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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Hi!
I would definitely still apply! Even if their process is rolling, they likely will review any applications that are submitted before the deadline, and what matters most is that you submit a strong and tailored application. The only way that you are guaranteed to not progress is if you don't apply in the first place!
if during an AC an interviewer said if you had any further qs about the firm/their work that you ran out of time to ask during the interview, that you could email them, is this out of politeness or are they fr even if you've just met them? thanks! 🥲 😅
Hello!
I'd say they're looking for one strong and detailed example rather than multiple shorter ones. The question says "an example", and firms usually prefer depth over breadth - they want to see that you can reflect on your experience, analyse what you did well, and link it meaningfully to the firm's values.
A good structure is the STAR method - set out the Situation / Task, outline what Actions you took, and then conclude with the Result / Reflection. Then, in the final few sentences, you could explicitly link that experience to Taylor Wessing. For example, you could mention how that value (e.g. creativity of teamwork) aligns with something specific about the firm (beyond it being one of their core values) - such as their work in tech and life sciences, or their approach to innovation.
I don't think you need to include a full case study, especially given the character limit, but a short reference to something you've read about Taylor Wessing (e.g. a deal, initiative, or an insight from a talk) makes the answer feel tailored and shows genuine engagement. The key is to show both self-awareness and firm-awareness, and how your experience reflects a value that is important at Taylor Wessing.
I hope that helps!
Hey!
That's a really good sign - it's not just politeness! If an interviewer says you can email them with any follow-up questions, I'd say they usually mean it. It shows they're open to engaging beyond the interview, particularly since you ran out of time!
If you do reach out, I'd keep it brief and genuine - maybe thank them again for the conversation and ask one or two specific questions that show genuine interest in their work or the firm more generally. It's quite common for interviewers to appreciate that kind of initiative, and it can leave a positive final impression. So yes, definitely something you can take at face value rather than just courtesy!
I hope that AC went well!
After the written assessment grad rec said it would be the end of business this week that we should hear back. That means today!
Thanks for your reply, Abbie. Just to piggy back off of this, what about the flip side where you give a single, detailed example, but that example ties in many of their values? The wording says "through AN example ... ONE of these...", but it's also very likely that a single example demonstrated multiple values e.g. you took responsibility for the project and came up with a creative solution to achieve excellence. Should you still just highlight only one of these? Because going by the STAR approach, your result is usually going to conclude in excellence or perhaps respect, so it's a bit difficult to totally decouple the values from one another when leading to the example's logical conclusion.Hello!
I'd say they're looking for one strong and detailed example rather than multiple shorter ones. The question says "an example", and firms usually prefer depth over breadth - they want to see that you can reflect on your experience, analyse what you did well, and link it meaningfully to the firm's values.
A good structure is the STAR method - set out the Situation / Task, outline what Actions you took, and then conclude with the Result / Reflection. Then, in the final few sentences, you could explicitly link that experience to Taylor Wessing. For example, you could mention how that value (e.g. creativity of teamwork) aligns with something specific about the firm (beyond it being one of their core values) - such as their work in tech and life sciences, or their approach to innovation.
I don't think you need to include a full case study, especially given the character limit, but a short reference to something you've read about Taylor Wessing (e.g. a deal, initiative, or an insight from a talk) makes the answer feel tailored and shows genuine engagement. The key is to show both self-awareness and firm-awareness, and how your experience reflects a value that is important at Taylor Wessing.
I hope that helps!
Hi ! Does anyone know what the general recommended format is when completing the work experience section for vac scheme applications? Are we supposed to use bullet points or paragraphs? I spoke to a couple of firms at a careers fair and they both gave contrasting answers, so I was wondering what the safest approach would be in general. Thank you !
Ahh okay here's hoping. Thank you!!Hey!
That's a really good sign - it's not just politeness! If an interviewer says you can email them with any follow-up questions, I'd say they usually mean it. It shows they're open to engaging beyond the interview, particularly since you ran out of time!
If you do reach out, I'd keep it brief and genuine - maybe thank them again for the conversation and ask one or two specific questions that show genuine interest in their work or the firm more generally. It's quite common for interviewers to appreciate that kind of initiative, and it can leave a positive final impression. So yes, definitely something you can take at face value rather than just courtesy!
I hope that AC went well!
Do you think it is now a PFO if I still haven't got the written assessment?
Go with what the firms prefer. That said, the majority of firms I've heard from say both are fine, but have a preference for prose, so I'd say it's safer if you're unsure to stick to (short) prose. Again though, ultimately, go by whatever the firm tells you they're looking for.
Hi I did both for bullet points and description:
I used bullet points to describe my role and responsibility based on my KPI
I used description for telling what is the company about
Usually this works at 150 - 250 word limit:
• Broadened non-profit network in emerging markets; received deals from Indonesia, China, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia.
• Attended hybrid AGM with WHO, WEF, UNICEF, WTO, and Government in Pune, India, to observe the annual reports involved in an on-site meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, to deliver the strategic planning and expansion strategies.
• Provide advice and reviewing materials for 100+ biotech or healthcare product streams including Covid-19, TB, Malaria, HPV, Polio, Yellow Fever, and Influenza.
The X is an alliance manufacturers from 15 developing countries dedicated to the innovation, research, development, manufacturing, and supply of high-quality products to 170 countries striving for equitable access. The X seeks to protect people worldwide from known and new infectious illnesses by expanding manufacturing in impoverished nations. It strives to boost makers by providing advocacy, professional training programs on technology and manufacturing advances, and serving as a liaison to create collaborations and financing. The X is also promotes technology transfer programs and educates the public about the availability of safe, effective, and inexpensive for all people.
Hope this helps :')
Last edited:
- Sep 9, 2024
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As some forum members already explained, it's always best to go with what the firm says they want, if you can find that out on their website or from a recruiter. Nonetheless, in many cases this information will not be available. In these situations, I would advise you to go with prose: while I know a minority of firms have a preference for bullet points, when asked, they invariably told me they have no issue with prose. Their preference just had to do with the fact that they found information presented in a bullet point form to be more digestible. However, there are also firms who want all sections to be written in prose. When asked whether they would accept bullet points, their reaction was more adverse, as the rationale behind wanting you to write in prose apparently had to do with wanting to test your drafting skills.
IIRC I was told that my group (last Friday) were the last group to do the written assessment. However, don't count yourself out if you haven't been sent an email about the outcome of your application
- Sep 9, 2024
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- 1,523
Just to jump in - as long as you keep it to one example which you explain in depth, I cannot imagine the firm would have an issue with you connecting that to more than one of their values. That said, to hedge against any such risk I would perhaps:
- Choose one value as the "dominant" value, which you explore in more depth and make more central to your point; and introduce the others more like "Also" points rather than points of equivalent importance to the main one.
- Still ensure you prioritise depth over depth - I would ensure that you properly analyse the importance of its value and how it connects to your experience; as if the firm had any reticence in terms of you mentioning more than one value, it would probably have to do with you not fleshing out your points in enough detail.
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