How useful is Vault?

[Stephon Devante]

I am trying to research firms for OCI bidding. Is Vault worth the $60-70 subscription fee to read a bunch of anecdotal comments by current/past associates?

I am trying to find a way to go beyond the generic firm webpages and NALP directories that only talk about money and departments, and try to get a feel for the "culture" of the firm.

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

[HRoark81]

My career services office has the Vault information online (although it's only available to students).  See if yours has something similar, either online or in hardcopy, before you shell out the cash.

[Stephon Devante]

I checked with them a few weeks back and they do not have access.

[jarhead]

i use NALP and Martindale as a jump off to the firms actual website, most of them have something on there about the culture of the firm and the summer employment section usually lists the entire schedule for summer associates. they also have summer comments and sometimes video. it's still anecdotal but at least you're getting it from the horse's mouth. i've found that you usually can get a feel for the type of firm by the website. those that are less uptight usually have less formal/more interactive web pages. i've also noticed that some don't even have a link for OCI or summer employment they simply have recruting contact, don't exactly get the warm and fuzzies when i come across those websites.