Thank you Afraz!
This really helps a lot.
As someone who has not studied or worked in the UK, how can I ensure I stand out in the vac scheme? What are some ways to impress and also non-negotiable pointers if you could share?
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
This really helps a lot.
As someone who has not studied or worked in the UK, how can I ensure I stand out in the vac scheme? What are some ways to impress and also non-negotiable pointers if you could share?
Hey, I got it through the Winter VS.
Got CC AC last week. I've made into 4 other VIs so far. Should I apply for more firms now, or solely prepare for CC AC (in one month)?
Congratulations!! You’re clearly doing the right things
I would suggest you do the 4 pending vis, focus the most on CC ac but also spend some time doing other apps as you’d want to keep your options open. Maybe make a list of firms you’re interested in and note down deadlines, you’d be lucky if the deadlines are after the CC ac (many are 31 Jan from what I know) otherwise I’m sure you’ll manage your time and manage this too
Best of luck!
I've not heard back either, hopefully they are releasing in batches
I haven't heard back, fearing the worst but still hoping for the best 🙏
Getting bit nervous about tw after getting 2 pfos from rs and b&b yesterday.
Has anyone heard from them after doing their test? I did mine on the 13th 😅
Has anyone heard from them after doing their test? I did mine on the 13th 😅
Im glad to hear it, as for your status, I don't think this is going to hinder your ability to stand out on the vacation scheme. So, lets reframe the question to focus more on what you (as a vac scheme like any other) can do to stand out.
Do
1. Be yourself - I know it sounds like a cliche, but it rings so true. You should bring your personality with you, whether thats a little humour or a little sarcasm. It's important to remember that the feedback your buddy and assessors will provide in the end of vac scheme washup* is cebtred around your performance and whether they can see themselves working with you in the future.
2. Be authentic - I've seen a few people try to be someone they're not e.g. asking over the top commercial questions, or faking an interest in something that is typically quite mundane and this is going to be obvious. You don't need to fake your enthusiasm if it is not there, but instead seek the opportunity to learn more about something from those around you e.g. reaching out to someone outside your department to learn a little more "Hey, I had not considered the Employment department before, and eventhough I'm sat in Real Estate, would you or anyone in your team have 15 minutes for a catchup sometime this week?"
3. Look at each assessment through the eyes of graduate recruitment - understand what they're assessing you on (if any exist) and approach it accordingly e.g. group exercises are assessing your ability to work well in a team, not overshadow others
4. Enjoy the opportunity - this opportunity is not one to waste, and even if it does not get to a TC, it will still improve your CV so look to it as a development experience and make sure to push yourself outside of your comfort zone e.g. asking for work that you probably hadn't done before and seek feedback following this.
*A washup is the final meeting of all assessors, where they get together on a call to essentially talk through the candidates and decide who they're going to award a TC to. It may take a different form across different firms, but the jist of the process is generally the same.
Don't
1. Be shy - I know its hard when you may be surrounded with people who tend to steal the limelight, but they're being assessed just like you and it will not reflect well. So, take deep breaths if you need to, and put yourself out there. Again, strike a balance between being too quiet and being too loud - you should just strive to be present and open.
2. Complain - you'd be surprised how many people have complained about the department they've been placed into for their vacation scheme, but remember your TC will have these moments too (you can't choose all your seats yourself) so be accepting, and show them that you're open to learning new things.
Hopefully that helps a little, but if there is anything more specific you need, then please let me know. I'm super excited for you! I really enjoyed my vacation scheme and I am sure you will too.
afaik tw tends to release their written exercises all at once! for spring they released them a couple weeks ago, but for summer wont be till the new year (unless you did not meet the benchmark for the test- in which case you would have been rejected already)
therefore no news is def good news!
Great job and congrats. I bet folks like Abby and Afraz would gladly help. It is best to direct your message to them if they haven't got to it yet. A favour, please. Do you have any tips for the test? Thanks!
Have you not done yours yet? My date is due for tomorrow but I want to get it done today
hi, what were the questions you had last year? would really appreciate some advice!! thanks!!Hey!
When I did the Kirkland VI last year, it was 3 questions. I'm pretty sure it was more than 15 seconds to prepare (30 if memory serves me correctly!). If you have any other questions about the VI, just reply to this
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