Starters and trainees
Every year, new starters and trainees begin their careers at Leiden University. They bring the latest skills and knowledge with them. The university provides a challenging work environment in an international setting for starters and trainees. If this sounds interesting, why not take a look at our job openings? And if you are considering a traineeship, read on to find out more.
The university provides a challenging work environment in an international setting for starters and trainees. If this sounds interesting, why not take a look at our job openings? And if you are considering a traineeship, read on to find out more.
Traineeship
Broad development, rapid personal growth and challenging assignments at three different universities: who wouldn’t want that? The LDE traineeship has been the joint Leiden University, Delft University of Technology and Erasmus University Rotterdam (LDE Universities) trainee programme since 2014.
Every year in September, trainees begin their careers at one of the three universities, so at Leiden University too. The trainees bring the latest skills and knowledge with them. And the university provides a challenging work environment in an international setting.
What does the traineeship involve?
As a trainee, you carry out two one-year assignments at two of the three universities. This gives you an insight into the business operations at two different universities and organisational units. You also get to develop personally and professionally in the accompanying training programme.
During the traineeship, you develop a wealth of skills and build a large network, enabling you to take the next steps in your career. You take workshops in the last six months of the traineeship to help you decide which steps to take. If you want, you can also receive career coaching and help with making your profile visible to HR advisers. Experience has shown that LDE trainees who wish to stay at the university do so. There is no job guarantee, but we are happy to consider the options with you.
More information: LDE-trainee programme.
Please note: this year there are only assignments for trainees at Leiden University and Erasmus University.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for trainees who are enthusiastic and want to learn more.
- You have completed an academic master's degree (any field of study) in 2024, 2025, or 2026 by the start of the traineeship on September 1, 2026.
- You have good communication skills and can speak and write in Dutch and English at a C1 level.
Important skills
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You can formulate and communicate your ideas clearly and understandably based on complex information.
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You are driven and take responsibility for your assignment. You set goals for yourself and distinguish between the essentials and the unimportant. You are a self-starter, meaning you can get started quickly.
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You are a good planner and can switch quickly and flexibly between different tasks.
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You are a good presenter and know how to inspire your client and colleagues with your ideas.
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You collaborate well with colleagues and consider different interests. You are aware of your work environment and are aware of the challenges.
What do we offer?
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You will have a unique opportunity to work on two assignments at two different universities within two years.
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In the first year, you will receive a salary of €3,546 gross per month based on a full-time contract, and in the second year, €3,708 gross per month based on a full-time contract in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
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With a full-time workweek of 38 hours, you will have 29 vacation days. You can also get additional leave by, for example, working a full-time 40-hour week and thus receiving 96 additional leave hours, or by giving up 96 leave hours and working a 36-hour workweek.
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You and your group will participate in a trainingsprogram through training and peer supervision at De Baak, spread over two years.
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You will participate in one of the LDE trainee committees each year.
Applying for a traineeship
If you would like to start your career with this traineeship, the vacancy is now online on our job openings website . Click on the listing and use the button to apply with your cover letter and CV.
If you have any other questions, please contact Daniëlle van Rijk at ldetraineeship@bb.leidenuniv.nl
Trainee testimonials
Charlotte Turksma, LDE trainee since 2023
After completing my master’s, I wasn’t quite sure where I wanted to work and which job would suit me. Several people recommended the LDE traineeship because you can scope out a wide range of opportunities and try out different roles. That really appealed to me, mainly because you work at different universities, and I was interested in the organisational side of a large organisation like a university.
I’ve learned a lot about myself over the past year and developed various soft skills. I’ve done a range of activities, which has helped me get a better idea of what does and doesn’t give me energy. De Baak’s training focusing on my professional development also helped. I would recommend the LDE traineeship if you don’t know exactly what you want to do but have a broad interest and are open to learning a lot!
Trainee testimonials
Rik Peelen, LDE-trainee Student and Educational Affairs
I signed up for the LDE traineeship because, after graduating, I was looking for a challenge and a role in the semi-public sector. Having spent a few years working with higher education institutions, and really enjoying it, I wanted to broaden my development in a public context, which is exactly what the LDE traineeship offers.
The traineeship has helped me discover my strengths, what energises me and the direction I want to grow in as a professional. I’ve also learned a great deal about myself, both personally and professionally, which has hugely valuable.
The two years, with two different assignments at two different universities, have helped me find out who I am and what I want. The LDE traineeship is a great springboard for both personal and professional development. The combination of de Baak training, coaching, peer reflection and contact with other trainees makes for two intensive years full of learning, connection and inspiration. You don’t just learn how a university works and how you operate within one, but also have a lot of fun while making a real impact on society!
Trainee testimonials
Fréderique Verbeek, LDE-trainee HR Learning & Development
After graduating, I knew I wanted a job that would impact society – I just wasn’t sure in what role or organisation. I’d already worked for the university as a student and had really enjoyed the academic environment. When the LDE traineeship came up, it felt like the perfect opportunity. I really liked that you do two assignments at two different organisations, giving you the chance to explore what suits you and what you enjoy most.
Now, halfway through, I’ve already learned an incredible amount, both in my assignment and through the Baak training, peer reflection and coaching sessions. These have helped me develop valuable skills and answer key questions such as: What am I good at? What do I want? What are my challenges and how can I tackle them? The combination of all of these elements makes the LDE traineeship the ideal start to my career.