i haven’t heard anything since app 😩😩gonna hope MoFo is rolling because...
Why is no one responding to me!!!!
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
I did the wg last year and it took them ages to get back to me with a rejection (3 months). Progression - I’m not too sure but search on the forum.
??Any tips for converting a vac scheme to a TC offer in a US firm? their convertion rates are low, which terrifies me hahah
Thanks!
@Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen @everyone
the scheme is in april this year so im guessing it should be faster.
AC tips - hope this is useful:
As someone who is going through their first cycles and just did their first ACs, my advice is to know the firm and know yourself.
Find insight into the firm's AC process as every firm is different but some things are consistent. One is that this is not a combative process. Technically you are competing with each other to get a place BUT the firm wants to know if you would be a good person to work with.
Also know what kind of firm you are going to. Is it a collegiate firm, if so don't be afraid to be more personable and make appropriate jokes. Is it more straight-laced, if so practise your responses so they flow naturally but you cover everything you want to.
Know all the commercial issues going on but ensure you know anything that you could mention in an interview back to front and inside out. Go on the firm's websites - what are their recent news, awards and deals. How does the firm describe themselves and what are they looking for.
Look through your application and research to make sure you are not caught off guard if they ask you about something.
Be normal and polite, professional yet not uptight. Align yourself with how the interviewers are (if you have an interview). If you have a presentation or group work, listen to other people and build on what they say. Don't try to catch them out but if you disagree, validate their response but provide an alternate perspective.
Don't talk just to talk. Only say something if it is relevant and useful.
Also if you have an interview, grab some water so you can take a sip if you need a moment to think.
Keep smiling and breathe.
As someone who is going through their first cycles and just did their first ACs, my advice is to know the firm and know yourself.
Find insight into the firm's AC process as every firm is different but some things are consistent. One is that this is not a combative process. Technically you are competing with each other to get a place BUT the firm wants to know if you would be a good person to work with.
Also know what kind of firm you are going to. Is it a collegiate firm, if so don't be afraid to be more personable and make appropriate jokes. Is it more straight-laced, if so practise your responses so they flow naturally but you cover everything you want to.
Know all the commercial issues going on but ensure you know anything that you could mention in an interview back to front and inside out. Go on the firm's websites - what are their recent news, awards and deals. How does the firm describe themselves and what are they looking for.
Look through your application and research to make sure you are not caught off guard if they ask you about something.
Be normal and polite, professional yet not uptight. Align yourself with how the interviewers are (if you have an interview). If you have a presentation or group work, listen to other people and build on what they say. Don't try to catch them out but if you disagree, validate their response but provide an alternate perspective.
Don't talk just to talk. Only say something if it is relevant and useful.
Also if you have an interview, grab some water so you can take a sip if you need a moment to think.
Keep smiling and breathe.
Applied in December. Heard back today!
Irwin Mitchell AC! London office for individual stream. If anyone has any advice as it is specifically service for individuals that would be great as I’ve only ever done ACs catered towards the business route
Yeah Orrick sent all their WGs out on 10 Feb (same as last year it seems) and MoFo has began to send out interviews today. I’m sure that MoFo will send more out over the next few days and weeks though tbh, so nobody needs to assume a PFO.
Yeah MoFo is going to send out 50~ invites I think they’ll do them all this week though.
If they’re following the same schedule as last year then yeah I think so, cos all WGs were sent on 10 Feb, with ACs sent around 28 Feb last year. This year so far they’re following the same pattern.
Damn, really thought getting someone internally to recommend me would move the needle. Guess my grades really are too shit for TCs
Don't be so hard on yourself, I basically failed first year of uni (only Ds and resits in both Christmas and summer exams) and still managed to get an internship at a US firm last summer + have progressed to various stages this cycle
It is a long and disheartening process, you've just got to hang in there
If it helps, our grades are pretty similar and I’ve been able to progress with several US firms this cycle, some of which ask for AAA A-levels (obvs I don’t have that), so it’s defo possible!
As the person above said, don’t be too hard on yourself cos this process is rough. It’ll only ever take that one yes from one firm! Keep pushing. I am certain you’ll hear positive news soon!
As the person above said, don’t be too hard on yourself cos this process is rough. It’ll only ever take that one yes from one firm! Keep pushing. I am certain you’ll hear positive news soon!
Hi!Any tips for converting a vac scheme to a TC offer in a US firm? their convertion rates are low, which terrifies me hahah
Thanks!
@Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen @everyone
Congratulations on the VS!!
It is completely normal to feel nervous about lower conversion rates, but I would try not to focus on it too much as you might psych yourself out.
My main advice would be to really use the scheme to engage as widely and proactively as possible. Ask lots of questions - about the work, about the firms strategy, about how matters fit into the wider deal, and about people's career paths. In my feedback call after being rejected post-VS for one of my schemes, one of the main points that was brought up was that I hadn't engaged with my supervisor enough and I should've asked more about their career path. You could speak to a wide range of associates, partners, and trainees, not just the people that you are directly sitting with. It shows genuine interest and will help you understand how the firm actually operates, which is handy for any interviews on the scheme.
Additionally, I would try to be proactive in asking for work and, just as importantly, feedback. If you finish something, let your supervisor (or whoever gave you the task) know and ask whether there is anything else you can help with. At the same time, it's important to be mindful of your tone - definitely try to avoid coming across as pushy or transactional. The key is to be enthusiastic and helpful, rather than adding more tasks to your supervisors workload!
One thing that is often overlooked is how you treat other vacation schemes. I would focus on supporting those around you, and ensuring that you are collaborative rather than competitive. Whilst you are technically "competing" with those around you, firms notice how you behave in a cohort, and being someone who contributes positively to the group says a lot about how you would be as a trainee. Graduate recruitment teams notice those who are being overly competitive on the scheme, and it often doesn't reflect well on them!
Overall, it is generally important to approach the scheme with a good attitude. Things such as being reliable, responsive, calm under pressure, and easy to work with are all key traits that they will be looking for. People will be thinking about whether you're someone they'd trust on a busy deal at 10pm, particularly at a US firm - competence definitely matters, but so does being someone that people enjoy working with!
Low conversion rates doesn't mean that you have low chances - if you focus on being engaged, proactive, and a good team player, you'll give yourself the best possible shot!
Best of luck with the VS, and I hope you enjoy it too!
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