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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Hey need advice. I am struggling a bit with commercial awareness right now. I usually rely on Watson's Daily but he (Peter Watson) is on holiday. I am struggling to find a methodical way of going through the FT to find the relevant information in a time efficient manner. Does anyone have any tips ?
 

EfficientBag123

Valued Member
  • Aug 23, 2024
    124
    121
    Hey need advice. I am struggling a bit with commercial awareness right now. I usually rely on Watson's Daily but he (Peter Watson) is on holiday. I am struggling to find a methodical way of going through the FT to find the relevant information in a time efficient manner. Does anyone have any tips ?
    Go to the comment section of FT. But commercial awareness doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time to build up. Just stick with it.
     

    Abbie Whitlock

    Administrator
    Staff member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 11, 2025
    703
    699
    can you apply to both TC and VS for Farrer & Co? I made a mistake on the VS app after finishing it off all day today :/
    Hey!

    Yes, you can! I remember speaking to a trainee on my vacation scheme that was rejected from the VS application but ended up re-applying for the DTC route and ended up securing an offer at the firm in the same cycle :)
     

    Abbie Whitlock

    Administrator
    Staff member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 11, 2025
    703
    699
    Is there a general timeframe for when it would be "too late" to apply for rolling deadlines? Especially for firms like White & Case and Gibson Dunn that are in the next few weeks - thanks in advance!
    Hi!

    I wouldn't say there is generally a timeframe where it would be too late - most rolling firms will still review any applications submitted before the deadline! @Andrei Radu has actually posted a really useful post on this where he discusses whether it is worth submitting later in the window for a rolling deadline, which might be reassuring to read :)

    Ultimately, whilst it will differ between firms, if you can submit a strong and tailored application to the firm, you still have a good chance of being progressed!
     

    Shiv Lawy

    Active Member
    Dec 17, 2025
    11
    5
    Asking for a friend who got a Capsticks PFO without an invite to the online test the emailed implied was automatic.
    He applied on deadline day is it possible he got rejected because it was rolling and already filled?

    Did anyone get an auto invite to the online test or PFO before the invite? Any advice appreciated because I believe his application was strong and he met the minimum grade requirements.
     

    Bread

    Legendary Member
    Jan 30, 2024
    224
    373
    Asking for a friend who got a Capsticks PFO without an invite to the online test the emailed implied was automatic.
    He applied on deadline day is it possible he got rejected because it was rolling and already filled?

    Did anyone get an auto invite to the online test or PFO before the invite? Any advice appreciated because I believe his application was strong and he met the minimum grade requirements.
    Hi, took a quick look at the website and the test does not seem automatic. Your friend may not have had the correct requirements or failed a spag check
     

    AMullin

    Star Member
    Nov 18, 2025
    44
    114
    Was wondering the same thing.. Idk if this refers to one of their Business Groups or a specific seat within a Business Group? Could anyone who's successfully progressed to the next stage before pls advise? Thanks in advance!
    So I’m not sure if the next stage was automatic or not but on my application I wrote a short paragraph about the sector and then a couple of paragraphs about the specific seats I would like to do within that sector.
     
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    sofiiamartynenko

    New Member
    Premium Member
    Aug 22, 2025
    2
    4
    Has anyone applied to Clyde & Co during Christmas and not yet received their auto assessment?
    Nevermind I just sent them an email to ask, and in their auto response they say they will not be sending out online assessment invites between Dec 17th and Jan 5th, and will resume sending them Jan 5th onwards :)
     

    svb risk management intern

    Star Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Aug 24, 2024
    29
    60
    Happy weekend y'all!

    Exciting times ahead (everything closes soon and uni assessments in full swing 💪).

    Keep going! Cue Rocky's theme

    rocky GIF
     
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    Reactions: Harvey Specter

    xMontmorency

    Star Member
    Dec 24, 2023
    38
    95
    Hey need advice. I am struggling a bit with commercial awareness right now. I usually rely on Watson's Daily but he (Peter Watson) is on holiday. I am struggling to find a methodical way of going through the FT to find the relevant information in a time efficient manner. Does anyone have any tips ?
    Bloomberg daybreak Europe podcast / Bloomberg businessweek podcast. Or just a Bloomberg subscription if you have the money.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: johnsmith

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