How did you find out about the Vacation Scheme?
After registering, Dandi emailed me about their efforts to drive the inclusion of underrepresented groups in the legal profession and the work they’ve been doing with some City law firms. I then received an email informing me that Dandi had partnered with Fladgate, a firm that was equally as committed to this diversity initiative, to support their vacation scheme recruitment process. Due to my immediate interest, I sent along my CV and was later shortlisted to be supported by Dandi throughout the application process.
What has been the most helpful aspect?
The most helpful aspect of being a part of Dandi’s initiative is being connected with experienced mentors, which made me more confident in approaching vacation scheme and training contract interviews. I also got to speak to a successful candidate who had various assessment centre insights to share, having been in a similar position very recently. Setting up calls to conduct mock interviews and CV reviews or be given advice on common assessment exercises has been endlessly helpful. Most importantly, these relationships can support me through further applications, interviews and endeavours in the legal field if I need it!
How has Dandi helped you?
I would highly recommend Dandi to anyone looking to begin their journey into law. I have been introduced to firms that are just as committed to diversity and inclusion as I am, which is of great value to me. Through consistent communication and direct insight from the firms they partner with, the Dandi team has refined my written applications and given me the confidence to excel during assessment centres. I’ve also been particularly impressed with how attentive and hands-on the Dandi team have been to my queries. Most of all, fostering connections with mentors in the legal field has helped me build relationships that I know will be of great benefit in the future.
Talk us through the recruitment process.
Firstly, Dandi helped me answer Fladgate’s online application questions. The first question was sent over with discussion prompts and tips on structure. Completing the final two questions, however, was more independent, motivating me to conduct some in-depth research on the firm. Dandi offered feedback to improve my written answers before submitting the application to Fladgate. After submitting, Dandi offered insight into the online tests and video interview that followed, which included recruiter insights and practice questions. The plan for the assessment centre was thoroughly explained through calls with the Dandi team and a Dandi mentor (a training contract holder), further aiding my preparation. Once I progressed to the final interview stage, I was given various tips to prepare for motivational and scenario-based questions, as well as final points of research. Overall, being supported from online application to final interview while making connections through Dandi is something I will always be grateful for.
Do you have any tips for future/current Vacation Scheme candidates?
Remember that curiosity is key! Getting to the assessment centre stage is also about finding out if the firm is the right fit for you, so take any opportunity to speak to trainees, partners and recruitment to make an informed decision about the kind of firm you can see yourself in. Finally, being enthusiastic about the opportunities you're given goes a long way as well – it shows your commitment to the career. Each stage of the recruitment process that you pass is a success within itself so be proud of how far you have gotten, the right opportunity will come.