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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Afraz Akhtar

Active Member
Staff member
Premium Member
Dec 22, 2025
14
63
Honestly, at the end of the day, no one really knows why anyone gets rejected at any stage except for the specific person/people who make the final decision to reject at that stage i.e. Grad Rec/Partners depending on the stage (as far as I'm aware)
This is very true! Sometimes, the rejection is simply the result of a highly competitive process - where most candidates were good but they still only have 25 TC's on offer. It's funny because we tell ourselves the rejection itself is so bad without considering the fact that there is so much behind it that we don't know. We assume that we're not good enough because we applied to the same firm two cycles in a row and think that's it, but we never consider the the potential behind how close we may have been this time around. The truth is, with each rejection, there is always little success candidates never get to see e.g. the first time you applied you were ranked 98/600 applicants and they could only shortlist 50, and the second time you applied you were ranked 57/2000 and they could only shortlist 50 - candidates just see the rejection, but we can see your improvements. This is why, you should never give up, tomorrow you may be 12/2000 and they're still shortlisting 50!
 

Afraz Akhtar

Active Member
Staff member
Premium Member
Dec 22, 2025
14
63
@Afraz Akhtar @Abbie Whitlock
What are the most effective questions to ask partners at the end of a training contract interview? Which ones have you found work well?
Pleasure to make your acquaintance Lord Sumption.

The possibilities truly are endless, you could ask about a particular piece of work they did historically or whether they think there are any opportunities or challenges in their department, what's keeping them at the company, what the challenges are for trainees at the firm, or quite simply, what they would expect from a successful trainee 1 year into the TC. It really depends on what you're hoping to learn from them, however these are a good start if your mind is blank. I would also point out, that you should make notes during your interview if you can (when they're introducing themselves), you'd be surprised how easy it is to form an enjoyable question for them based on details they provided.
 

Afraz Akhtar

Active Member
Staff member
Premium Member
Dec 22, 2025
14
63
I'm writing an answer to Akin's commercial issue question they ask to outline how it would impact clients and the type of work the firm does, would it be a cop out to use AI as an example?

@Afraz Akhtar
Nothing is a copout if you explain it well. AI is a good start, however do you think there's a risk of others choosing the same topic? If so, do you think you're able to write a strong enough answer to set yourself apart from theirs? It's a little risky - you want to stand out, not blend in. So, I personally would not choose AI as a topic. Instead, think beyond disruption to the wider industry and something specific to the firm itself, its particular industries/key clients/something they've been doing well. Everytime I was faced with this question, I always considered their annual report first to read through any of its successes, weaknesses, areas of focus for the foreseeable and used that as a base to identify potential risks.
 

adekuku

Standard Member
Jul 10, 2025
6
22
Nothing is a copout if you explain it well. AI is a good start, however do you think there's a risk of others choosing the same topic? If so, do you think you're able to write a strong enough answer to set yourself apart from theirs? It's a little risky - you want to stand out, not blend in. So, I personally would not choose AI as a topic. Instead, think beyond disruption to the wider industry and something specific to the firm itself, its particular industries/key clients/something they've been doing well. Everytime I was faced with this question, I always considered their annual report first to read through any of its successes, weaknesses, areas of focus for the foreseeable and used that as a base to identify potential risks.
Thank you!
 
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Lord Sumption

Distinguished Member
Premium Member
  • Nov 11, 2022
    56
    100
    Pleasure to make your acquaintance Lord Sumption.

    The possibilities truly are endless, you could ask about a particular piece of work they did historically or whether they think there are any opportunities or challenges in their department, what's keeping them at the company, what the challenges are for trainees at the firm, or quite simply, what they would expect from a successful trainee 1 year into the TC. It really depends on what you're hoping to learn from them, however these are a good start if your mind is blank. I would also point out, that you should make notes during your interview if you can (when they're introducing themselves), you'd be surprised how easy it is to form an enjoyable question for them based on details they provided.
    Thank you Afraz!
    I appreciate the response!
     
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    nbjani

    Distinguished Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Nov 23, 2023
    52
    94
    Pleasure to make your acquaintance Lord Sumption.

    The possibilities truly are endless, you could ask about a particular piece of work they did historically or whether they think there are any opportunities or challenges in their department, what's keeping them at the company, what the challenges are for trainees at the firm, or quite simply, what they would expect from a successful trainee 1 year into the TC. It really depends on what you're hoping to learn from them, however these are a good start if your mind is blank. I would also point out, that you should make notes during your interview if you can (when they're introducing themselves), you'd be surprised how easy it is to form an enjoyable question for them based on details they provided.
    Oh this brings up a whole question around the interview sections of ACs, or freestanding interviews. What's the vibe on taking in and making notes?
     
    Reactions: Afraz Akhtar

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