First off, congratulations on your VS offer! You should be very proud of yourself as it’s a great achievementHello everyone! I’m a long-term lurker here and have made a profile for my first post as I’m having a bit of a dilemma.
I want to preface this by saying I know how privileged I am to be in this position and can’t believe it’s going through my head, but I received a VS offer and I feel kinda… flat?
This is my third cycle and I’ve worked really, really hard throughout the past few months and, like everyone else on here, getting a TC was my main goal. However, the firm I applied to, while I like, was nowhere near the top of my list. I got PFOs from most of my preferred firms, including my dream firm at the AC stage, and now having this offer almost feels like a consolation prize? I know how absurd that seems and a lack of self-awareness given it’s a very good City firm, but I suppose my aspirations are high. The practice areas aren’t exactly my main interest either (I know City firms have a wide variety, but in terms of its specialisms).
Given this is my third cycle, I know I would be downright stupid to reject the offer, and I will do the VS. However, if I convert it to a TC, would it be senseless to turn it down and try again for a “better” firm next year? I suppose there’s zero guarantees and it could leave me waiting 2 or 3 more cycles though and when I’ve worked for 3 years to get to this point, it wouldn’t make sense.
It’s probably just a mixture of emotions, which is strange when I thought obtaining a VS would be my highlight of the year. If anyone has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated (tagging @Jessica Booker and @axelbeugre as know you give great advice on here!)
In no way should you feel bad; I think the way you feel right now is understandable if you had your heart set on a particular firm and the “consolation prize” part makes sense.
If I’m honest, I think if this does turn out to be your only VS this cycle and you do (hopefully) convert it into a TC, it would likely be a mistake not to take it. TCs are very hard to come by (as I’m sure you’ve experienced!) and to be in the position to have one is something I feel you should take with both hands. Even if the practice areas or firm’s specialisms don’t entirely align with your original goals, you may end up surprised during your seats at what you enjoy. In any event, if it’s a full service firm, you’ll still likely gain exposure to your standard corporate, finance, employment, real estate etc seats, even if the firm isn’t a Legal 500 Band 1 for them.
Moreover, you’re not tied to that firm forever. A TC only lasts 2 years and once you’re qualified, you can move laterally to another firm and plenty people will do that.
I’d advise you take the offer if successful; I imagine it’ll turn out to be an excellent decision and you’ll thrive. Best of luck!
