Graduate schemes in Netherlands

The many facets of a graduate scheme

Graduate programmes refer to training and development schemes designed by corporations to address graduates that are looking for an opportunity to jump-start their professional career. Hence, similar to an internship, they offer an effective way to experience a variety of aspects concerning specific job posts, while also gaining a more in-depth understanding of an organisation as a whole. Many employers offer graduate programmes, including ABB, Arup, Cisco Systems, ExxonMobil & Givaudan.

Training & work experience - The fast track to responsibility

However, graduate programmes are more than just industry placements. They form an introduction to an organisation’s core business, structure and internal culture while encompassing intense training, continuous mentoring, and a view towards permanent employment upon completion. The training fragment often revolves around general workplace skills, such as communication, management, strategy understanding, decision making etc. which are frequently applied across a wide range of business units. Your assigned mentor will be providing on-going career advice and assistance, while also assessing your progress and individual attributes in order to boost your professional development. Most of these internship programmes are with pay.

Your future placement in the organisation hosting the graduate programme will usually be in the form of a junior managerial role. Depending on your skill sets, assessment, and overall performance, though, getting fast tracked into more responsible positions within the company is a common outcome of the programmes.

Tip: Get started on the application process for your graduate scheme by updating your CV and writing a cover letter that is tailored to the job description.

Working and living in the Netherlands

Want to start your career in a graduate scheme in the Netherlands? There are many reasons to work in the Netherlands - its laid-back culture, its buzzing cities, and its international workforce are just a few. Employers such as ABB, Arup, Cisco Systems, ExxonMobil & Givaudan offer graduate schemes in different fields. With cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague the variety of companies in Netherlands is impressing if you compare it to its relatively small size. 

Tip: Be aware that the requirements for job applications in the Netherlands may be different from what you are used to. So spend some time finding out how a standard Dutch CV looks and how to formulate a cover letter for Dutch companies. Also, prepare for the way that job interviews are usually conducted in the Netherlands.