TCLA Spring & Summer Vacation Scheme Thread 2026

[fbtrainee]

Hi, I've heard that part of the assessment for my upcoming VS is a presentation on a topic of your choice to the entire firm. I was wondering if anyone has any advice on how to approach this? I don't have much context on how long the presentation is supposed to be but I'd appreciate any tips on how to approach presentations especially under pressure

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, I've heard that part of the assessment for my upcoming VS is a presentation on a topic of your choice to the entire firm. I was wondering if anyone has any advice on how to approach this? I don't have much context on how long the presentation is supposed to be but I'd appreciate any tips on how to approach presentations especially under pressure

Hey!

For these types of assessments, I'd say they are usually assessing things like your communication style, structure, confidence, clarity, and ability to engage an audience, rather than expecting a perfect presentation!

My biggest advice would be to choose a topic that you are genuinely interested in and could speak about naturally. People tend to perform much better under pressure when they are discussing something they actually enjoy and understand well, rather than forcing themselves into an overly technical commercial topic as they think it sounds more impressive.

In terms of structure, I have always found that keeping it fairly simple usually works best. I'd start with a clear introduction (i.e. what you'll cover and why it matters), 2-3 main points, and then a concise conclusion to wrap it all up. I would also avoid overcrowding any slides with text (if you are asked to make presentation slides) - a presentation that feels conversational and easy to follow is usually stronger than one that is packed with information and text.

I used to be (and honestly still am) petrified of public speaking, so I can share what helped me with approaching presentations or assessments of this nature. For nerves/pressure, I think that it really helps to practice out loud as much as possible. A lot of people rehearse silently in their head, but speaking it aloud helps massively with things like pacing and confidence. Even if you don't feel particularly confident, I'd just try to fake it until you make it - that usually works for me, haha! I also found it helpful to know my opening 30 seconds really well, as if you get this right and settle into the presentation, the nerves often ease more naturally.

If you don't know the timing yet, I'd probably prepare something flexible that could comfortably sit around the 5-10 minute mark unless told otherwise. If they are allowed to ask questions afterwards, I would try to remember that they are often testing how you think and communicate under pressure, rather than trying to catch you out. They might probe you on some of the ideas or views you have expressed, and it is important to stand your ground if you feel confident on the topic, but also be open to changing your mind if they offer a new perspective that you hadn't considered.

I hope that assists, and best of luck - I'm sure you'll do great!!

 

[ELSA19]

Hi everyone, I just wanted to reach out for some advice regarding my upcoming vacation scheme.

I was fortunate enough to secure two vacation schemes this summer. However, as I’m an international student and will also be completing my master’s during the summer, my visa restricts me to working 20 hours per week. After explaining the situation to both firms, unfortunately one rescinded my offer, but the other was very accommodating and agreed to arrange the scheme around the 20-hour limit. They mentioned they’ve had candidates in this situation before and would do their best to ensure I wasn’t disadvantaged.

HR gave me two options:

1. Include networking dinners/events within my 20 hours, or
2. Focus only on working hours.

They recommended the second option, saying it would allow them to better evaluate my work. Before the scheme starts, I’ll also be completing a written task, which I understand forms part of the TC assessment process as well.

I also spoke to a trainee at the firm who had previously been in the same position and still managed to secure a TC offer. They mentioned that they attended the partner dinner, but at times found balancing the social and work aspects quite difficult. They also said the firm took their reduced working hours into account when assessing them.

Even though I’m grateful the firm has been accommodating, I can’t help feeling a bit anxious and worried that I may be at a disadvantage compared to other candidates. I was wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation or has any advice on how best to approach and mitigate this during the scheme?

Thank you in advance!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone, I just wanted to reach out for some advice regarding my upcoming vacation scheme.

I was fortunate enough to secure two vacation schemes this summer. However, as I’m an international student and will also be completing my master’s during the summer, my visa restricts me to working 20 hours per week. After explaining the situation to both firms, unfortunately one rescinded my offer, but the other was very accommodating and agreed to arrange the scheme around the 20-hour limit. They mentioned they’ve had candidates in this situation before and would do their best to ensure I wasn’t disadvantaged.

HR gave me two options:

1. Include networking dinners/events within my 20 hours, or
2. Focus only on working hours.

They recommended the second option, saying it would allow them to better evaluate my work. Before the scheme starts, I’ll also be completing a written task, which I understand forms part of the TC assessment process as well.

I also spoke to a trainee at the firm who had previously been in the same position and still managed to secure a TC offer. They mentioned that they attended the partner dinner, but at times found balancing the social and work aspects quite difficult. They also said the firm took their reduced working hours into account when assessing them.

Even though I’m grateful the firm has been accommodating, I can’t help feeling a bit anxious and worried that I may be at a disadvantage compared to other candidates. I was wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation or has any advice on how best to approach and mitigate this during the scheme?

Thank you in advance!

Hi!

Firstly, congratulations on securing the vacation schemes!

I think the firm's response here is a really positive sign - the fact that they have dealt with this situation before, have proactively discussed adjustments with you, and have had previous candidates in the same position secure TCs suggests they genuinely are trying to assess you fairly.

I also think HRs recommendation to prioritise working hours is probably sensible. Ultimately, the strongest basis for a TC offer is usually the quality of your work, your engagement with the team, responsiveness to feedback, and how you conduct yourself day-to-day. Networking events can help, but firms are unlikely to expect you to attend every social event even in normal circumstances, let alone where visa restrictions limit your available hours.

I would therefore focus on making the most of the time you do have during the scheme to be proactive in asking questions and seeking work, show enthusiasm and curiosity about the tasks you are give, build relationships during the working day, and make sure that your supervisors can clearly see your interest and engagement.

If there are particularly important events that fit within the permitted hours, then great, but I would not worry too much about trying to attend everything at the expense of the core scheme itself.

From what you have said, it sounds like the firm understands the situation and wants to give you a fair opportunity to succeed. I would make the most of it and give it your best shot - I'm sure you'll do great!