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CMS First Steps Review

at CMS

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Commercial Law

Birmingham

Review Submitted: October 2021

Overall Rating

4.8 /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
4.8/5 - Skills Development
4.8/5 - 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 networked with partners and peers, attended commercial awareness skills sessions, as well as magician and escape room socials.
In a group game-based business simulation, five of us launched and managed a trainer business. Success was achieved by reaching set business objectives, gaining more points for more ambitious targets. Our team advantageously set goals that were not all profitability oriented, alike to a real business having other market share strategies etc. We worked under pressure and time constraints to adapt products and goals as customer demands, competitor actions and market conditions changed.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
It was exciting to see the availability of roles CMS offer - particularly their CMS Academy which First Steps participants are fast tracked to and I hope to attend next summer. They are such an exciting firm with a great future, and speaking to my trainee mentor really encouraged me to apply to them. They are the leading relationship law firm and this really came across in how open they were to accept and engage with us on the insight scheme.
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 confidently networked and learnt about the importance of client relations for firm successes. A commercial awareness skills session reinforced the importance of understanding the client’s industry, dynamic market position and strategy, anticipating future needs, and constantly adding value.
Collaboration and openness to the ideas of others in the game-based simulation created lasting relationships with my peers.
Moreover, I gained a mentor as a result of scheme - enhancing my communication and commercial awareness skills.
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?
4/5
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?
Very inclusive and welcoming. We engaged in magician socials, escape rooms and coffee roulettes each day to build social connections. we also learnt about the extensive diversity and inclusion network available. The game based simulation created an encouraging group atmosphere and I am really good friends with some people I met during the process - I cannot wait to see them at the application day next year! I am interested in netball and could participate in those activities.
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 immensely enjoyed the insight. It was very rewarding and offered me great career developing opportunities. Having experienced an insight into the firm, I am really keen to get job opportunities with them and get their great quality of work. I would thoroughly recommend CMS to anyone thinking to apply - they will not be disappointed. Even the recruitment process was friendly and rewarding so there is nothing stopping you. I would 100% go back and do again.
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
Really just go for it because everyone is so friendly and supportive, and really has your best interests at mind. They welcome a divers range of people from a diverse range of backgrounds, and are not London based cut throat like others. Everyone is so genuine. Take time and write down opportunities you may use in your interview, and honestly just be frindly and show your personality. They want to know you and if you are a good fit for them.
In This Review
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