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Vacation Schemes vs Direct Training Contract Applications

Vacation Schemes vs Direct Training Contract Applications. What’s best? This is a question we hear a lot from people looking to secure a training contract. If you are unsure whether to apply for a Vacation Scheme or a Training Contract directly, you can watch a repeat of our Facebook Live session where Katie and Paul from our Graduate Recruitment team explain the pros and cons of each option.

Shearman & Sterling is a US firm with deep roots in London, having opened the London office in 1972. As a global, yet anglicised firm we have run an England & Wales training contract for almost 20 years and now offer four vacation schemes throughout each academic year, in winter, spring and summer. We also offer direct Training Contract places and a number of other events and programmes throughout the year so that you can get to know the firm and complete an informed application.

There are a number of benefits to gaining a place on a vacation scheme, though it is a very competitive process!

1. Two full weeks at the firm

Participants get to spend two weeks within the business, on a structured programme which aims to mirror the training contract. Participants sit with a trainee supervisor and shadow a trainee getting involved with the cutting-edge work the firm carries out. During the fortnight, you’ll also attend a number of talks, workshops, socials, and complete all the assessments to be considered for a Training Contract.

2. Understand what trainees do

You’ll have unprecedented access to our trainees and the work they do; allowing you to consider a long-term career in law and to consider the transferable skills you’ll best want to highlight in your assessments!

3. Experience the culture of the firm

On the schemes you’ll get to know the work, people and culture within the firm. In two weeks you’ll get an authentic experience (warts and all!) and can consider whether you would fit with the firm and get a good “feeling”.

4. CV worthy

Vacation schemes are great to have on your CV. They are competitive to secure and will vastly improve your knowledge of law, business and trainee tasks, allowing you to confidently portray this understanding at your interview and on your application forms for the future.

5. Get paid!

Last but not least, Vacation Schemes are paid internships so you’ll get to experience the thrills of London life whilst contributing to your holiday savings!

Despite the benefits, the Vacation Scheme route is not right for everyone. You can also gain a Training Contract through a direct application with the application window open January – July.

If you’ve already had plenty of work experience, you may not feel you need to complete a Vacation Scheme. We have a range of other events and open days you can attend to meet us and get to know the firm. Some people can’t spare the time for a Vacation Scheme; if you’re already in full-time employment why not consider our Re-Start event for career changers.

The recruitment process for the direct Training Contract application is condensed into a one day assessment centre. It is a full day in our London office, but the elements are the same as on the Vacation Scheme: a written exercise, group exercise, case study assessment and final round interview. We try to make it a two way experience so that you can get a feel for us – we arrange for you to meet some trainees over lunch and an informal chat, and we also finish the day with drinks to celebrate and relax!

Why not watch this video and read our blogs to help decide whether a Vacation Scheme or Training Contract application is the best option for you. We recommend you do choose, rather than applying for both at the same time.