I know many 2Ls at solid and even great schools did not get anything from OCI, and I was one of them. OCI was not in my original plan, so I am not broken up over it, though I could have used the money to pay down debt. The truth is that a big firm would likely have been a horrible place for me. I am interning in the legal department at a company I love, and it's the kind of place where creativity is always welcome. My goal now is to find a position like this immediately post graduation, as a few companies do hire new graduates, or work in a smaller firm or nonprofit to gain further experience first. I was at a nonprofit last summer, and part time last year, and liked it very much.
I don't think students who strike out should waste time blaming themselves. If you have 1L academic achievements you are proud of, researched the firms, and did your best to be charming and courteous during interviews, you likely have many good things going for you already. The /self jokes are amusing but not really applicable. If you struck out, it was not necessarily something you did, and even if mistakes were made, there is likely something useful to learn. Others will probably want to stay anonymous, but I would like to hear your thoughts. Have you taken further steps? Found something else you are passionate about? I am very glad I did OCI, because I learned an enormous amount about what I most value, and met some terrific people along the way.
