The induction at Pinsent Masons
It is normal to feel nervous before starting a new job, and this nervousness reaches a new level when it’s your first graduate job. Therefore, the level of ease I felt after my PM induction was both comforting and surprising. We are told by the Graduate Development team that the two weeks’ of training, coaching and development provided for all new trainees is an important investment in our future careers. I can vouch for this; in fact I would go as far as saying it is one of the most crucial parts of the traineeship.
Your first week at the firm involves a firm -wide induction in London, where trainees from the UK and a number of non-UK offices receive talks from internal colleagues about life at PM and from external speakers on a variety of topics including networking. The combination of sessions provides new trainees with basic tools for their forthcoming traineeship.
Week two, known as ‘The Resi’, is the jewel in the induction crown. A one week, all-inclusive stay in a hotel on the outskirts of Glasgow. During the day, there are more talks and seminars to equip everyone with the essential tools for the job. At night things take on a more relaxed vibe with an opportunity to meet up with other trainees for a drink and a chat. Included in the week is a dinner with drinks and team quiz which is particularly lively (think more Club 18-30 than Mastermind). The dinner on the final night with Partners and other colleagues allows you to get to know some of the lawyers you will be working with and celebrate your transition from university to work.
Why was this so significant for me? There is a great mix of serious and important training balanced nicely by some great fun. You are able to bond with colleagues from across the firm; e.g. getting to know the Leeds gang even if you will be based in Belfast. By the end of week two, these people are your friends above all else. Going forward this creates a network of colleagues who will support you and celebrate with you through the challenges and triumphs of your training contract.
Thank you for reading my blog and I look forward to welcoming you to the firm.
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