TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

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CHLTC

Active Member
Nov 28, 2023
14
21
So I didn’t get a single Vac Scheme again.

After a dozen applications, dozens of tests, multiple interviews, multiple ACs, not 1 Vac scheme offer.

I have:
  • a first class degree from a Russell group university
  • A distinction at the GDL
  • an LSE Corporate Law diploma

  • Over 4 legal work experiences including being a paralegal for over a year in a London city firm.
  • Over 6 other work experiences non law related

  • I speak multiple languages
  • And was a music and sports scholar at school
  • I have also worked for multiple charities


And after all this, I still don’t have a Vac scheme offer.

Someone prevent me from just giving everything up after all that effort.

What is it I can do? After all this I’m still not good enough ?
 

SR99

Esteemed Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
  • Sep 5, 2021
    75
    112
    So I didn’t get a single Vac Scheme again.

    After a dozen applications, dozens of tests, multiple interviews, multiple ACs, not 1 Vac scheme offer.

    I have:
    • a first class degree from a Russell group university
    • A distinction at the GDL
    • an LSE Corporate Law diploma

    • Over 4 legal work experiences including being a paralegal for over a year in a London city firm.
    • Over 6 other work experiences non law related

    • I speak multiple languages
    • And was a music and sports scholar at school
    • I have also worked for multiple charities


    And after all this, I still don’t have a Vac scheme offer.

    Someone prevent me from just giving everything up after all that effort.

    What is it I can do? After all this I’m still not good enough ?
    I hear you. Just remember that the one meant for you is out there - don't give up. Rejection is redirection and I truly believe that the firm that is meant for you will be the 1 yes that you need. You have amazing credentials and the right firm for you will recognize how great you are! ❤️
     

    CHLTC

    Active Member
    Nov 28, 2023
    14
    21
    So I didn’t get a single Vac Scheme again.

    After a dozen applications, dozens of tests, multiple interviews, multiple ACs, not 1 Vac scheme offer.

    I have:
    • a first class degree from a Russell group university
    • A distinction at the GDL
    • an LSE Corporate Law diploma

    • Over 4 legal work experiences including being a paralegal for over a year in a London city firm.
    • Over 6 other work experiences non law related

    • I speak multiple languages
    • And was a music and sports scholar at school
    • I have also worked for multiple charities


    And after all this, I still don’t have a Vac scheme offer.

    Someone prevent me from just giving everything up after all that effort.

    What is it I can do? After all this I’m still not good enough ?
    @Jessica Booker @axelbeugre
     

    zdzd

    Active Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Jul 30, 2022
    11
    27
    So I didn’t get a single Vac Scheme again.

    After a dozen applications, dozens of tests, multiple interviews, multiple ACs, not 1 Vac scheme offer.

    I have:
    • a first class degree from a Russell group university
    • A distinction at the GDL
    • an LSE Corporate Law diploma

    • Over 4 legal work experiences including being a paralegal for over a year in a London city firm.
    • Over 6 other work experiences non law related

    • I speak multiple languages
    • And was a music and sports scholar at school
    • I have also worked for multiple charities


    And after all this, I still don’t have a Vac scheme offer.

    Someone prevent me from just giving everything up after all that effort.

    What is it I can do? After all this I’m still not good enough ?
    It’s really a game of luck at the end of the day unfortunately :( it’s frustrating that you can do everything that grad rec recommends to make your application stand out and attend countless fairs and events, but it really does come down to luck.

    I highly doubt it’s a matter of you not being good enough. Maybe just take a break for a little bit to re-centre yourself and get back into the right mindset. You’ll get that yes eventually
     

    Percypig12

    Legendary Member
    Oct 19, 2021
    127
    349
    So I didn’t get a single Vac Scheme again.

    After a dozen applications, dozens of tests, multiple interviews, multiple ACs, not 1 Vac scheme offer.

    I have:
    • a first class degree from a Russell group university
    • A distinction at the GDL
    • an LSE Corporate Law diploma

    • Over 4 legal work experiences including being a paralegal for over a year in a London city firm.
    • Over 6 other work experiences non law related

    • I speak multiple languages
    • And was a music and sports scholar at school
    • I have also worked for multiple charities


    And after all this, I still don’t have a Vac scheme offer.

    Someone prevent me from just giving everything up after all that effort.

    What is it I can do? After all this I’m still not good enough ?
    What was your feedback from the unsuccessful ACs?
     
    Reactions: Sharon Wu

    holz567

    Star Member
    Feb 18, 2024
    43
    161
    Just had my final PFO post AC, which officially marks the end of this cycle and my third cycle overall.

    I'm so lost right now and I just don't understand where I'm going wrong. I've got a first class degree from a RG university, spent a year abroad, have 8 months working as a paralegal, was involved in plenty of extracurriculars, and help contribute to my own small business.

    It all looks great on paper, but I get to that final AC stage and just can't convert it to a VS. I prepare as much as I can and don't even feel like they go particularly badly, which makes it even more frustrating.

    I've had 5 ACs across 3 cycles, which is encouraging. This last one just leaves the frustration of having to do it all over again. The thought of more rejections next year makes me feel sick.

    Anyone have any thoughts on what I can do to improve and take that leap?
     

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    14,396
    20,074
    So I didn’t get a single Vac Scheme again.

    After a dozen applications, dozens of tests, multiple interviews, multiple ACs, not 1 Vac scheme offer.

    I have:
    • a first class degree from a Russell group university
    • A distinction at the GDL
    • an LSE Corporate Law diploma

    • Over 4 legal work experiences including being a paralegal for over a year in a London city firm.
    • Over 6 other work experiences non law related

    • I speak multiple languages
    • And was a music and sports scholar at school
    • I have also worked for multiple charities


    And after all this, I still don’t have a Vac scheme offer.

    Someone prevent me from just giving everything up after all that effort.

    What is it I can do? After all this I’m still not good enough ?
    You are getting multiple interviews and assessment centres - you clearly are a good candidate to be getting to those stages frequently.

    It sounds like you may just need some practice or focus on interviewing skills or potentially another type of assessment. What feedback have you received from firms when you have reached interview/assessment centre stage?
     
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