Academy Participant at CMS

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Edinburgh Scotland
Review Date
£22,000 - £23,999


About You
The Organisation
Everything Else


About You

Role Description

This was a summer insight that lasted 3 weeks in the CMS offices. The weeks began with a week in the London office taking part in a range of tests and activities.

1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?

The insight has been a well structured programme that seeems to have really given me a look into the company. Not only this, but I have been made to feel welcome and have been given various responsibilities. The week in London was a generous and fun way to start the weeks and allowed me to meet dozens of people I would never have met otherwise.


2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?

I have been given lots to do during my time here which has made me feel valued. I have also been invited along to training sessions etc which are obviousy not aimed at me but getting to go along and spend time with the team has really boosted my morale. I have also been invited to a lunch on my last day to 'say thanks' for my work over the weeks.


3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?

My buddy was fantastic throughout, constantly checking I was being kepy busy and offering guidance throughout. No question was too stupid. He is extremely busy but never seemed too busy to help and was also good with things such as making sure I went for a lunch break and finished at a reasonable time.


4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

I have applied real life examples to skills I was already developing which has been invaluabble. For example, I knew Westlaw was used in the legal industry and not just in universities, however I had no idea just how much and so my Westlaw knowledge has helped me in this process and has only got stronger.


The Organisation

5. How well structured was the insight?

Very well structured programme that has had some excellent activites. The week in London was great and ran like absolute clockwork the whole time which meant we were able to get everything fitted in. The last fortnight have been well structered also with things such as the D&I conference call/lunch which makes the other offices feel we are not being forgotted about just because we aren't in Cannon Place.


6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?

The atmosphere on the academy week was fun but intense and this was something a lot of us agree we were very aware of the whole time. This obviously can't be helped as we are being watched all the time. The atmosphere in the office has been great although very concentrated and quiet which is totally new to me but I've actually found quite good for concentration levels.



I feel like ther has been no expense spared in the development area. For example I was taken along to all the team training sessions and my buddy talked me through what was going on. Also the academy week had amazing panels and tasks which massively helped with development and knowledge as I was gaining knowledge I wouldn't have ever had the oppertunity to come accross.


8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?

The first week is abviously totally different and so doesn't give a good example, however the ast fornight are complitely immersive and allow you to get a full insight. Getting work is one thing but I have actaully been shown how the research etc I completed has been used in practice which is really interesting.


9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?

We have been shown loads of the culture: from office ours to Diversity and Inclusion weorkshops! Not only this but we all got to go on the bun run on Friday mornings and bag payday sweets which was a really fun way to understand how the company works and what jobs need to be done that aren't traditional 'work' jobs.


10. How valuable was the content of the day in helping you to decide on your future career path?

I have decided that this is absoltely what I want to do. i was pretty sure already but being here has shown me this is something I am intrested in doing when I qualify. The high paced nature of the job is exciting and this is something that I would really like to carry on in the future.


Other Information

11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?

I was paid a great sum of £350 per week and was reimbursed for travel to the academy week in London and accomodation was paid for. I think it would have been useful for some poeple to have a helping hand with expenses for travelling into the office every day because this does add up, especially those commuting 1 hour +.

12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?

Every lunch in London was a networking lunch and gave you the oppertunity to meet new people and chat to other participants. This being said, I think a lot of people would have preferred the networking to be done in a more relaxed environment, for example at sit down tables, and this would have been more enjoyable.


13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?

The social oppertunities were great although there is only 1 social during the fortnight and it would have been good to have a couple, even if the other one was something totally different such as escape rooms or a sports event something similair which would encourage team bonding in a fun way!


14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?

The activities seemed to span a wide range and cover all bases. Speaking to the trainees, a lot of them were very enthusiastic about the activites they take part in, particularly the Football World Cup which sounds like great fun. These oppertunities are the main elements to a business as whatever keeps staff happy and engaged is the key for success.


15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?

I 100% would reccomend. As the insight draws to a close, I have realised that no matter what the outcome of the process is for me, I will have spent my time in a fun and worthwhile way which will be useful in the future. I would reccomend this to anyone thinking about doing an insight.