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Message: <blockquote data-quote="laurabeaumont" data-source="post: 143954" data-attributes="member: 29428">Agree with all the points [USER=17277]@confusedlawstudent[/USER] and [USER=16724]@RANDOTRON[/USER] has made and would like to add the following things that helped me both before and during the VS:<ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Keep a diary about every single thing you learn/have heard during the VS - talks, work, coffee chats etc. I used a cheap blank notebook but you can use a notes app. It is SO important you are able to properly reflect on what you have learned about yourself and the firm which will help you provide genuine answers about those topics in the exit interview. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Appearances are key and I am not (just) talking about looking smart. Make sure you are respectful and engaged in every conversation/activity. Good manners may seem like an obvious trait to demonstrate but you would be surprised how negatively impactful even one slight slip in manners or tone or not paying attention can be. The firm is putting a huge amount of effort into ensuring your VS is a fruitful experience for everyone involved, make sure your conduct on the VS simply reflects your respect for that fact.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Look up the long-term strategy of the firm (i.e. their business plan and particular areas of growth) on FT or on their website before you start and then fill in the minutae of their plan during the VS. You should decipher whether this fits in with your career interests.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Practice researching if you haven't already - universities often provide good Westlaw and Lexis Nexis introductions (you can access Westlaw and Lexis Nexis on uni library services)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">When you are undertaking the work tasks, jot down a map of how you got to each of your answers - even if you end up with the wrong answer, 90% of your research might have been right and you will want to demonstrate that. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Put your absolute all into the group exercise (aligning with the comments in the above post I made). Spend ample time preparing for it too!</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Actively reaching out to other lawyers (perhaps in areas of particular interest) to have coffee chats with them or even just simply emailing to ask particular questions (lawyers are busy people). By the time of your exit interview, you should have a complete view of the firm and how it fits against your career goals/aims and your skillset. Ideally, you shouldn't have any outstanding questions. That way, when you are asked 'Why X firm' you can offer a tailored answer.</li> </ol>Hope this insight helps! - Laura <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></blockquote>

Verification: Our company is called, "The Corporate ___ Academy". What is the missing word here?

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