Careers
The Do’s and Don’ts
Five quick vacation scheme tips
The Vacation Scheme is a good opportunity to impress your (potential) future employers. It is important to perform well and give a good impression of yourself. The firm will be assessing you from the moment you enter the office, throughout the day and at the socials.
Of course most of these tips do not require much more than a little common sense, but as butterflies start to float around your belly we recommend you have a quick read through to make sure you don't end up making any elementary mistakes.
Vacation placement dos and don’ts
1. Don’t use it the placement as an opportunity to scout out the talent: I have heard countless horror stories of people trying it on with the HR Graduate Recruitment Managers, other vacation schemers, and even trainees and associates. Although it is possible you may find love, you may certainly not be finding yourself with a training contract at the end of your placement!
2. Don’t drink too much at social events: more easily said than done. Although you may find your confidence has improved, slurring your words and talking at people is not the sort of sociability firms want to see on your placement.-
"If you have more tips or stories from your own experiences we would love you to share them with us..."
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3. Do maintain a professional air at all times and show your enthusiasm for the position: students who are reluctant to help out trainees and associates or who portray a negative impression, whether it be of other firms or generally, are unlikely to be taken on.
4. Be confident but not over-confident: firms will want to see that you are able to hold yourself well but do not want to be confronted with students who think they know it all already – you won’t. Legal knowledge comes with time. What firms want to see is that you are able to offer some insight but ultimately that you are interested in the work and willing to learn more.
5. Enjoy yourself! It is more likely that if you ease up and enjoy yourself over the placement, you will come across as confident, enthusiastic, willing and are comfortable in that working environment and would therefore fit in to the organisation with ease.If you have more tips or stories from your own experiences we would love you to share them with us so we can add to this list of do's and don'ts so send an email to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Natalie Saluke
NQ Solicitor
21-09-2009
