyone who knows me knows I’ve been on this forum for a little time and I’ve had my fair share of disappointing outcomes. Although I’m over the moon to say I’ve secured a winter vac scheme with Simmons - it’s also worth adding that this was my first AC for a vac scheme and I know the general advice is to never expect good news bc it’s such a unique experience but this is your reminder that sometimes you can beat the odds

WOW! Congrats man!

 

[ellwilsen]

I completed my BCLP test over a week ago and have my feedback, but I’ve just been sent a reminder to complete it. Has this happened to anyone else?

 

[John Travoni]

I completed my BCLP test over a week ago and have my feedback, but I’ve just been sent a reminder to complete it. Has this happened to anyone else?

It’s an error on the Vantage system. Pay no attention to it. I also received an extra WG from Hogan Lovells even though I completed it over 2 weeks ago. Also, when I clicked on either links, it confirmed that the tests had been done and that there was nothing else to do.

 

[LS12]

Amazing news - but you didn’t beat the odds though! You have worked hard to get where you are! Congratulations and hope you have a fab time with the firm.

Thank you!!