You have just graduated or are about to graduate. What to do next? The world is at your feet and you can go either way: work, continue your studies, do nothing for a while, set up your own company or start an entry-level job. But there is another option that is not in this list: a traineeship.
Why a traineeship?
A traineeship is an (entry-level) position with an employer in which you are trained as a trainee to become a specialist in a field. The programme of a traineeship focuses on the combination of working and learning. In this blog, we list the advantages and disadvantages of a traineeship.
Advantages of a traineeship
If you have so many options, why choose a traineeship? Actually, a traineeship is ‘the best of both worlds’. You work and learn at the same time. Of course, this is by no means the only advantage of a traineeship. Here are six advantages of a traineeship:
Personal coaching by professionals
During a traineeship you will receive personal coaching. You will be paired with a personal coach, a former trainee or a mentor, for example. Together with this coach, you will look at your personal development throughout your traineeship. Together, you will look at points of development and how you can improve them. During your traineeship, you will also work together with professionals from the field, from whom you can learn a lot.
Work on your personal development
One of the advantages of a traineeship is that you work on your personal development. This is done through, for example, training in the areas of leadership, effective communication, presentation, etc. This gives you a steep learning curve and you will develop into a versatile professional within two years. You will not do this alone, but together with the above-mentioned coach and, of course, your fellow trainees.
Paid training opportunities
Another, not unimportant, advantage of a traineeship is the associated salary. You will receive a starting salary and your training will be paid: a win-win situation.
Expand your network
During your traineeship, you will work on several assignments at different organisations and/or departments. You will also build relationships with your fellow trainees and have the opportunity to come into contact with clients, suppliers and customers. As a result, you will get to know many people and build a large network over the two years. Having a large network is important for your further career and offers interesting opportunities for the future.
Sparring with fellow trainees
You often do not follow a traineeship alone, but with a group of fellow trainees. These ambitious young professionals often come from other fields of study, which offers new opportunities to learn things. Another advantage of a group of fellow trainees is that you can discuss situations you encounter during your project. And of course it is also good for fun and social contacts.
Clear picture of organisations
During the two years of your traineeship, you get the chance to look into different kitchens. This allows you to get to know many organisations in a relatively short time and gives you a clear picture of all the possibilities. This way, you will also know which companies will or will not suit you.
Does a traineeship offer only advantages?
With all these advantages, you almost wonder whether there are any disadvantages to a traineeship. Before you apply, bear in mind the following disadvantages of a traineeship. It can be difficult to specialise because your function differs per assignment. As a result, you develop yourself broadly, but not specialist. A traineeship is also an intensive programme. You work and attend training courses, some of which can also take place in the evening after working hours. One last thing to bear in mind is that the application procedure is strict. Traineeships are popular and therefore the demands that organisations place on their trainees are high. The selection also often consists of several rounds and an assessment.
Do the benefits of a traineeship suit you?
Have you become enthusiastic after reading this article? Do you see only advantages of a traineeship and do you see disadvantages of a traineeship as a challenge? Then take a quick look at our Venturn Young Professional Programme. The traineeship in the maritime supply chain.
