Insight Days taking place *after* applications close for winter vac?

[ldjdhgdcsd]

Hello all,

I am in the middle of applying for winter vac schemes, but have noticed a theme with the majority of firms hosting their insight days after the closing date for the winter vacation schemes. In terms of 'interacting' with the firm, I know I could there are some mass virtual 'open days' ie legal cheek, but I feel like going through the process of and attending the firm's own open day would be a bit more insightful.

Or wondering if I should gamble trying to get an open day, and then just apply for spring/summer?

Is anyone else stuck in this same position? Do you have any advice?

Thank you

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Hello all,

I am in the middle of applying for winter vac schemes, but have noticed a theme with the majority of firms hosting their insight days after the closing date for the winter vacation schemes. In terms of 'interacting' with the firm, I know I could there are some mass virtual 'open days' ie legal cheek, but I feel like going through the process of and attending the firm's own open day would be a bit more insightful.

Or wondering if I should gamble trying to get an open day, and then just apply for spring/summer?

Is anyone else stuck in this same position? Do you have any advice?

Thank you

Hey,

Thank you for asking this question - I am sure that a lot of applicants face the same dilemma.

The choice between applying to vacation schemes and waiting to first attend an open day will depend on how you want to structure your workload for the application cycle.

If you feel like you know the firm well, have researched their practice areas in depth, and spoke with trainees or associates via email, for example, then I'd say you are already well-positioned to write a convincing and tailored application for a winter vacation scheme. You can then try and attend an open day to supplement your understanding of the firm ahead of the interview/ assessment centre.

This would also depend on what you mean by an open day being more 'insightful'. I'd ask myself - what specific information can I get out of an open day, and how would it help me write an application that is better than what I have now?

In other words, if you genuinely feel that an open day will make your application much stronger (e.g. the firm is quite reserved on their website and you can't find much stuff online), then I'd consider waiting for an open day and application for a spring or summer scheme.

Hope this helps!