CMS Academy Review
at CMS
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law
London
Review Submitted: November 2021
Overall Rating
3.9 /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!
3.5/5
-
Overview of Experience
4.5/5
-
Skills Development
3.3/5
-
Company Culture
4/5
-
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 Vac Scheme was online on a mixture of teams and zoom. We started the day with either a coffee session or yoga. Throughout the day there was then a mixture of networking sessions, group activities and insight into CMS and its practice areas. Interspersed throughout sessions were mindfulness sessions and well-being checks. One of my favourite activities consisted of the simulation where we worked in groups to manage clients and stakeholders in a realistic commercial project.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
It was brilliant! From the offset in our initial presentation on the first day we heard about the business strategy and future growth part of the firm and its plans for development. We also have the opportunity to meet some of CMS‘s top clients which gave a really good Insight into how CMS operates its business of clients. Potential roles Available were further evidenced Through the insight into practice area talks. Very Open your on their journey with them .
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
4/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
3/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
Brilliant for building on team working skills as we did lots of group work centred around client interaction and building a business focused approach to law. There was great emphasis on learning what’s the client requires from their relationship with the lawyer, and CMS really helped the academy participants develop their networking and client meeting skills. Similarly, through guest speakers we received brilliant advice on life skills such as public speaking and time management.
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
4/5
Company Culture
How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
3/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
Incredibly friendly. This was evidenced when meeting their employees from all different areas of the firm, as well as meeting their clients and hearing the reasons why they enjoy working with the firm.
Early Talent acquisition team really showed the friendly approachable nature of the firm as they’re keen to answer all our questions and made the experience very enjoyable. One member of the team even arrange to call me after a session to follow up on my question
Early Talent acquisition team really showed the friendly approachable nature of the firm as they’re keen to answer all our questions and made the experience very enjoyable. One member of the team even arrange to call me after a session to follow up on my question
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
4/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
4/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
2/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I really enjoyed the insight into the van. It really helps me visualise but working there would be like and also help me understand where the firm plans to go in the future as it grows. Chatting to employees of the firm made me realise that I really like the people working there and could see myself in a similar position to them. - massive part that I enjoyed the most was meeting other applicants who maybe future trainee solicitors too.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
4/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
4/5
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
I would advise applicants to seek advice from their University brand ambassador. I would also direct applicants to LinkedIn where you can follow The different sectors CMS works in and keep up-to-date with the type of work they do in current cases they are working on. Additionally I think it is important that applicants attend every possible workshop, online session, and networking opportunityProvided by CMS. Talking to people and exposing yourself to the firm as much as possible is the best way to really get to know the firm and its people
