Discover Placement and Mentoring Programme Candidate Review

Item: Discover Placement and Mentoring Programme Candidate at Shoosmiths
Rating: 5
Author: Anonymous

at Shoosmiths

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Legal/Law

Birmingham

Review Submitted: October 2026

Overall Rating

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!

5/5 - Overview of Experience

5/5 - Skills Development

5/5 - 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.

On the Discover Placement, I was in the Commercial (financial services) team and sat with my trainee buddy, who was on hand to help throughout the week. I completed research tasks and attended various workshops which gave me a greater insight to the firm on AI, Diversity and working in the Corporate division. During the week, I gained a real insight into the firm's future plans and how AI was integrated into daily tasks. I loved meeting everyone and gaining valuable insights from them including my trainee buddy, my qualified mentor and associates in other teams such as Employment, Real Estate and Restructuring.

How would you rate the structure of the insight

5/5

What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?

I found it extremely insightful especially because everyone I met was so welcoming and provided helpful advice.

Please rate how insightful you found the insight

5/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I learnt how integrated AI was at the firm and the different types of tasks it was/could be used for. I used AI to assist with my research tasks which I had not done before.

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?

5/5

Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development

5/5

Company Culture

What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?

The atmosphere was so friendly, welcoming and supportive. I met lots of people I have kept in touch with after the placement. During the week, I met an associate in the Employment team and after expressing an interest in this area, I organised a coffee catchup and learnt about what the work entails.

How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?

5/5

Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?

5/5

How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight

5/5

How would you rate the networking opportunities?

5/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy the insight?

I really enjoyed my experience during the week and felt as though I fit right in. I was able to draw on my experiences at the firm during the placement when attending the assessment centre for training contracts.

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

Would you recommend Shoosmiths to a friend?

Yes

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Shoosmiths

Build connections with the firm by attending events such as the insight evenings which you can talk about in your applications. Research what the firm's strategy is for the future and its AI tools.