This is how our traineeship shapes future Talent Experts .

Let’s go back to the beginning: why did you choose the traineeship at Successr? .

Each trainee had their own reasons for joining, but they all shared one thing: they were looking for a meaningful start to their career in Talent Acquisition.

Paula had just finished her studies and had little practical HR experience. “I hadn’t even studied HRM, so I knew it would be difficult to get in somewhere without a traineeship,” she explained. Company culture and trust were essential for her: “After a tough internship, I wanted flexibility, an international team and a supportive environment. That mattered more to me than the salary.”

Fatima had already worked for more than a year in an administrative role within recruitment, but she didn’t find the work fulfilling. She had applied to another traineeship first, which was canceled at the last moment. “I wanted something international and flexible,” she said. “I wanted to work in English with people from different backgrounds and feel genuinely excited about my work.” When she discovered Successr, the energy and openness of the team immediately stood out: “Everyone seemed genuinely happy here. That was unique and made me want to work here.”

Leonie came from a completely different background. She was in academia and had just been rejected from a PhD program when she was approached about the traineeship. “My experience was mostly theoretical, and I wanted something more practical. I had done an internship in campus recruitment, so Talent Acquisition felt like a logical next step.” Although she worried about her lack of Dutch, Paula reassured her: “Don’t worry, that’s not important here.” What struck Leonie most was the international culture and warm welcome: “Everyone was friendly, and it was refreshing to be somewhere I didn’t feel like the odd one out.”

What were your expectations in the beginning, and how does the experience compare? .

Like many starters, all three admitted they didn’t know exactly what the role would involve at first. Still, they were positively surprised by how well-structured and supportive the program turned out to be.

Fatima started without any Talent Acquisition experience. “I basically started from zero,” she said. “I hoped for a good support system and the freedom to learn. What I found was even better: a clear onboarding plan, a buddy who guided me, and a team that genuinely cared.”

Paula felt the same. “At first, I thought it was just recruitment. Only after the interview did I understand that sourcing is the core of the traineeship,” she explained. Once she understood the structure and met her team, everything clicked. “The fact that the program had run before made a huge difference. They knew what they were doing, and that gave me a lot of confidence.”

With her academic background, Leonie had a fairly clear idea of what to expect. Still, she was impressed by the preparation: “I received a schedule for my first week and clear daily tasks. It may sound small, but that kind of structure is rare and really appreciated.” She also noticed that the trainers adapted the pace to her needs: “Maria genuinely tailored the training to what I already knew and what I still had to learn.”

What are the most important things you’ve learned so far, both professionally and personally? .

Each trainee mentioned different skills, but there were clear similarities: stakeholder management, time management, and adaptability.

For Paula, stakeholder management, especially in Dutch, was a big challenge. “We studied in English, but working with Dutch clients in a professional setting is something else,” she explained. “I also thought I was good at time management until I had to manage several clients and roles at once. That was eye-opening.”

Fatima agreed. “Calling candidates is still a bit nerve-wracking for me, but I do it anyway and I’m getting better. That’s a big step for me.” She also mentioned that working with different clients strengthened her adaptability: “I always thought I could have a standard way of working, but I learned that every role, client, and candidate requires a different approach.”

Leonie focused on expectation management and communication. “The hardest part was learning to speak up when stakeholders weren’t responding,” she said. “It feels uncomfortable to chase someone in a higher position, but if I need feedback and the deadline is approaching, I have to be assertive.” She also learned to back up her work with data: “That helps me have more effective conversations with recruiters and clients.”

The trainees also highlighted how they’ve grown in confidence and ownership. “You’re given real responsibility from day one,” Paula said. “It can be scary, but it really helps you grow.”

What has been your favorite project or moment during your traineeship? .

For many trainees, the first successful placement is a milestone. That was true for both Paula and Leonie. “My very first candidate got hired,” Leonie shared. “That felt like a huge accomplishment. Even better was that people later thanked me for my support. That kind of feedback means a lot.”

Paula pointed to her first client project as her defining moment: “That was the turning point, when they trusted me with an account mostly on my own. That trust showed me how much I had grown.”

For Fatima, attending SOSU, the global sourcing conference, was a highlight. “It was overwhelming but inspiring. I met leaders from the industry. Even though I didn’t understand everything, I left feeling incredibly motivated and excited to be part of this world.”

How would you describe the support and guidance from the team? .

The trainees agreed on one thing: at Successr, support isn’t a system, it’s a culture. “The buddy system helps a lot,” Paula said. “You get someone with a bit more experience who checks in with you regularly, especially in the first weeks. They’re your go-to person for questions, guidance, or just encouragement.”

Fatima appreciated the informal, accessible atmosphere. “Even when I wasn’t working directly with my buddy, I always felt supported. People are open, helpful, and friendly. We differ in background and age, but we get along really well.” Leonie added: “From day one I felt welcome. People adapted to my learning style and pace. That makes a huge difference.”