Can you tell us a bit about your current role and where you are based?
I am currently a BD & Marketing intern based in the Manchester office. Due to the pandemic, I have been working remotely and have only been able to interact with my colleagues virtually. My role is primarily to coordinate the production and delivery of submissions to the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners legal directories.
How did you secure your internship?
I applied for the DWF Vacation Scheme in January 2020, as DWF was a business which I have always been interested in learning more about, and I also felt that I strongly aligned with the values that drive it.
After an interview and assessment centre, I was offered a place on the Vacation Scheme in the Leeds office (which had to take place virtually due to the pandemic). For the duration of my Vacation Scheme, I was based within the Leeds Real Estate Litigation team, where I was fortunate enough to meet some amazingly friendly people who gave me an insight into the broader culture of DWF along with the work that the department does.
Following on from the Vacation Scheme and a final interview, I was offered a training contract with the business to begin in the Leeds office in 2022, which I very gladly accepted.
It was after this that I spotted a vacancy to work as a BD & Marketing Intern within the business. I applied for the role as it sounded like an amazing opportunity to gain a broader understanding of the non-legal side of the business. I was fortunate to be offered the role, and here I am five months on.
What do you enjoy most about your job as an intern?
It has been an exciting time to be an Intern over the past few months, as I have been able to witness DWF's transformation to a new global operating structure.
I enjoy how my job gives me the opportunity to communicate with people at all levels of the business globally, as it allows me to develop a better understanding of how the different parts of the business are interconnected and rely on each other. Being an intern is a useful way of gaining insight into a business and how it operates, before going into a more permanent position.
The responsibility I am given to manage such an important project for the business is also something which I enjoy.
Above all else, I think what I enjoy the most about my job is how friendly all my colleagues are. There is a really positive working culture and everyone seems happy to help each other.
What are your top three tips for anyone preparing for an interview?
Interviews can be nerve wracking even for the most confident amongst us, therefore my first tip would be to ensure you are well organised for the interview. This includes ensuring you are on time, and have done any relevant research on the business or the role you are being interviewed for. By being punctual and understanding what is required, you have less to worry about in the build up to the interview.
I would also suggest being able to back up your interview answers with examples from your experience. Everyone has had different experiences, so it is important to show how you have learned and developed from things in your past and why your experience means you can add value to the business going forward.
Following on from this, my final and most important tip is to be yourself! Do not try to act like someone you are not because you think it fits the image of what the business desires. Embrace your uniqueness as a strength and demonstrate how your traits would provide a refreshing new perspective for business.
What have you gained from the DWF YP Network?
The DWF YP network has given me the opportunity to connect with young professionals from all over the world in a friendly and relaxed environment. Through networking and events I have developed my understanding of a variety of different topics in a constantly evolving professional services sector.
I would recommend joining the network to any young professionals who wish to enhance their network and develop their wider skills. By signing up to our mailing list you will be kept in the loop for anything YP related (such as events and newsletters). You can also follow us on LinkedIn and visit our YP Hub for relevant and regular updates.
What has been your favourite YP event?
The "BEAT THE HACKER" virtual escape room event has been my favourite so far. It involved working in small teams to find clues and solve puzzles against the clock. It is great that the YP network still provides opportunities to have fun with other YPs whilst everyone works remotely.
The event was enjoyable and it gave me the opportunity to get to know YPs from different locations through collaborating with them in a friendly but competitive situation (although I would have maybe enjoyed it a bit more if my team won!).
What are you looking forward to most after lockdown?
The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough for everyone, but now we can see a light at the end of the tunnel.
The things I am looking forward to the most once restrictions end in England is being able to see everybody again without restrictions and travelling. I think everyone deserves a long holiday!
I am also looking forward to seeing many of my colleagues in person for the first time once we are allowed to return to the office. It has felt a bit strange communicating with many people I regularly work with exclusively through email and teams.
Which TV series are you currently watching?
I have recently started watching, "Chernobyl", which is a historical drama, as a colleague recommended it. It is about the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986 and I would strongly recommend watching it as it is gripping. It is not for the faint hearted though, as some parts can be quite upsetting.
And finally, what makes Manchester a great place to work?
Manchester has something to offer for everyone. It is known for its rich history, culture, music and of course football. Being the birthplace of the industrial revolution, it is still one of the fastest growing cities in the UK and I would strongly recommend all YPs to visit.
There are dozens of places I would recommend a YP visit in Manchester, but my top three are the Northern Quarter, the Science and Industry Museum, and the Trafford Centre.
