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
What are we looking for?
We are looking for trainees who are enthusiastic and want to learn more.
- You have been awarded an academic master’s degree (all subjects are welcome) by the start of the traineeship on 1 September.
- You graduated no more than two years ago; we count a first or second master’s degree or a completed PhD as your graduation date.
- You can speak and write well in Dutch (C1) and English (C1).
Important skills
- You can meet deadlines, because you will be working on two one-year assignments.
- You can work well with colleagues and reflect on your efforts.
- You enjoy taking on new tasks and are versatile and flexible.
- Working at different levels in the organisation is not a problem for you.
- You are proactive and can show initiative.
What do we offer?
- Two challenging assignments at two different universities.
- A two-year training and development programme.
- Individual coaching and peer feedback with fellow trainees.
- The chance to shape your traineeship by organising various activities in committees.
- A study trip abroad.
- A network of fellow trainees.
- A full-time position (1 FTE is 38 hours) with a generous holiday entitlement (if you work 40 hours, you have 41 days of annual leave).
- A salary based on scale 10.0 in the first year (€3,345 gross p/m) and scale 10.1 in the second year (€3,502 gross p/m) based on full-time employment.
Applying for a traineeship
If you would like to start your career with this traineeship, check our job openings website to see if it is listed there. 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
Loïs Hardonk, LDE trainee since 2022
I started as an LDE trainee in September 2022, a decision I’m still really glad I made. I applied because the traineeship looked to be fascinating, a great learning experience and a way to make a difference.
After completing my Master’s in Sociology I wasn’t sure what kind of job I wanted. The LDE traineeship gave me the opportunity to do two year-long assignments in a staff role at an LDE university. That helped me formulate answers (or the beginning of answers) to my questions: What am I good at? What do I enjoy doing? And what jobs would suit me? I did my trainee assignments, focusing on marketing, communication and events, at Erasmus University Rotterdam and Leiden University. I have gained valuable real-life work experience, developed various skills and qualities and grown my network during the traineeship.