Hi everyone! I'm an international final-year student and my visa ends 30 June 2026. Does this mean that for summer vac schemes I should be seeking firms that will sponsor my visa for the VS? If so, is there a list of these firms?
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
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Hi! I have an interview on Wednesday and part of the interview includes an 'Individual Task with HR'. Does anyone have any idea what this might be?
I've also been told that 15 minutes before my interview (with partners) I'll be given a document to read and prepare some thoughts on- I've never had to do this before so does anyone have any insight into this?
I've also been told that 15 minutes before my interview (with partners) I'll be given a document to read and prepare some thoughts on- I've never had to do this before so does anyone have any insight into this?
It could be a prioritisation task where you have e.g. 10 emails detailing different tasks you need to complete and you have to rank them in order of priority i.e. which one would you complete first, second, last etc and then you would have to explain why. I had to go through a similar exercise and they only allowed me 15 minutes to complete the ranking. It could also be where you get an email from a client and you have to write a response to that email, in this task I imagine they're just testing your writing skills.
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hiya @badmintonflyinginsect
Having been in a similar position myself, I can say that it's highly unlikely that firms will sponsor a visa for a vacation scheme. Most firms expect applicants to already have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the scheme, and I've rarely (if ever) come across examples of firms sponsoring visas just for the VS. Since your visa runs until 30 June 2026, I’d suggest focusing on applying for direction training contracts, as well as vacations schemes that take place outside of term time and before the expiry of your visa.
I should also say that it’s worth checking each firm’s graduate recruitment pages or contacting their HR teams to clarify their position on sponsorship for the training contract. But for VSs specifically, I'm almost certain that there are no firms that will go through the trouble of sponsoring a visa.
Hope that helps and best of luck with your applications!
Hi everyone, I have an interview with Perkins Coie coming up, if anyone has done it can you dm me pls? Would be great to get some insight, thank you 
In terms of applying for open days, do firms typically prefer to allocate spaces to undergrads, or is it still worth applying as a postgrad?
- Feb 17, 2018
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Hi everyone, I have an interview with Perkins Coie coming up, if anyone has done it can you dm me pls? Would be great to get some insight, thank you
Just sharing this podcast with Perkins Coie in case it helps for your interview!
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hiya @WiddyJ
Unless the open day is clearly limited to first years or undergraduates, there’s no reason not to apply. I’ve attended several myself as a career changer, and no one seemed particularly concerned about what stage I was at. Even if you’re unsure whether you’ll be selected, the process of applying tends to be useful in itself. It forces you to read about the firm with a bit more structure, since you'll still need to make an application and because selection for these opportunities is still competitive. Often that same research can be reused later on, whether or not you get the open day. Hope you apply and good luck!
This isn’t the impression that I got seeing as they’re advertising it as a vacation scheme which could presumably lead to a TC? I would be surprised if a large city firm like DAC hosted an unpaid vacation scheme in any case
I spoke to someone from HR at the firm, and she said that you'll still have to apply for a TC after the vacation scheme. I think it's because the application is quite straightforward.
"Thank you for your training contract offer.
We received a number of training contract offers and I am sorry to inform you that we will not be progressing with your offer any further.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide you with feedback at this stage.
Thank you for your interest in myself and I wish you all the best with your trainee solicitor recruitment."
_ _ _
Jokes aside - just thank them for the offer and say that unfortunately you've decided to accept the offer presented by a separate firm. Say you've enjoyed meeting, interacting with the team and your time on the Vacation Scheme (if applicable) and you are grateful for the opportunity provided. Hopefully you can re-connect down the line
Keep it short and sweet
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