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A traineeship is not about the destination.

The story of Ludmilla.

“Life is about the journey, not the destination” (attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson among others) …

 

If you really think about it, a quote we all experienced firsthand. And thinking back, you must admit it feels like bullshit when you’re right in the middle of this journey and have no clue when or if you’ll even reach your destination, right? Well, that’s exactly how I felt, in the first years of education and my career, when people bombarded me with big questions like “Where do you see yourself in 3 to 5 years?” or “What is your dream job?”… All tough questions, since I felt like the member of the club with no clear path for my future, nor a specific “calling.”

Since I had no clue what the right fit for me would be, when choosing my education, I opted for a broad field, Marketing & Business Management, to keep all options open. The same thing happened when it was time to find my first job. I had no idea what the perfect fit for me would be, so I started applying for positions that were in line with my education, such as Junior Product Manager or those that advertised for “young enthusiastic people just coming out of university, offering an interesting position with opportunities for growth.” It was more a logical choice rather than one that truly resonated with my heart. Nonetheless, I was happy and felt secure to have found a job and started working there! However, after a year, I found myself stuck in a dead-end position, realizing the need to open my opportunities was back. That’s when I applied for a management traineeship, which, looking back, turned out to be the best decision I could have made!

Why do I specify looking back?

Because, at that time and throughout my entire traineeship, I had no idea that it marked the beginning of an incredible adventure! It was a journey that exposed me to different companies, cultures, managers, functions, projects, and ways of working… Some experiences brought me incredible colleagues, while others left me feeling lonely and on my own. I encountered interesting tasks and some that were less exciting. Inspiring managers pushed me to go beyond my limits, while others highlighted the importance of valuing the team to achieve our goals.

What they taught me?

What all those different experiences taught me is that it’s not about having the best manager, colleagues, or tasks. It’s about how YOU choose to perceive things and take control of your own journey. You can wait for the perfect fit or dream job, or you can make the experience and the process valuable and worthwhile for yourself. And that’s when the quote kicks in!

Discover

My traineeship didn’t give me my dream job, but it allowed me to discover and connect with who I am. As I mentioned earlier, I had a hard time figuring out what I wanted to become, but now I know: It’s completely normal! How can you define your destination if you don’t know your preferences and needs? So, how did it work for me? I was constantly stimulated by changing assignments every 6 to 9 months, adapting to new situations, receiving regular feedback on my performance and how others perceived me, stepping out of my comfort zone, and being vulnerable in training or coaching sessions.

Self-reflection

It was all about EXPERIENCING and not getting caught up in self-limiting thoughts and emotions (Will this make me happy? Is this not too challenging? …).  I chose to focus on self-reflection, becoming more aware of my thoughts and feelings, occasionally taking a step back to evaluate my journey, what I learned, what I achieved, and where I currently stand. I kept trying new things because decisions can only be made based on the information you have at THIS moment. So, trust yourself and enjoy the process of experiencing and getting to know yourself. That’s what it’s all about!

Today, I find myself much farther along in my journey. I’m content with where I am, as I have a better understanding of myself and what truly fits me. However, I’m fully aware that I haven’t reached my final destination, and I am grateful for that. There is still so much more to explore and discover, and I couldn’t be more excited about it!

 

When drafting my own story, I got curious about the story of other trainees. Do they feel the same when looking at the quote? How do they look back on their journey during their traineeship? And the same counts for them: Ormit Talent is not the place to find your dream job, but it guides you into the right direction through self-knowledge.

The story of other trainees

Giel

“I started at Ormit Talent with 1,5years of experience elsewhere. For me a traineeship was definitely a step forward in which I made personal knowledge and soft skills my priority. My personal coach, the internal team and my fellow trainees made sure I always kept focus on these two elements. Through various trainings, exercises, and coaching sessions, I noticed I had a certain way of looking at problems, communicating, and approaching tasks. Engaging in conversations and receiving feedback allowed me to gradually gain a deeper understanding of my personality, strengths, weaknesses, and how I interact with others. Since it’s difficult to observe oneself in action and feedback on personality is rare in our society, this has been one of the most valuable realizations during my time with Ormit Talent.

 

Ormit Talent didn’t provide me with a secret formula to find my perfect job. However, I did learn more about my strengths, what my pitfalls are, and what I truly enjoy doing. I’m now using all this knowledge to further plan my career and take quick steps forward without running into walls.”

Giel – Ormit Talent Alumni (Chapter Lead Talent Program)

Dries

“Although ORMIT wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows for me, I value my time and traineeship there tremendously. Together with my fellow trainees and coach I was able to work on the aspects for which I had to push myself during my assignments. Their guidance, coupled with my natural ability to be curious and my persistence contributed to the success of this period Even though I didn’t necessarily enjoy every single assignment, it helped me recognize and appreciate my strengths, gain clarity on the direction I wanted to pursue, and understand what I value most in a company or future employer.”

Dries – Ormit Talent Alumni (Management traineeship)

Do you believe in the value of experiences above the result?

Apply for one of our traineeships and discover your true potential. Gain self-knowledge, receive coaching, and grow personally and professionally. Embrace the adventure and shape your future. Start your journey with us today.

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