Vacation Placement Student Review

The insight provided a well-rounded experience, offering exposure to a variety of tasks that reflect the day-to-day workings of the department. Each day involved a mix of responsibilities, including attending client meetings, contributing to admin and research tasks, and preparing briefing notes. There were also regular team meetings that helped build collaboration and understanding of ongoing projects. Being trusted with real responsibilities made me feel like a valued part of the team, and it gave me a clearer understanding of the kind of work I’d like to pursue in the future.

Throughout the insight, there was continuous engagement with different branches across the firm, which really helped in understanding the broader business and the variety of roles available. We were introduced to the different sectors the firm operates in, the types of clients they work with, and how each department contributes to the overall success of the business. This exposure gave me a clearer picture of the career paths available and helped me identify areas that align with my interests and strengths. It was a great way to see how everything connects and how collaboration across teams is essential in delivering value to clients.

One of the key skills I developed during the insight was learning to be more concise in my work. Coming from a university background, I was used to backing up every point with extensive evidence — articles, journals, textbooks, and more. However, I quickly realised that in a professional setting, especially when dealing with clients, clarity and simplicity are far more valuable. Clients want direct, actionable answers, not lengthy academic analysis. I learned to lead with the key point first, followed by a brief explanation if needed, rather than starting with an introduction and building up to a conclusion. This shift in approach was something the team helped me understand and apply, and it’s a skill I’ll carry forward with me.

The company culture was very relaxed and welcoming, which made it easy to settle in quickly. It’s a casual environment where everyone genuinely gets along- people are friendly, approachable, and always happy to chat. Whether it was being invited for a coffee, having informal catch-ups, or just day-to-day conversations, there was a strong sense of community. It felt like a place where people enjoy working together and support one another, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

I genuinely really enjoyed the insight experience. What made it so memorable were the people, who truly made the journey and the incredible experiences I got to be a part of. I’ll admit I was more nervous than I needed to be at the start, but the culture of the firm was incredibly welcoming. From day one, our buddies and the wider team made a real effort to help us settle in, whether through casual chats, coffee catch-ups, or just being approachable and supportive. It’s a great firm with a fantastic atmosphere, and it’s definitely somewhere I’d love to work in the future.

Yes