How to Prepare for Insight Days and Vacation Schemes

Read your joining information carefully

It's always worth sorting out what you need before starting your first day. Know your start time, what to bring and who to ask for when you arrive. You'll usually get a joining pack (sometimes called onboarding info) a few days before you start.

In-person programmes

• Plan your route and arrive 10-15 minutes early

• Confirm an outfit. If you’re unsure, smart-casual is always a good idea. It’s comfortable, but work-ready

• Bring a notepad and a pen. You’d be surprised what you’ll pick up during your scheme.

Virtual programmes

• Test your tech the night before: camera, microphone and your internet connection

• Check which programmes they’re using (like Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet)  and download them in advance

• Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can work from. Dress the part, too.

Research the company properly

Go beyond the company homepage. Look at industry news, company values and the kind of work they do. If your scheme is with a law firm, find out what their practice areas are. If it’s a bank or consultancy, get a feel for what’s happening in the industry.

Here's what one A&O Shearman vacation scheme student had to say:

My main piece of advice is to thoroughly research the firm before applying. Make sure you understand not only A&O Shearman’s strength in finance but also its excellence across other areas, so you can speak confidently about why the firm appeals to you. I would also recommend looking into the firm’s AI tools and innovation strategy, as this comes up frequently throughout the recruitment process. Vacation Scheme Student, A&O Shearman

Bring some questions to ask

There will be so many opportunities to ask questions during your scheme. So have three to five questions prepped (some might come to mind when you’re there, too).

Think about what you genuinely want to know. You can ask questions about what a typical day in the role looks like, how someone in the company progressed or even what they wish they knew when they started out.

Try not to ask any questions that a quick Google can answer. You’re in the unique position to get some really useful insider tips no one else will get.

Understand the industry

You don’t have to be an expert (and they don’t expect you to), but having a basic understanding of the industry and what's happening right now shows you're switched on.

If you haven’t already, check out LinkedIn (you can follow companies, people, news outlets and more). It’s also worth checking out the employer’s blog section on their website.

Setting Google alerts, following industry news on social media and reading newspapers can go a long way in getting your industry knowledge up.

Think about how you want to come across

Take a little time to understand why you’re doing this. Why the company? Why this industry? And what do you want to get out of this?

You’re not going into your programme with a script or trying to come across as someone you’re not; it’s just about being sure of yourself and being prepared to answer questions about yourself and why you want a particular career.

Think about bringing your best, authentic self. Write down three things you want a recruiter to know about you. Whether that’s any goals, what you’re currently doing or even any relevant hobbies.

Check out our student reviews

One of the best things you can do is to read the experience of students who’ve been where you are now. 

Loads of students have described insight days and vacation schemes as including everything from panel discussions and networking sessions to group tasks and one-on-one chats with senior members of staff. Knowing what your day could look like means you’ll go in with realistic expectations rather than guessing.

Being prepared isn't about trying to be perfect. It’s about showing up feeling confident and ready to learn. Be yourself, be curious and make the most of it.