TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Andrei Radu

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Sep 9, 2024
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Hi there, is there a thread on TCLA for tips in order to convert vac schemes into offers? I have tried searching but can't find anything. Thank you :)

@Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam
Hi @Chelsea101 I have just found one from 2021 that seems to include many useful resources and tips, you can take a look here. Since I have had a good VS conversion rate and since WVS are approaching, I am also planning to soon write a detailed guide on the topic, so be on the lookout for that :)!

Besides this, I have quoted bellow a great post from @Jessica Booker outlining the biggest mistakes people make during vacation schemes.
General themes why I have seen people not convert their VS to TC:

Arrogance/over confidence - it’s important to be confident on schemes but there are some candidates who just seem to think they are better than the rest of their cohort and that they will convert.

Lack of interest in the work - not asking questions, doing the work to a basic level, not asking for feedback or follow up conversations.

Spending too much time networking - too many coffee catch ups at the expense of doing work for their department

Over committing - saying yes to everything and then realising they don’t have enough time to do the things they have said they would.

Bad mouthing/manipulation: either talking bad of others (even at other firms) or trying to use their other experiences as a bit of a power trip (for instance bringing their other schemes/offers into conversations when there is no need to).

Not asking for guidance on their work: leading to spending too much time or having too many mistakes in their work
 

ashwright

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  • Jul 10, 2023
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    Thank you! I completed the test yesterday and today CC emailed me saying I passed the WG test.

    Followed your tips. I watched the video from job prep test completing the full Watson Glaser test and he cleared the practice test available on the Clifford Chance website (which I was scoring max 60%).
    Guys...I think TCLA has become an animal sanctuary.... I JUST FOUND THE GOAT!!! 🐐🐐🐐🐐

    Big congratulations, you absolute legend 🙏🙏🙏
    As I hope to join the goat sanctuary one day, may I ask which video you're referring to?
     
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    Jessica Booker

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    Graduate Recruitment
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    Aug 1, 2019
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    I previously worked as an online English foreign language tutor through a Chinese app, and this is something I am hoping to discuss on an application form. The issue I have is that there is no customer support / method of obtaining a reference; can I still discuss this on applications / employment history, or will this be an issue in terms of background checks etc?
    It is not an issue to put this in an application. Reference check companies are super clued up at when getting references might be difficult from certain types of companies, and especially if that is across different countries.

    They may ask you to present other evidence though - for instance, if this was a paid position, they may ask you to provide proof of income. I worked through a recruitment agency once who refused to provide a reference for me as it was outside of their data retention policy, and instead I provided proof to the reference company that the agency had paid me for the 9-10 months I worked through them. I also provided emails that confirmed the placement and my joining instructions with the client I was working for.

    Even in a situation where you might not have such evidence, the reference companies deal with these issues day in day out. They make reasonable judgments about whether not getting a reference is an issue, especially when weighed up against the other references they will get for you from other employers/academic institutions.
     

    Chelsea101

    Distinguished Member
  • Aug 7, 2023
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    171
    Hi @Chelsea101 I have just found one from 2021 that seems to include many useful resources and tips, you can take a look here. Since I have had a good VS conversion rate and since WVS are approaching, I am also planning to soon write a detailed guide on the topic, so be on the lookout for that :)!

    Besides this, I have quoted bellow a great post from @Jessica Booker outlining the biggest mistakes people make during vacation schemes.
    LEGEND - Thank you :D
     
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    fffvfdsfv

    New Member
    Nov 18, 2024
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    I did a vac scheme at a magic circle this summer and got rejected for the TC after, I have an AC for a vac scheme for a silver circle tomorrow and included my magic circle vac scheme on my application form - any idea how to approach any questions on this - idk if its viable to say I've changed significantly since the vac scheme considering it was only a few months ago.
     

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    14,530
    20,215
    I did a vac scheme at a magic circle this summer and got rejected for the TC after, I have an AC for a vac scheme for a silver circle tomorrow and included my magic circle vac scheme on my application form - any idea how to approach any questions on this - idk if its viable to say I've changed significantly since the vac scheme considering it was only a few months ago.
    Its not about changing significantly, it is more about learning from any feedback you were given or doing your own self-analysis as to what you could have done better or why you weren't as well aligned to the firm (and maybe more aligned to the SC firm). For any areas for self-improvement, it isn't about changing, its more about taking the first steps to learn/push that area for development too.
     
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