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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

BealMcAlly

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Feb 3, 2025
157
156
does it impact the applications liklihood to progress if its near the deadline? approach for all firms is different on this one
Yeah, some firms straight up close their application window if they fill their spots before the deadline.

From what I heard from Reed Smith's GR team, they don't stop reviewing before the deadline. @Abbie Whitlock can probably confirm if this is true hah
 
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elle woods

Legendary Member
  • Dec 4, 2025
    429
    784
    Ah this process is getting too much now. Really considering if I am just wasting my time and will never succeed. Constant rejections just coming in and I am not sure what more I can do. I feel like I constantly see one type of person succeed in this process and that will never be me. As someone from an underrepresented background I also feel like the vac scheme I was unable to convert was my only chance and I blew it. Can't even get to an AC since. I feel like a loser when UNIVERSITY students are securing top TCs and I am here as a grad begging firms cycle after cycle. Probably just not good enough either and need a reality check, haha.
    hey I agree with what Novaa said, but also, I just wanted to say - don't give up! If this is what you really want, then I trust with my whole heart that you will get it eventually. I've talked to trainees who said it took them over 4-6 times of applying (some with gap years in between cycles) to finally get their first AC, so the fact that you managed to get a VS is telling in itself of your abilities! I think this application cycle is just a bit worse off since the market is kinda poor rn and competition is higher than ever...

    Everyone's timelines are different (and btw, the average age of a trainee is usually in the high 20s from what I've heard), some firms might like university students since they're easier to teach and mould, but as a grad, you have your own unique set of skills to draw upon that no one else would have! Believe in yourself, and keep going (give yourself rest days too tho), best of luck!!

    Give Up Crypto GIF by Abster
     
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    elle woods

    Legendary Member
  • Dec 4, 2025
    429
    784
    Sorry, just bumping this up! I've heard varying things about how VS offers have already been given out so I'm just really contemplating whether it's worth applying! Does anyone know of people who applied late and still progressed?
    apparently they put people on hold earlier on and now they're releasing them and interviewing them in the next few weeks - so I guess that leaves you to make up your own mind as to whether it is still worth it! I personally might not, but at the same time, I'm already halfway through their online form...so we'll see
     
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    adh3

    Active Member
    Premium Member
    Oct 14, 2025
    19
    54
    Ah this process is getting too much now. Really considering if I am just wasting my time and will never succeed. Constant rejections just coming in and I am not sure what more I can do. I feel like I constantly see one type of person succeed in this process and that will never be me. As someone from an underrepresented background I also feel like the vac scheme I was unable to convert was my only chance and I blew it. Can't even get to an AC since. I feel like a loser when UNIVERSITY students are securing top TCs and I am here as a grad begging firms cycle after cycle. Probably just not good enough either and need a reality check, haha.
    If it's any consolation, I can completely relate to this. I'm going through a very similar series of emotions at the moment. I don't have a VS under my belt, but I understand how this could exacerbate negative feelings.

    As somebody else on this forum very kindly said to me the other day (when I was crashing out), I'm certain that you're a much stronger candidate than it might seem at the moment. Don't lose hope!
     

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