Until recently, trainee programmes were commonly associated with the financial industry, big corps and managerial positions. However, that’s changed and you can now find a number of different roles in some of these programmes, including for tech graduates.
Finding a good graduate trainee programme is an alternative way of getting into the world of work and can get your tech career off to a flying start. So the big question is: how can you spot a good programme to apply for and what are their biggest advantages?
1. You get a supported transition into the workplace
Transitioning from university to the workplace can be a tough cherry if you’re doing it the traditional way (aka applying for a job). That’s why one of the great benefits of doing it through a trainee programme is the fact that this transition is fully supported by the company. Generally the onboarding process is extremely well organised and you are mentored by a select group of people.
You’ll also notice that feedback sessions are going to be a regular thing, since the company will want to know how you’re adapting.
2. Accelerated career development
During the programme, trainees are generally exposed to the company’s strategic projects and challenges and are coached/mentored in leadership positions.
These challenges, added to a technical and behavioural development plan, will promote your fast tracked development, since you’ll be put to the test and will have the support of senior professionals within the company.
3. Holistic view of the company
Most trainee programmes perform the famous “job rotation”, which is basically a rotation every few weeks, months or even one year (like at Galp) within an area or sub-area of the company.
You can have an overview of the company going through IT, Operations, HR, Marketing, Sales and Finance, or an overview of the area you have been approved for.
4. Leadership visibility
Generally, the projects and challenges have an interdisciplinarity of areas of the organisation. That is, to solve a project, you’ll need to talk to different people and areas.
This will allow you to get greater exposure to the different leaders of the company, which will bring a lot of visibility to you as a tech professional and expand your network within the company.
In Portugal, Galp is currently accepting applications for their Generation Galp 2022: a trainee programme that accepts graduates from different backgrounds like Engineering and IT, with a maximum of 2 years of professional experience. The goal is for you to enter the market by joining Galp in a holistic way, integrating yourself in the challenges and future of the company.
Generation Galp is one of the most notorious trainee programmes in Portugal that has been run by the company since 1998. In its 24 years, 500+ Galp employees came from this programme, which has a 90% retention rate after its first year.
You don’t have to wear a suit. The only dress code you must follow is your own and from wherever you want because going to the office everyday is so 2019.
And if you think you don’t have the right profile to work at Galp, think again! Your personality, your principles and ideas are worth more than your cv.
If you’re living in Portugal and this sounds like a great challenge, apply here until February 28. The programme starts in early May. 🚀
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