Interview with Amelia Cowell, Vacation Scheme Student at PwC Legal LLP

Feb 11, 2018

Written By Billy Sexton, Editor, AllAboutLaw.co.uk

Amelia Cowell undertook a three week vacation scheme with PwC Legal LLP. Amelia spent a week in three different departments and even took part in a treasure hunt across London! She insists that “one well thought out detailed application is better than submitting ten rushed applications”, and you can read more about her experience below…

How did you become aware of the vacation scheme at PwC?

Initially I became aware of the vacation scheme by researching firms, and tracking application deadlines.

What was the application process like?

The application process was quite different to other City firms. Rather than a traditional application form with numerous questions to answer, which can be quite lengthy and time consuming, the PwC Legal process initially requires applicants to provide their basic information and complete a number of online psychometric tests. If successful at this stage, applicants progress to answer two 500 word questions and from there to a competency based telephone interview. Successful applicants are then invited to an assessment centre and finally a partner interview. Whilst this may seem like a very long process it allows applicants to demonstrate their skills.

How was the vacation scheme structured at PwC?

The three week scheme comprises of three seats, each in different departments. Where possible, the firm tries to put vacation schemers in departments where they have indicated an interest. The firm also organises for each of the departments to give training sessions on their area of specialism, all vacation schemers take part in a mock employment tribunal and in pairs present on a set topic to a number of partners. There are also a number of social events organised over the course of the scheme, including a treasure hunt across London!

How much contact did you have with senior colleagues and with other interns?

In each department over the three weeks I was allocated a senior member of staff within the team as my supervisor. Regular events were organised with the other interns, and being in an open plan office allows you to have constant contact with all members of the team.

What was your most memorable (or valuable) experience at PwC?

Whilst daunting, presenting to the partners was my most memorable experience as it allowed me to demonstrate my skills and come out of my comfort zone.

What piece of advice would you give to any wannabe interns?

Submitting one well thought out detailed application is better than submitting ten rushed applications – applicants should take their time to make sure they have given well rounded answers to all of the questions, reviewing their application several times before submitting.

What are the benefits of doing a vacation scheme with a City firm?

Doing a vacation scheme with a City firm allows you access to a wide number of specialisms, and a varied workload and client base. This is particularly true of PwC Legal. Whilst it may appear to be a relatively small firm in comparison to Magic and Silver Circle firms; it has all of the traditional departments and offers a number of more niche specialisms such as Immigration and Cyber Security, and attracts big name clients.

Interviews