TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Ram Sabaratnam

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Does anyone know if the live interview with Goodwin is the final stage now before the VS? The website says the tasks such as group exercise and written one will be assessed on the VS if you’re doing that route but I can’t find clear information? Asking for a friend not me!!

Hiya @Katy12345

The live video interview should be the final stage before the vacation scheme (this was definitely the case during the 2022-23 cycle and the year after that). You're absolutely right - the group exercise and written exercise will be assessed during the vacation scheme itself. Good luck to your friend! I hope they hear back with good news soon :)
 
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Amma Usman

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if you have an upcoming ac at a mc firm, and you went to their insight evening (and got info about their culture) but not their nation-wide open day/fair where you can speak directly with trainees/associates/partners in a sector (and therefore missed those insights), do you still have a chance of getting the VS? just realised this when looking through my emails with the firm and it's adding to the pressure ahaha but someone please be brutally hones with me! :)🧿

In my opinion, this is not a big issue at all. To put it into context, you may have not gone to any event at the firm, and still be able to get a VS at the firm. It certainly helps because the best way to know about the culture of a firm is by directly speaking to those who work there. However, the work and practices generally remain the same across most firms (and this is more important than culture when crafting a compelling application). This information is easily accessible online, via their LinkedIn announcements for example. Another thing is that you could have been to events at other firms, whether online or not, and still reference this by touching on similar trends in work/industries. They just want to see the effort you have put into learning more about the industry and your overall understanding of it, as well as how you connect it to your experiences/resolve to work there.
 

Jessica Booker

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if you have an upcoming ac at a mc firm, and you went to their insight evening (and got info about their culture) but not their nation-wide open day/fair where you can speak directly with trainees/associates/partners in a sector (and therefore missed those insights), do you still have a chance of getting the VS? just realised this when looking through my emails with the firm and it's adding to the pressure ahaha but someone please be brutally hones with me! :)🧿
Once you secure an AC, what you have done or haven't done with the firm doesn't really matter - you have got to the AC based on your application and experience whatever that may be.
 

Jessica Booker

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Hey guys, I had an AC today, but unfortunately I woke up extremely sick this morning. Since the AC I've been unable to move and have a very high fever. I didn't perform my best at all which is really frustrating as I did sooo much prep. Would you say it's worth sending an email to grad rec about it or will it just look super needy? I'm pretty positive I can get a doctor's note tomorrow if needed.
Similarly I have a VI to do before Wednesday - is it worth emailing them to potentially get it moved or do I just need to get on with it?

Thanks!
Was the AC in person and if so could what you be ill with be passed on?
 

Katy12345

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Jan 25, 2024
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Hiya @Katy12345

The live video interview should be the final stage before the vacation scheme. You're absolutely right - the group exercise and written exercise will be assessed during the vacation scheme itself. Good luck to your friend! I hope they hear back with good news soon :)
Thank you so much Ram! That’s exciting news 😊
 
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Amma Usman

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Just had an AC and it felt.. okay? Usually I have quite strong feelings one way or the other (bombed it or did pretty well). No idea how to feel coming out of this one. Could've been a bit better, I suppose, but equally could have been much worse. Perhaps it is better not to feel an 'extreme' one way or the other.

Honestly it’s so easy to feel a mix of thoughts as humans post-interview. However, please stay optimistic and keep going! You got this… ;)
 

AlegalA

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I would email the firm you did the AC with as waking up extremely sick and having a high fever most likely will have affected your overall performance and could make the difference between an outright rejection and a reconsideration of your profile. I think they could even offer you the chance to take the AC again.

Similarly, it would definitely be worthwhile to email the firm you have the VI with, which is due on Wednesday, to see if it can be moved. I don’t think it’s a good idea to just ‘get on with it’ because that’s setting yourself up for failure with the VI. You want to be able to perform at your best!​
Okay I will do that tomorrow, thank you so much!
 
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floral.tcla

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In my opinion, this is not a big issue at all. To put it into context, you may have not gone to any event at the firm, and still be able to get a VS at the firm. It certainly helps because the best way to know about the culture of a firm is by directly speaking to those who work there. However, the work and practices generally remain the same across most firms (and this is more important than culture when crafting a compelling application). This information is easily accessible online, via their LinkedIn announcements for example. Another thing is that you could have been to events at other firms, whether online or not, and still reference this by touching on similar trends in work/industries. They just want to see the effort you have put into learning more about the industry and your overall understanding of it, as well as how you connect it to your experiences/resolve to work there.
Once you secure an AC, what you have done or haven't done with the firm doesn't really matter - you have got to the AC based on your application and experience whatever that may be.
Thank you both so much, that really helps :)
 
Hi guys, so I received a post-TI PFO from a firm but in the email they offered a feedback call. I sent an email asking to take up the feedback call but have yet to receive a response (just under a week since sending it). Should I just wait for a response or would it be fine to send a follow-up so I can receive feedback before my next interviews with other firms? Thanks :)
 

Jessica Booker

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No, it was online
The firm can't really put a value on how your illness would have impacted you - they can only really go by the evidence that they see on the day, so its not like they can compensate your performance for it.

You can mention it to HR/Graduate Recruitment but I think it would only help if it came down to a very marginal decision.
 
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Jessica Booker

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Hi guys, so I received a post-TI PFO from a firm but in the email they offered a feedback call. I sent an email asking to take up the feedback call but have yet to receive a response (just under a week since sending it). Should I just wait for a response or would it be fine to send a follow-up so I can receive feedback before my next interviews with other firms? Thanks :)
I would just wait - it can take several weeks to get feedback, especially if everyone else is asking for it.
 
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Defnefresko

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In a video interview with a firm that has a strong Private Wealth practice, would it be advisable to answer a question about a client I'd like to introduce to the firm as a specific kind of UHNW individual (I can't really give a name as I'm not aware of any specific individuals wanting to move from the UK to the country in question) or is it better to just go with a specific company? I think my answer is otherwise strong as it references a new office and growing practices, but I'm debating whether it is important that I specifically name a client.
 
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Tclarocks123

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Jun 8, 2024
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Hi guys, I have accepted an offer of internship through 10,000 Interns programme but my spring application for a VS has been switched to summer due to lack of spaces and I was offered an AC - if I were to get on the vac scheme would there be any consequences for backing out of the summer internship?
Hi, I have done the programme twice and can shed some light. So on my internship a girl started two weeks late as she was finishing her VS at HL. They were really understanding of this even though it was not a law firm so I reckon if its a firm it would be even easier. Essentially, speak with your internship company and see if they can push your start date or offer you 6 weeks instead of 8 weeks if you are actually interested in doing the internship. If not, there are no material consequences just don't wait until the last minute to pull out.
 

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