low 2.1 student - what are my chances of getting a summer vac at a top City firm? - Training contract and trainee solicitor information and resources

lynxwick · #1 (**permalink**) 2nd February 2010, 22:32

I am a foreign student from the Far East and am currently in my second year.

First year was rather bad; despite making it into one of the top 5 universities, I managed to get 4 2:1s and a 2:2.

I have applied to a number of firms but was rejected by 1/3 of them so far... is it because I am not British and thus the requirements are more stringent? Or is it simply because of academia?

I had relevant work experience back home; 1 at a medium sized law firm, another at a specialist law company. And a couple of other experiences at other commercial firms (accounting, real estate, finance) and at a foreign bank overseas (not home and not England).

I am also currently volunteering as part of an advocacy team.

How else should I improve?

Stingray · #2 (**permalink**) 8th February 2010, 18:05

Try to get some work experience in UK firms.

Target international firms who will appreciate your foreign experience.

A 2:1 from a top 5 university, work experience in the far east and fluency in a far east language should make you a very good candidate.

lynxwick · #3 (**permalink**) 15th February 2010, 13:34

Thanks for the feedback.

I needed to clarify something. When you mention 'international firms', most of the firms which are in the top 30 (in the UK) have like various offices establish elsewhere in the world and thus would be international, wouldn't they?

Is it true that this year it is much harder to get a summer vacation (not to mention that it'd definitely be worse for a training contract)?