TLDR: I was offered and accepted a Vac Scheme at my dream firm, but they have reached out to me explaining that they want to give me the option to switch streams into the direct TC recruitment stream as they are accelerating trainee recruitment. If I switch, I'll lose my Vac Scheme spot.
Background: I am a recent GDL graduate. After about 40 rejections over two recruitment rounds, I was stunned to receive an offer to interview at an excellent commercial firm in the city. I have been juggling several hospitality jobs to keep myself afloat while studying full-time, and as a result, I have no legal experience outside of my education. I was able to land the interview in part thanks to a diversity initiative I believe.
When I got the offer for a vac scheme, I was over the moon. I made it clear during my interview that I was lacking in experience in commercial law but was able to point out transferable skills.
Problem: The firm just contacted me proposing that I switch to the direct TC route as they are rapidly growing several trainee cohorts for 2023-24, and I am able to complete my SQE before then. My current vac scheme cohort leads into TCs in 2024. If I take their offer to switch, I would lose my vac scheme spot. I am extremely conflicted.
On one hand, this would mean several more interviews and assessment centres. As I lack experience, I would be very much on the back foot. I would also lose my chance at attending the vac scheme and gaining much-needed experience. I fear that I am already lagging behind, and if I miss out on my only vacation scheme, I will be extremely disappointed.
On the other hand, I do not want to seem uncooperative or lacking in ambition. The firm has made it clear that the firm is rapidly growing and needs more trainees. Both my parents are over the moon about the offer for a direct TC stream and interpret the interview offer as overwhelmingly good news.
I really am desperate for more experience. As I am lacking in this area, I believe my best chance at securing a TC is by showing up at the firm for a week to demonstrate my strengths in person. Would I be stupid to pass on their offer for the direct TC stream, or should I continue onto the Vac Scheme?
Many thanks! I really appreciate any advice you may have! The market is extremely competitive, and I feel like this one decision will make or break my legal career
Background: I am a recent GDL graduate. After about 40 rejections over two recruitment rounds, I was stunned to receive an offer to interview at an excellent commercial firm in the city. I have been juggling several hospitality jobs to keep myself afloat while studying full-time, and as a result, I have no legal experience outside of my education. I was able to land the interview in part thanks to a diversity initiative I believe.
When I got the offer for a vac scheme, I was over the moon. I made it clear during my interview that I was lacking in experience in commercial law but was able to point out transferable skills.
Problem: The firm just contacted me proposing that I switch to the direct TC route as they are rapidly growing several trainee cohorts for 2023-24, and I am able to complete my SQE before then. My current vac scheme cohort leads into TCs in 2024. If I take their offer to switch, I would lose my vac scheme spot. I am extremely conflicted.
On one hand, this would mean several more interviews and assessment centres. As I lack experience, I would be very much on the back foot. I would also lose my chance at attending the vac scheme and gaining much-needed experience. I fear that I am already lagging behind, and if I miss out on my only vacation scheme, I will be extremely disappointed.
On the other hand, I do not want to seem uncooperative or lacking in ambition. The firm has made it clear that the firm is rapidly growing and needs more trainees. Both my parents are over the moon about the offer for a direct TC stream and interpret the interview offer as overwhelmingly good news.
I really am desperate for more experience. As I am lacking in this area, I believe my best chance at securing a TC is by showing up at the firm for a week to demonstrate my strengths in person. Would I be stupid to pass on their offer for the direct TC stream, or should I continue onto the Vac Scheme?
Many thanks! I really appreciate any advice you may have! The market is extremely competitive, and I feel like this one decision will make or break my legal career