TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

[ScrappyDoo]

Is anyone attending the Baker McKenzie Open Day?

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Hi @Esporia, @Melanie97 and @LEL. Congratulations all on completing your Forage programs! However, you cannot reference these as work experience. Forage has a very strict policy on this, as do the partnered firms which run these programs through Forage. The following is quoted from their referencing policy handbook:

'You must not include any Virtual Experience Program as work experience or employment on your CV.' (emphasis added by Forage)

You can, however, reference these on your CV as 'extracurricular activities'. I hope that helps.

Toby from CC in the recent Vantage session talked about this and from what I remember, I think he clearly mentioned that we can add this to the work ex section. Because, there isn't an explicit section that asks for your extra-curriculars and since the app has largely been truncated down to just one question regarding your achievements, I don't think that the Forage schemes will fit there either. Please correct me if I'm wrong but why would Toby mention it during Vantage is something to ponder over.

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Is anyone attending the Baker McKenzie Open Day?

Are all their open days this year virtual.

 

[Rob93]

In 'why law/why this firm/why you' questions and cover letters, is it appropriate to go beyond the training stage and talk about the appeal of general career progression and post-qualification opportunities with the firm?

 

[Rob93]

Toby from CC in the recent Vantage session talked about this and from what I remember, I think he clearly mentioned that we can add this to the work ex section. Because, there isn't an explicit section that asks for your extra-curriculars and since the app has largely been truncated down to just one question regarding your achievements, I don't think that the Forage schemes will fit there either. Please correct me if I'm wrong but why would Toby mention it during Vantage is something to ponder over.

I've also heard grad rec people say that they're happy to see Forage experiences in WE sections of applications.
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but as best I recall the Forage policy is silent on the question of VS/TC application forms. It insists that people not list their Forage activities as work history on LinkedIn and CVs, presumably to avoid the risk of people - even accidentally - holding themselves out as having done a proper internship at any of the partner companies. For application forms, it's probably best to check with each target firm and ask how/if they want Forage experiences to be recorded.

 

[Jessica Booker]

In 'why law/why this firm/why you' questions and cover letters, is it appropriate to go beyond the training stage and talk about the appeal of general career progression and post-qualification opportunities with the firm?

Yes, you can cover this as long as it isn’t over emphasised (eg it suggests you are only interested in reaching partnership).

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

I've also heard grad rec people say that they're happy to see Forage experiences in WE sections of applications.
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but as best I recall the Forage policy is silent on the question of VS/TC application forms. It insists that people not list their Forage activities as work history on LinkedIn and CVs, presumably to avoid the risk of people - even accidentally - holding themselves out as having done a proper internship at any of the partner companies. For application forms, it's probably best to check with each target firm and ask how/if they want Forage experiences to be recorded.

I think you're right. @Jessica Booker could you give us something conclusive here that speaks for all firms?

 

[BeGrateful.101]

Has anyone applied for the Linklaters Winter vac scheme?
Just wondering if you get sent an automatic WG test and CAPP test report when you submit the application?

 

[Jessica Booker]

I've also heard grad rec people say that they're happy to see Forage experiences in WE sections of applications.
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but as best I recall the Forage policy is silent on the question of VS/TC application forms. It insists that people not list their Forage activities as work history on LinkedIn and CVs, presumably to avoid the risk of people - even accidentally - holding themselves out as having done a proper internship at any of the partner companies. For application forms, it's probably best to check with each target firm and ask how/if they want Forage experiences to be recorded.

Technically the terms sit with Forage not to include it - when you complete a Forage programme you basically sign/tick something that says you won’t include it in work experience. So it shouldn’t really matter what the firm says you should/shouldn’t do, you should be doing what you have agreed to with Forage (even if it isn’t enforceable).

I think there are plenty of ways in can be included in an application form without it being in a work experience section though.

 

[Jessica Booker]

I think you're right. @Jessica Booker could you give us something conclusive here that speaks for all firms?

There will be nothing that “speaks for all firms”.

 

[Dwight]

Anyone have an idea when White & Case will open applications for their winter scheme?

 

[Rob93]

Technically the terms sit with Forage not to include it - when you complete a Forage programme you basically sign/tick something that says you won’t include it in work experience. So it shouldn’t really matter what the firm says you should/shouldn’t do, you should be doing what you have agreed to with Forage (even if it isn’t enforceable).

I think there are plenty of ways in can be included in an application form without it being in a work experience section though.

My point though is that the terms supplied by Forage address LinkedIn/CV use, and are silent on the point of application form work experience. I've emailed their help desk for clarification on their policy and will report back here when I receive a response.

 

[Jessica Booker]

My point though is that the terms supplied by Forage address LinkedIn/CV use, and are silent on the point of application form work experience. I've emailed their help desk for clarification on their policy and will report back here when I receive a response.

That would still apply to application forms. It’s very clear they do not see it as work experience and therefore are telling you not to claim it as such in any format. Instead you should claim it as a form of training/certification.

It’s very simple - just reference it elsewhere in your application, just not your work experience sections, whether that is a CV, LinkedIn profile or an application form.

https://cdn.theforage.com/vinternships/companyassets/8eNRcRqBZM9HLvwGw/Eofm5t6uMHFSGLtuW/ForageReferencingPolicy.pdf

 

[ScrappyDoo]

Are all their open days this year virtual.

Yeah, did you apply?

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Yeah, did you apply?

No I did not

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Does anyone know the HSF application questions as I can't sign into my account it says my account is locked right now.

 

[Slawrelated]

Does anyone know if CMS require you to do the Watson glaser

 

[OB]

Does anyone know the HSF application questions as I can't sign into my account it says my account is locked right now.

The website says the question are these:
1. Introduce us to a topic you know about and explain why it interests you
2. Explain why you’re interested in pursuing a career at Herbert Smith Freehills
3. What skills, qualities and attributes would you bring to the role?

My account is locked too so take these with a pinch of salt

 

[BeGrateful.101]

The website says the question are these:
1. Introduce us to a topic you know about and explain why it interests you
2. Explain why you’re interested in pursuing a career at Herbert Smith Freehills
3. What skills, qualities and attributes would you bring to the role?

My account is locked too so take these with a pinch of salt

Why is all our accounts locked -_- like what's happening with HSF? LOL

 

[OB]

Does anyone know if CMS require you to do the Watson glaser

If you pass the application stage then you'll be sent a WG test