Converting A Vacation Scheme Into A Training Contract: From A Current Trainee
Amelia Mah
I am a Dual Qualifying Scots and English Law First Class Graduate with a diploma in Professional Legal Practice. I was a CMS Academy participant in London and Edinburgh. Since then I have been a CMS trainee since August 2021.
My key tips to converting a vacation scheme into a training contract would be networking, attitude, work & etiquette and continuous learning. This is what I will be going through.
Networking
Networking leads to gaining new connections that can really help in your career.
How to network:
Start with your circle and work your way out
Conversation starters
Find common ground
Use the opportunity
Dos and Don’ts
Do
Have precise and specific questions
Questions that the person is able to answer
Listen intently
Thank the person for their time
Don’t
Waffle unnecessarily
Take up all their available time
Be distracted when they are answering
Attitude
Have an enthusiastic attitude, with a pen and notepad handy, asking for more work when you can and always willing to ask RELEVANT questions. Persevere through your time at the vacation scheme and if it gets too much don’t suffer in silence and ask guidance where needed.
Work & Etiquette
Know what your work hours are. Be polite to everyone. Communicate your workload - with the ability to take on tasks and responsibilities. Also expect the unexpected! Flexibility is key in a vacation scheme where you may need to adapt to new circumstances whilst still being able to complete all assigned tasks.
Continuous Learning
This is pivotal to succeeding at your vacation scheme. Get feedback from our supervisor, buddy and/or peers. Ask questions to demonstrate a willingness to learn more. Finally speak to other departments so that you can not only learn more about cross-sector transactions but also how the firm works in different areas.
Finally, be yourself!
By Amelia Mah ‘Converting A Vacation Scheme Into A Training Contract’ event on PeerGrid.
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