June 2021: We asked some of our Spring 2021 London Vacation Scheme participants to share their advice for working in a virtual world at the start of your career. Read their tips on applying, enjoying and getting the most from virtual vacation schemes.

How to… put together a successful application

Always link everything back to you, including your interests and what you want in a legal career. Why is it important to you personally that White & Case is truly global and works on legal firsts in emerging markets? Is it because a) you have enjoyed working in cross-border teams before, b) you enjoy learning languages and discovering other cultures, or c) any other reason! 
Emily Digby 

Remember that this is a two-way process. The people reading your applications and doing your interviews want you to succeed, and they want to see you perform at your best. Take a deep breath, don't panic, and do as well as you can.
Tim Lewis 

Know and reflect on your skills and what you have to offer, and throughout the application process make sure that you align the Firm's outlook with your own interests.
Amjad Duhaini

How to… make a good impression in a virtual interview

As the interview is virtual, ensure you spend enough time getting used to being on camera. Try practicing on video calls with friends so that your body language, facial expressions and speech are reflective of a face-to-face interview. Practicing the ability to answer questions with a friend is another great preparation tip to ensure you come across well.
Amber Richardson

For a virtual interview, make sure that your setup is ready in advance and as comfortable as possible. When interviewing virtually, the interview format remains the same, but interacting virtually is quite different. Make sure you monitor your body language, make eye contact by looking at the camera and smile. 
Amjad Duhaini 

Make sure you are familiar with the software being used, which includes creating an account if necessary and downloading relevant content. If your internet connection crashes (this happened during my interview!), stay calm and ask whether your interviewers would like you to repeat your answer. Remember that your internet quality does not determine whether you're a 'good' or 'bad' candidate, but shows your ability to cope with obstacles.
Emily Digby

What to expect from a virtual vacation scheme

It was filled with fantastic insight into the Firm's practice areas and culture. I was given real, challenging work which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Mofe Onuwaje 

The scheme was the perfect blend of exciting, dynamic and fun. A perfect way to gain exposure into the world of commercial law whilst having a great time!
Callum Sherrell 

Just because you can't sit down for a coffee with someone, it does not mean that you can't still meet people. Reach out for virtual coffees and try to develop your understanding of the Firm in any way you can. Being virtual actually means that things are easier to schedule and attend, and there's no chance of getting lost!
Tim Lewis

Advice for virtual vacation scheme participants 

See virtual vacation schemes as exactly the same opportunity as physical schemes. Take advantage of any opportunities to learn about the Firm, interact with the Firm's lawyers and get involved with the work—you will still get the opportunities to do all of these things. You will get out of it what you put in, so put your all into a virtual scheme just as you would a physical vacation scheme!
Callum Sherrell 

Reach out to as many people as you can during the scheme. Ask them good questions that you have prepared beforehand and remember to be professional at all times.
Ellie Wu 

Take note of what you have gained or learnt from the interactions you have, and the tasks you complete. It is a great way to reflect on your time here.
Zaynab Sajid