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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
I have a training contract AC coming up, and a few days later I start a vacation scheme (my first) with a different kind of firm.
During my interview at the AC, do you think I should mention my upcoming vacation scheme with the other firm? Either in response to 'Where else have you applied?' or I offer it up if an opportunity presents itself. Or would it be better not to mention it?
On the one hand, given the competition, securing a vac scheme is obviously an achievement.
On the other hand, it's a very different firm, and the risk is that it makes me look scattergun in my applications and potentially undermines my "Why firm X" answer, as I will have expressed an interest in a particular practice area, but then have a vac scheme at a firm that doesn't do that area (the only link I could make between the two firms would be their positive cultures...)
Thanks!
During my interview at the AC, do you think I should mention my upcoming vacation scheme with the other firm? Either in response to 'Where else have you applied?' or I offer it up if an opportunity presents itself. Or would it be better not to mention it?
On the one hand, given the competition, securing a vac scheme is obviously an achievement.
On the other hand, it's a very different firm, and the risk is that it makes me look scattergun in my applications and potentially undermines my "Why firm X" answer, as I will have expressed an interest in a particular practice area, but then have a vac scheme at a firm that doesn't do that area (the only link I could make between the two firms would be their positive cultures...)
Thanks!
Hi!
Congratulations on the AC invite!!
I faced a similar situation last cycle when I was invited back for a final TC interview after my first summer VS, which unfortunately clashed with my second VS (+ there was no flexibility with dates). At the time, I reached out to a mentor who suggested asking the VS firm whether it might be possible to step away briefly to attend the interview. I was quite hesitant to ask, but the firm was actually very understanding and allowed me to leave for a few hours.
As Jaysen mentioned, I appreciate that not all firms will be as flexible - an AC is a bigger commitment than a short interview, so the situation is a bit different and the VS firm might not be comfortable with letting you miss a whole day of the scheme. That said, I don't think there is any harm in asking the VS firm's graduate recruitment team whether there is any possibility of accommodating the clash. Even if it is unlikely, at least you will know either way, and a polite and professional request won't count against you.
If they aren't able to offer any flexibility, you might then need to make a judgment call based on which opportunity you'd prioritise - for example, where you feel you have the strongest chance of securing a TC, or which firm aligns more closely with your interests and career goals. It isn't an easy decision, but at least you'll know that you explored all options before choosing!
It is a bit 50/50 to be candid. I think if I were to be offered a TC at both, I would chose the VS firm. However, the AC firm is very different from all my other options and I would like to pursue it if possible. I'm not sure if even asking the VS firm is a good look.
Thank you for your response! Do you think that it would negatively impact my chances at the VS firm? How did it work out for you.Hi!
Congratulations on the AC invite!!
I faced a similar situation last cycle when I was invited back for a final TC interview after my first summer VS, which unfortunately clashed with my second VS (+ there was no flexibility with dates). At the time, I reached out to a mentor who suggested asking the VS firm whether it might be possible to step away briefly to attend the interview. I was quite hesitant to ask, but the firm was actually very understanding and allowed me to leave for a few hours.
As Jaysen mentioned, I appreciate that not all firms will be as flexible - an AC is a bigger commitment than a short interview, so the situation is a bit different and the VS firm might not be comfortable with letting you miss a whole day of the scheme. That said, I don't think there is any harm in asking the VS firm's graduate recruitment team whether there is any possibility of accommodating the clash. Even if it is unlikely, at least you will know either way, and a polite and professional request won't count against you.
If they aren't able to offer any flexibility, you might then need to make a judgment call based on which opportunity you'd prioritise - for example, where you feel you have the strongest chance of securing a TC, or which firm aligns more closely with your interests and career goals. It isn't an easy decision, but at least you'll know that you explored all options before choosing!
No worries!
I think it's tricky to say definitively whether it would negatively impact your chances - I would assume that if they allow you the time to go to the interview, they won't take it into account when making TC decisions. I ultimately didn't end up receiving a TC offer after my second summer VS, but there were clear reasons for this in my feedback based on the assessed tasks in the scheme. The only element of the scheme that I missed due to attending the interview was time in my 'base department' with my supervisor, and my overall supervisor feedback was strong, so I think it is unlikely it had an impact on my conversion chances.
That said, I totally get being concerned that it might subconsciously impact your chances in some way, so I would encourage you to think about what you are comfortable with doing. I mainly asked the second VS firm whether I could attend the final TC interview as I had really enjoyed my first summer VS and didn't want to lose that opportunity - however, if I wasn't so keen, I might've not attended it in favour of the second scheme.
It is a stressful situation to be in, so I'd definitely take the time to think through your options. However, I'd try to take comfort in the fact that you are clearly a strong candidate (given all these opportunities), and I'm sure that whatever you choose will work out!
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