CMS Spring Insight Event Review
at CMS
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law
Edinburgh
Review Submitted: September 2024
Overall Rating
4.5 /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!
4.5/5
-
Overview of Experience
4.8/5
-
Skills Development
4.3/5
-
Company Culture
4.5/5
-
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.
The first week consited of useful workshops and lessons which helped develop skills, essential to working at a law firm.
During the second week we were able to shadow departments at CMS. This allowed us to gain first hand experience of what it was like to work at a law firm. This included research activities, meetings, and editing.
During the second week we were able to shadow departments at CMS. This allowed us to gain first hand experience of what it was like to work at a law firm. This included research activities, meetings, and editing.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
At first the prospect of working with a firm like CMS was very intimidating. The CMS showcase during the first week was very useful and interesting as it showed all of the potentially available department seats for if we become CMS trainees. Speaking to people who were currently in those seats gave me a better idea of what a training contract would be like. It also gave some insight into what departments I could see myself wanting to get more experience working in.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
4/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
There were many workshops which helped develop skills. Subjects included Communication, Professionalism and commercial awareness. All of which will be critical for any client facing career.
The insight scheme also helped developed practical skills for office life, such as editing, researching and organising files during the shadowing experience.
The insight scheme also helped developed practical skills for office life, such as editing, researching and organising files during the shadowing experience.
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?
4/5
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
4/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
The CMS open plan office gave the impression that CMS was keen on collaboration between its employees, regardless of whether they were partners or trainees.
On the first full day of shadowing I was unable to find my desk. The associate who I asked to help was very kind and quick to show me where to go. I found this friendliness and willingness to help to be a key part of CMS culture.
On the first full day of shadowing I was unable to find my desk. The associate who I asked to help was very kind and quick to show me where to go. I found this friendliness and willingness to help to be a key part of CMS culture.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
4/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
4/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I am extremely greatful for the opportunity to take part in the Insight scheme. I feel as though the workshops have helped to develop skills. There was a friendly and welcoming atmosphere which made the experience more enjoyable. The trainee who I shadowed also helped me to enjoy it more. She was very kind and was always willing to help. She also went out of her way to help arrange meetings for me to talk to people in other departments.
The timing of the scheme did present some challenges, due to its proximity to second year exams.
The timing of the scheme did present some challenges, due to its proximity to second year exams.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
4/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
I was paid and reimbursed expenses
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
I would advice applicants to research CMS before they apply. In particular the company's specialities and its company culture. I feel as though it is very important to know what they themselves want from a future employer so that they can have this at the back of their mind during their research.
