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Shoosmiths

Vacation Scheme Placement Student Review

at Shoosmiths

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Legal/Law

Belfast

Review Submitted: August 2023

Overall Rating

5 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

5/5 - Overview of Experience
5/5 - Skills Development
5/5 - Company Culture
5/5 - Overall Experience
5/5 - Recommendations and Advice

Overview of Experience

Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
As a placement student you get to do a wide range of activities including; group tasks, attending client meetings, completing small tasks for Partners and Associates, visiting the courts, mini assignments based around the company values, lunches and so much more. Furthermore, being in such a friendly office, it is common that people will come and have a chat to get to know you, a definite perk of working here!
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
Everyone was very willing and open to chatting to me about my future plans, and how the company and themselves could aid me in this. It was discussed how to apply for their Training Contracts, and the training that goes along with this. Learning about the business and their dynamic was one of my favourite parts of this placement, as the values they advertise are genuinely instilled in their everyday work.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
5/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
I have learnt a lot in this placement, firstly knowledge about the Corporate sector. Being placed in the Corporate team, who consistently involve me in their work, and offer opportunities for questions, I have delved into this area and learn so much. Additionally, I have learnt a lot about the company dynamic, especially their values, and that of a commercial firm. I have also learnt about the diversity of work, adaptability and interactions with clients.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around personal or professional skills during the experience?
5/5
Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development
5/5

Company Culture

How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
5/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
The atmosphere of this office is outstanding. Everyone is so friendly, willing to help one another, and answer any questions I had. It is an extremely inclusive culture, and they are clearly continually working on this by hosting regular events within the office - such as a party for Pride. I believe that this would be one of the best offices to learn as a trainee in due to the excellent atmosphere.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
5/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
5/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I have immensely enjoyed this week's placement. Being able to delve into an area I am interested in going into a career in was thrilling. Furthermore, the friendly and welcoming environment meant I felt open and encouraged to ask questions and get involved. There was a brilliant range of activities present to me, and the balance of this was perfect. A highlight of this placement is getting to know everyone in the office.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
I was paid

Recommendations and Advice

Please rate the future employment prospects at Shoosmiths
5/5
Would you recommend Shoosmiths to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Shoosmiths
Read the questions in the application carefully, and ensure every part of your response is relevant. An additional piece of advice which I heard was to break up your response into paragraphs, it makes it far easier to read for the employer. I would recommend researching the firm, especially on legal cheek and similar forums as they give an excellent insight into what it is like to be a trainee, and the perks of it.
In This Review
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