Summer Vac Scheme Blunders: Top 5 Things You Must Avoid!

Avoid These Common Errors!

The vacation scheme period is quickly approaching. For those who have been eagerly awaiting since their acceptance, the anticipation might now be mingling with a touch of anxiety as the start date nears.

Several members of the Dynamic Export team have experienced vacation schemes firsthand and have seen (or committed) a few typical slip-ups. Based on these experiences, we’ve put together a useful guide on what not to do during your upcoming vac scheme.

1. Avoid Competition and Comparison with Peers

It’s crucial to start your vac scheme with the right mindset – avoid the temptation to compete with your peers. Participants will come from various backgrounds and career stages – some may be fresh from university, others still studying, and some may be switching careers from different fields, whether law-related or not. Remember that each participant has unique circumstances and goals, making it counterproductive to speculate about who might receive a training contract offer.

Additionally, steer clear of continuously measuring your performance against that of others. Those assigned to busier departments may face heavier workloads, while others in quieter teams might experience a slower pace, possibly with more members working from home. What’s important is to stay engaged by maintaining open communication with your supervisor, especially if you find yourself with downtime. Also, don’t feel compelled to work late just because other participants are doing so; work pace can vary, and some might stay longer due to unforeseen commitments like lengthy client calls.

2. Do Not Overemphasize Your Past Vac Schemes

Be mindful during interactions with both fellow participants and firm members about discussing other vacation schemes you’ve attended. Boasting about previous experiences can seem arrogant and suggest that your current firm isn’t your top choice.

While the topic might naturally arise during conversations or possibly at an exit interview when asked to compare this experience with others, think ahead about how to address this. When discussing other firms, avoid negative comparisons; show genuine interest in your current firm based on its own merits, not merely because it compares favorably to others.

3. Balance Work with Social Interaction

Vac schemes provide a platform not only to engage with the firm’s work but also to connect with its people and your co-participants. If you’re interested in a specific practice area, consider reaching out to a trainee or associate for a casual coffee chat. Demonstrating your work ethic and interest goes beyond just desk work; it also involves building relationships and showing initiative.

Regarding task management, it’s vital to avoid overcommitting. It can be tempting to accept every task offered, but be realistic about your workload and your ability to deliver on commitments. It’s better to set clear expectations about your capacity from the start than to disappoint someone by failing to deliver.

4. Punctuality is Key

While it may seem obvious, punctuality is critical during a vacation scheme, which is typically filled with various activities such as talks, workshops, networking events, and actual work tasks. Spend a few minutes each morning to review your schedule, note the locations of your commitments, and ensure you are on time. Being punctual respects the effort put into scheduling and coordinating these activities.

5. Always Be Courteous

Kindness should extend to everyone at the firm, from lawyers to paralegals, business professionals, and support staff. Avoid the pitfall of being courteous only to attorneys and recruitment staff while being dismissive towards others. The firm values not only your skills but also your personality and how well you interact with others under pressure. Always be respectful, but don’t hesitate to let your true character shine through.