Surviving vacation schemes

But before you don your bikini and sun hat there’s one last item to tick off your itinerary – summer vacation schemes. If you’re lucky enough to have secured one or indeed several then follow these simple tips to make sure you shine during your placement:

·     Tackle every task, however mundane, with enthusiasm and to the best of your ability.

·     Get involved in the office as well as the social events.

·     Don’t act smug - no one is ever impressed with the student who boasts about how many other vacation placements they’ve secured.

·     Ask lots of questions and show a willingness to learn.

·     Be yourself.

·     Be proactive - if you don’t have enough to do then tell someone.

·     Always carry a pen and notepad.

·     If you don’t understand instructions ask your supervisor to go through them again.

·     Be punctual and do not go in with a hangover.

·     Don’t race out of the door at 5.30pm every day.

·     Dress appropriately - stick to business attire.

·     Although vacation schemes are essentially a two-week interview you’re not on The Apprentice so don’t be overly competitive.

·     Watch your behaviour on social outings - don’t get too drunk and definitely avoid pulling your fellow schemers, members of the graduate recruitment team or trainees.

·     Do not assume that people in HR (or any other support service) are stupid.

·     Do not make carping remarks about the ‘quality’ of the food, venue or wine you’re being treated to.

·     Don’t send personal emails or make too many personal phonecalls and avoid Facebook or any other social networking site.

·     Don’t use your mobile phone or iPod while ­sitting with your supervisor.

·     Don’t end your email with ‘love and kisses’ - sign off using ‘kind regards’ and always ­remember to say thank you.

·     Remember to mention Lawyer 2B because that’s where you got all these top tips from.

Good luck.

husnara.begum@lawyer2b.com