TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

I’ve done one Cappfinity test today with another to do this week. I guess it’s worth waiting for the feedback report for the first one right before doing the second?

Do they tend to arrive the next day?
Sometimes it can be within 30 minutes other times it can be up to 48-72 hours. It varies. 🥲

I guess it depends on how much time you have between the two.

I did my Macfarlanes and BCLP tests in the same week and had to wait 48-72 hours for both of them.
 
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Tintin06

Legendary Member
Oct 23, 2019
694
1,596
LinkedIn is soul-destroying for older applicants. I don't know why I bother. I guess it's by design etc. Otherwise you wouldn't buy LinkedIn premium. I use it for my work. But yes, it's utterly crushing honestly. People younger than me with TCs. Sorry but it's just the truth. I wish I was years younger. Sure, I'm married with a flat. But still, no stable job yet. Years of applications - no Training Contract. All these VSs and for what? This cycle is worse than 2023-24. This isn't a cry for help. Just setting out how I feel. How long can I do this? I don't know - it's catch 22. Applying is bad for mental health. Don't apply and you get FOMO. It's just a terrible cycle, honestly.

Anyway, a question about Stephenson Harwood. Do they take mostly from TCs. Or is it through Vac Schemes?
 

g.cl.2020344

Legendary Member
Nov 1, 2024
201
228
LinkedIn is soul-destroying for older applicants. I don't know why I bother. I guess it's by design etc. Otherwise you wouldn't buy LinkedIn premium. I use it for my work. But yes, it's utterly crushing honestly. People younger than me with TCs. Sorry but it's just the truth. I wish I was years younger. Sure, I'm married with a flat. But still, no stable job yet. Years of applications - no Training Contract. All these VSs and for what? This cycle is worse than 2023-24. This isn't a cry for help. Just setting out how I feel. How long can I do this? I don't know - it's catch 22. Applying is bad for mental health. Don't apply and you get FOMO. It's just a terrible cycle, honestly.

Anyway, a question about Stephenson Harwood. Do they take mostly from TCs. Or is it through Vac Schemes?
Heya, I’m so sorry that you feel like this! I know LinkedIn can be detrimental during application season because it’s so easy to compare yourself to others. Last year I deleted it as an app and this really helped me! Please have faith in your applications because it sounds like you have a good variety of ones out there, and the right firm will be drawn to the fact that you aren’t a fresh grad!! The right firm will want you, especially with years of life experience and maturity ! We’ve got an amazing platform here and know that everyone here wants other to be successful!
 

Tintin06

Legendary Member
Oct 23, 2019
694
1,596
Heya, I’m so sorry that you feel like this! I know LinkedIn can be detrimental during application season because it’s so easy to compare yourself to others. Last year I deleted it as an app and this really helped me! Please have faith in your applications because it sounds like you have a good variety of ones out there, and the right firm will be drawn to the fact that you aren’t a fresh grad!! The right firm will want you, especially with years of life experience and maturity ! We’ve got an amazing platform here and know that everyone here wants other to be successful!
Thanks - that’s very helpful to hear.
 

jta227

Esteemed Member
Nov 10, 2024
77
104
LinkedIn is soul-destroying for older applicants. I don't know why I bother. I guess it's by design etc. Otherwise you wouldn't buy LinkedIn premium. I use it for my work. But yes, it's utterly crushing honestly. People younger than me with TCs. Sorry but it's just the truth. I wish I was years younger. Sure, I'm married with a flat. But still, no stable job yet. Years of applications - no Training Contract. All these VSs and for what? This cycle is worse than 2023-24. This isn't a cry for help. Just setting out how I feel. How long can I do this? I don't know - it's catch 22. Applying is bad for mental health. Don't apply and you get FOMO. It's just a terrible cycle, honestly.

Anyway, a question about Stephenson Harwood. Do they take mostly from TCs. Or is it through Vac Schemes?

I don't know if this is helpful (feel free to disregard) but I've heard from multiple people who were training at great firms (and some gradrec staff) that LinkedIn is ultimately not necessary at all to get a TC. Most of my friends who got into MC/SC/US firms either didn't have an account or had one but their first post was literally to announce acceptance onto the VS. Personally I still have it but I make it a personal thing not to compare my journey to others (I get this is hard when you're an Oxbridge graduate). In fact I have a message on a sticky note saying that and it's the first thing that opens when I turn my computer on. Another thing I heard (was either at an open day or someone posted it here) from someone who got a TC after a plethora of cycles was that when she finally started to accept her current job circumstances and not treat every interaction with firms as "I absolutely have to get this TC" it ultimately helped her perform better and she got a Links TC the next cycle, only making 3 apps that year.

On another note, lots of trainees end up not having the time to date at all for the first several years of their career when they stumble into it straight out of uni so I wouldn't downplay your achievements in your personal life! I'm sure some of those young people getting TCs instantly would envy you in that regard.

I'm sure that perseverance will get you where you want to go eventually, and when you do it will probably be even more satisfying 🙏
 

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