[hamish111]

After getting rejected for two MC brand ambassador roles I applied for prior to exams, I'm a bit doubtful of my chances of getting a vacation scheme in 2013. I've been involved in societies and extra-curriculars throughout the year but I'm afraid that not attending Open Days may have hindered my ability to demosntrate my interest in commercial firms. My first year average is 67% with a 69 in Contract. I'm also working towards getting my Zertifikat-Deustch this September.

[suffocation1992]

I think you will be fine, you have great grades. Not to put them down, but brand ambassador roles are mainly marketing roles, and by marketing I mean being able to send out emails to the law student body - I'm not really convinced they are that impressive, despite what the types that end up in these roles tell you.

There will be chances to get on Open Days in your second year, but again they're not super important if you have other work experience.

Is there anything you could be doing with the rest of your summer to build up your CV?

[h-g-1]

Hmmm, why woul not attending Open Days hinder your chances in getting a vac scheme? They are not mandatory and there is certainly nowhere to put them in your application. Therefore, firms won't know that you have not attended any and this would not reflect badly in you demonstrating whether you have an interest in commercial firms. Equally if you've been to 20, listing them would not show HR that you do have an interest in commercial firms.

If you've researched well that particular firm you're applying to, it would show regardless of open days. That's just another source of information.

But generally if you can formulate good answers to the app questions, have strong grades, speak another language and good extra-currics etc. then all things are pretty much in your favour.

[suffocation1992]

(Original post by h-g-1)
Hmmm, why woul not attending Open Days hinder your chances in getting a vac scheme? They are not mandatory and there is certainly nowhere to put them in your application. Therefore, firms won't know that you have not attended any and this would not reflect badly in you demonstrating whether you have an interest in commercial firms. Equally if you've been to 20, listing them would not show HR that you do have an interest in commercial firms.

If you've researched well that particular firm you're applying to, it would show regardless of open days. That's just another source of information.

But generally if you can formulate good answers to the app questions, have strong grades, speak another language and good extra-currics etc. then all things are pretty much in your favour.

You can put Open Days down in the work experience section of applications. Most forms have a blank field for ''any other work experience.''

[h-g-1]

(Original post by suffocation1992)
You can put Open Days down in the work experience section of applications. Most forms have a blank field for ''any other work experience.''

OK, agree - however, I don't think that if you put a lot of Open Days down, it necessarily automatically demonstrate your interest in commercial law / law firms.

[suffocation1992]

(Original post by h-g-1)
OK, agree - however, I don't think that if you put a lot of Open Days down, it necessarily automatically demonstrate your interest in commercial law / law firms.

I'd disagree, especially if like me you didn't have any other legal work experience before you apply for vacation schemes. Spending a day at a firm is actually really helpful.

[h-g-1]

Aha - I stand corrected.