Insight Programme Participant Review
at CMS
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Legal/Law
Glasgow
Review Submitted: September 2024
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.
I had a fantastic two weeks on the insight programme. 'Big city law' can be a daunting thought for many students, however, all of the CMS staff I met were warm and welcoming.
We were trained on various topics, conducted research, got to know the firm and its staff, got active during our RBSI day, and I attended a couple employment law events where I was introduced to clients.
We were trained on various topics, conducted research, got to know the firm and its staff, got active during our RBSI day, and I attended a couple employment law events where I was introduced to clients.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
We were excited by it. It is clear CMS is a firm that students want to be apart of, be it the offices, the size, the clients, but I think what really excited us was how we were treated. Almost daily, between ourselves we had the 'how much money is this costing them?' debate - the lengths CMS went to and the thought they put into the programme exceeded expectations and made us feel invested in.
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 developed my networking skills. On a programme like this you meet so many people across the two offices - students, staff, lawyers, clients - I kept a list of the people I met and got on with and added them on Linked In to create a connection. My first experience like this, it was all new and I loved it. Public speaking skills too - with every experience you become more comfortable with it.
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?
CMS benefit from a positive work culture. The firm has various networks available to support its staff and clearly have an attitude to continuous development across the board. Something a large firm can benefit from is the ability to think about how to best support its lawyers and its staff, CMS do not sleep on this.
The atmosphere is both GLA/EDI offices was warm and welcoming, they all took an interest in us.
The atmosphere is both GLA/EDI offices was warm and welcoming, they all took an interest in us.
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?
It surpassed all expectations. I met great people within the firm and I am still in contact with many of the other friends I made on the programme. My network has doubled - a firm that big with the reputation it has, even associating your name to it is worthwhile. It was nice to see life at a city firm whilst being a student too, I have worked on the high street, there is motivation at both ends.
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 CMS
5/5
Would you recommend CMS to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to CMS
Be authentic. For the application questions, don't get stressed about what sounds the best, think about being creative, competent and show a degree of personality.
The Watson Glaser, it is an aptitude test, so relax and watch your time. Don't worry about preparation.
Interview, be authentic. Prepare your notes, do your homework, but be you. If you are going to fail, fail being yourself. You have gotten this far, you're clever and capable, all they really want to know is - can you talk to people, do you have a wee bit about you, and are you someone that they could work with.
The Watson Glaser, it is an aptitude test, so relax and watch your time. Don't worry about preparation.
Interview, be authentic. Prepare your notes, do your homework, but be you. If you are going to fail, fail being yourself. You have gotten this far, you're clever and capable, all they really want to know is - can you talk to people, do you have a wee bit about you, and are you someone that they could work with.
