A traineeship is a great start to your career: you gain a lot of work experience in a short time and develop your talent at lightning speed. 🚀 But there are so many, how do you choose the right traineeship for you? With this checklist you can be sure to make the right choice.
Starting position or traineeship?
You have almost finished your studies and you are faced with a difficult choice. Are you going for an entry-level position or a traineeship? Before you choose, it is useful to know what the difference is between the two.
The main difference between an entry-level position and a traineeship is in the combination of working and learning. In an entry-level position, you quickly work independently and in a traineeship you get a lot of guidance and training - quite nice if you have just graduated. There are of course many more advantages of a traineeship, but in the picture on the right you can see where it mainly differs from an entry-level position.
Types of traineeships
Numerous organizations offer different traineeships. Before you choose one, it is good to clarify the following points for yourself.
1. Level of education
Traineeships are available at all educational levels. In general, there are more for university graduates, but more and more companies are also offering traineeships at the vocational level. In addition, there are traineeships, especially for people with experience who would rather switch to another field of work.
2. Entry requirements
Depending on the type of organisation, you can face certain entry requirements. Sometimes, you’ll need a bachelor’s or master’s diploma, and occasionally, you’ll need a high GPA. Before you apply to any traineeship, you might want to check potential entry requirements to increase your chances of getting the job.
3. Application process
Applying for a traineeship can differ per employer. One might want you to send in your resume, whilst another might expect a letter of motivation too. In addition, you might see significant differences in the number of interviewing rounds you have to complete. Other organisations want to test your skills and will ask you to do a test assignment. So prepare yourself! The vacancy for the traineeship should have a detailed explanation of how the registration procedure works.
4. The duration of a traineeship
Some traineeships only last three months, others last six months, and some can last up to 2 years. Organisations often offer the option to extend. This allows you to continue with the supervision of the traineeship. Already have your eye on a traineeship? Ask the company for the expected end date and the terms and conditions.
5. Orientation versus specialisation
Before you choose your traineeship, make sure you know whether you want to focus on orientation or specialisation. Some traineeships allow you to work in different departments and on various assignments. That will enable you to orient yourself: you gain broad work experience, and after your traineeship, you can decide which department or direction you like best. With a specialist traineeship, you decide on a direction first, and you’re then trained to become a specialist in that field.
Which type of traineeship suits you best depends on your wishes. Do you still need to figure out what you want? Then it might be better to select a traineeship that helps you orient yourself in different departments. Do you already have a clear preference or talent that you want to (further) develop? Go for the specialised traineeship!
6. Training opportunities
Each traineeship is a combination of working and learning. But the exact setup can vary a bit. There are some traineeships where you get full-time training during the first two months and get started at work afterwards. However, other traineeships allow you to start working immediately and update your knowledge with monthly training courses. And occasionally, it is even more flexible. And occasionally, it is even more flexible. You decide when and what you spend your own training budget on.
7. Coaching
For your personal and professional development you will receive guidance from a coach during your traineeship. Here too you have all kinds of options. In some traineeships your team manager is also your coach. But often organisations do not have the capacity to coach you in this way with full focus. That is why many organizations use third parties for this, such as Solid Professionals. Our talent managers coach young professionals working for our clients. There are other names for 'talent manager': field manager, people manager or talent advisor. But their goal is the same: to be there for you during your traineeship.
8. The salary
Some traineeships pay better than others. The salary depends mainly on the level of education and the industry you are working in. The average monthly salary of a traineeship is €2539,- based on a 40 hours working week. At Solid Professionals, as a young professional you will earn a starting salary between €3,266.57 and €3823.96 based on 40 hours.
9. Secondary benefits
Benefits are also important. These differ per company, so check which conditions are favorable in your situation. Pay attention to this, for example:
- Will your travel expenses be reimbursed?
- How much pension do you build up?
- How many vacation days do you get?
- Is there a bonus scheme, do you get a thirteenth month or other financial perks?
- Do you get a lease car or bicycle scheme?
- Are you allowed to work (partly) from home?
- Are the working hours flexible?
- Will your employer perhaps pay (part of) your health insurance?
- Do you get a laptop or a company phone?
- Also check the nice extras, such as a sports subscription, a good lunch and nice company outings.
10. Growth opportunities
With most traineeships you grow after your traineeship. Check in advance with the organization or the recruiter which career opportunities you have after completing your traineeship. To which departments and which positions can you grow, for example? What does your possible career path look like? With this information you will have a clear picture of the future and you can make a well-considered choice.
