You scroll through job portals, and alongside classic entry-level positions with the suffix “junior,” you keep noticing these mysterious trainee programs. Two years of rotation through different departments, structured training, further education—it actually sounds pretty good. But is it really right for you? Or would you be better off going straight into a permanent position?

Let me tell you one thing from my many years of experience in career counseling: if you’re not 100% sure which field you want to go into after graduation, a trainee program can be exactly the right path for you. And that’s not a weakness, it’s completely normal. Many students have a rough idea of their career direction, but the specific specialization – controlling or project management? marketing or sales? – often remains unclear.

What exactly is a trainee program?

A trainee program is much more than an extended internship. You work full-time, receive a full salary, and are employed as a full-fledged employee in various departments of a company. The big difference to direct entry: you don’t stay in one area, but rotate through different departments of the company, usually over a period of 18 to 24 months.

I remember a student who, after completing her studies in humanities and social sciences, started a trainee program at a medium-sized mechanical engineering company – initially in a completely different field. She was originally interested in human resources, but during her stint in project management, she realized that this work suited her much better. Without the trainee program, she might never have made this discovery—or only after years in the wrong job.

Salary and general conditions

How much do you earn as a trainee? Most programs offer an annual salary of between €35,000 and €60,000. This is comparable to a direct entry-level position and, of course, depends on the industry, location, and size of the company. In the automotive industry or management consulting, you are more likely to start at the upper end of this range, while in NGOs or smaller medium-sized companies, you are more likely to start at the lower end.

Important: Your position is usually limited to the duration of the program. But—and this is crucial—the chances of being hired permanently are very good. What company would invest two years in training you, familiarizing you with the corporate culture, and preparing you for the job with numerous training courses without the goal of retaining you in the long term? That makes no economic sense.

The big advantage: orientation with a safety net

What makes trainee programs so attractive to those who are undecided? It is the combination of structured training and the freedom to get to know different areas before you commit yourself.

During the program, you gain a broad range of experience. You get to know different functional areas of a company – from controlling to marketing to logistics. This not only gives you a comprehensive overview, but also the opportunity to find out what you really enjoy doing. And that is incredibly valuable, because during your studies you often only have theoretical knowledge about different professional fields, but hardly any practical experience.

Another aspect that is often underestimated is that you build up a broad network within the company. You get to know people from different departments who later work in other areas. Then, when you eventually have a project that requires cross-departmental collaboration, you already know the right people to contact. That is worth its weight in gold.

I once had a mentee who ended up in sales after his trainee program. However, due to his rotation, he had also spent three months in product development. This understanding of the technical side later made him an exceptionally successful sales representative because he was able to discuss technical details with customers on an equal footing.

When is direct entry more suitable?

A trainee program is not the right path for everyone. If you already know exactly what field you want to work in—let’s say you’ve already done several internships in IT project management and you’re sure that’s your thing—then direct entry may make more sense.

Direct entry offers you faster and deeper specialization in a particular field.

You will become an expert in your field more quickly and may also be able to climb the career ladder faster. In addition, direct entry positions are more often permanent.

The trick is to be honest with yourself: Do you really know what you want? Or are you just telling yourself that because it’s supposedly the faster route to success?

What you should look for when choosing

Not every trainee program is equally good. I advise you to clarify the following points in job interviews:

The company should be large enough to really give you insight into different areas.

There should be a fixed plan that you can understand, specifying how much time you will spend in which areas. A good trainee program is structured and professionally organized.

Very important: You should have a say in which area you want to work in after completing the program. If the company says, “We’ll see where we need you,” without taking your preferences into account, that’s a red flag.

The program should be accompanied by training measures. Good trainee programs offer regular workshops on topics such as project management, communication, or negotiation skills. This is a sign that the company is really investing in you.

You should have a designated contact person or mentor for the duration of the program, regardless of the departments you are currently working in. This person is your constant and can help you if there are any problems.

Also make sure that you have the opportunity to exchange ideas with other trainees in the company. Most good programs have regular meetings of the trainee group. This is not only important for networking, but also provides emotional support—you realize that others are facing similar challenges.

One last point: Trainees should have the same status as full employees in the corporate culture. You should be allowed to take on challenging tasks and real responsibility, not just make coffee and write reports.

What a trainee program offers you is time. Time to find your bearings. Time to try out different options. Time to find out what really suits you – and all this in a protected environment with a fixed salary and the prospect of being taken on permanently.

Who is a trainee program particularly suitable for?

If you recognize yourself in one or more of the following points, a trainee program is probably a good option for you:

You have completed your studies and have a rough idea of the direction you want to go in (for example, “something in marketing”), but you are still unsure about your specific specialization. A trainee program gives you the opportunity to get to know different facets of marketing – from classic product marketing to online marketing and market research.

You want to build a broad network within a company and understand how the different departments work together. This holistic view will be incredibly valuable later on when you are in a management position.

You value structure and support when starting your career. The leap from university to the professional world can be intimidating. A good trainee program offers you a safety net and professional support during this phase.

You don’t yet have a clear idea of which career path is right for you. Do you want to move into a management position at some point? Or would you prefer to become a specialist? A trainee program gives you time to answer these questions.

Practical tips for your application

If you decide to apply for a trainee program, you should make it clear in your application why this path makes sense for you. Employers are looking for graduates who have made a conscious decision to start their careers with a broad base.

Put it in a positive way: you want to get to know the different areas of a company so that you can make the most of your strengths. You appreciate the structured training and the opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of business processes.

If you have already completed internships or working student positions in various areas, use this as an argument. This shows that you have already actively explored various options and now want to continue this exploration systematically through the trainee program.

A final word

The decision between a trainee program and direct entry is not a decision between “right” and “wrong.” It is a decision about which path better suits your current situation and needs.

A trainee program is not a sign of indecision, but of foresight. You are taking the time to make the right career decisions.