Insight Programme Participant Review

I found the CMS Insight Programme extremely valuable in solidifying my career aspirations and confirming that I would like to pursue a future career with CMS. The programme provided a fascinating insight into the firm, its culture and the work it undertakes, while also giving me the opportunity to meet and learn from so many inspiring people.
On the first day, we were introduced to CMS and gained an understanding of the firm’s work, its technology and the various applications used within the business. We also developed our commercial awareness and were given an overview of what we would be doing throughout the week. As part of the programme, we were set a project to complete over the course of the week, which we would present to a panel at the end of the programme.
Over the following four days, we had the opportunity to shadow our allocated trainee buddy and complete a range of tasks set by them. My buddy was incredibly supportive and approachable, and I learnt a great deal from him throughout the week. This experience gave me a valuable insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of a trainee and helped me better understand what a career at CMS could look like. We also got to take part in a fun social on the Wednesday afternoon which I really enjoyed.
On the final day, we presented our projects to a panel of partners and associates. It was an exciting and rewarding way to conclude the programme, and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to apply what I had learnt throughout the week. Overall, the CMS Insight Programme was an invaluable experience that strengthened my interest in pursuing a career with CMS and gave me a much clearer understanding of what working at the firm would involve.

The programme was delivered in a very clear and engaging way, allowing us to develop a strong understanding of the route into a training contract with CMS and what our future careers at the firm could look like. We had the opportunity to meet a number of trainees, which gave us a realistic insight into what day-to-day life at CMS could be like. We also met associates and partners, who were very approachable and encouraged us to ask questions about their experiences, career journeys and responsibilities at the firm.
In terms of learning more about CMS itself, we gained a deeper understanding of the firm’s culture, values and working environment. Speaking directly with people at different stages of their careers was particularly valuable, as it allowed us to gain perspectives that we would not have been able to get from simply researching the firm online.

During the CMS Insight Scheme, I developed a range of valuable skills that strengthened my understanding of working in a professional legal environment. I developed my networking skills by meeting and engaging with a variety of people across the firm, while the research tasks and group activities strengthened my teamwork and time-management skills. The scheme also allowed me to develop my research and communication skills, as I had to analyse information effectively and communicate my findings clearly. In addition, participating in presentations and public speaking activities improved my confidence and ability to present information in a clear and professional manner.

The culture at CMS immediately stood out to me as being incredibly welcoming and inclusive. From the moment I walked into the building, I felt comfortable and supported, and my fellow Insight Programme participants were friendly, approachable, and easy to talk to. The Emerging Talent team were also extremely helpful throughout the week and created an environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and getting involved. What stood out to me most was that this welcoming culture extended across the firm; everyone I interacted with, including partners, was approachable and genuinely willing to engage with me. This made the Insight Programme a particularly positive experience and strengthened my interest in pursuing a career at CMS.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Insight Programme. Not only was it incredibly valuable to my personal development and understanding of a future career in law, but it was also a fun, engaging, and exciting experience. The programme provided me with a valuable insight into life at CMS and the legal profession, while allowing me to meet new people and develop my confidence. I would highly recommend the programme to anyone considering a career in law.

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