Career start with impact: Famke's experience with the Babbage Traineeship

Imagine: you are at the start of your career as a communications professional and you want to make a positive contribution to society. You want to make an impact at a municipality, government or healthcare institution. But you cannot meet the required experience. Famke, communications trainee at Babbage, also faced this problem. “After graduating, I was looking for my first official job, but I did not have the experience yet.” And then she noticed the Babbage Traineeship.

“The traineeship at Babbage appealed to me because it focuses on communication within government agencies,” Famke explains. “I enjoy learning and gaining experience at the same time. And within this traineeship I can immediately apply what I have learned for within the sector that interests me.”

What does a typical workday look like for you?

“No day is the same! Before I started my assignment, I worked at the Babbage office. This was a nice start to get to know the fellow trainees and Babbage colleagues. After 2 weeks I started at Beaumont Communicatie, where I was initially given small tasks, such as working out results. In the meantime, I have more responsibilities, such as helping to work on European tenders, thinking along, organizing and attending (Factor C) work sessions and meetings. I have also become a contact person for a client.”

“We also have a training day every two weeks. Together with the other trainees, we receive training from Loo van Eck.”

What makes your assignment so much fun?

“The nice thing about working at Beaumont is that I work on different projects. For example, I work on projects for the municipalities of Alkmaar, Haarlem, Castricum, Diemen and. In addition, I come into contact with different people from the municipality, but also developers, other agencies and housing corporations.”

"This variation keeps me alert and energetic and ensures that the assignment remains challenging. In addition, we are in direct contact with residents. This means that I literally see the result of the work that I do. I enjoy being able to do something for them."

Learning moments and growth

What have you learned so far?

“The first training days were a lot about our personality or (work) preferences. We did a number of tests such as DISC and MBTI to see where our strengths and qualities lie, but also pitfalls or irritations. This way you get to know yourself better and how you can apply these qualities in the workplace. In addition, we also learned about B1 writing, giving/receiving feedback, indicating boundaries.”

What is the guidance like from Babbage?

“For practical questions we can always go to Jornah and Gwen. For content-related questions, Communication Consultant Maartje is ready. The guidance is nice and personal, and I really feel supported.”

Working atmosphere and colleagues

What is the atmosphere like within the traineeship?

“Great! We have a group app and see each other every other week on the training day. It’s great that you can also ask each other questions and share experiences with others. I’m also lucky that I was placed at Beaumont together with Fabienne, also a trainee at Babbage. That makes it even more fun!”

And your other colleagues at Babbage?

“I didn't work at the Babbage office for very long. But especially at the drinks and activities that Babbage organizes, I got to know my colleagues better. Everyone is super welcoming, interested, open and enthusiastic!”

Why would you recommend the traineeship?

“The traineeship is a great way to start your communication career, especially if you have little experience. Babbage helps you find fun assignments. A nice side effect is that you can end up in places that you would not have found on your own. In addition, you can count on personal guidance and training that is always relevant.”

What should a good trainee bring with him?

Future and ambitions

How did the traineeship influence your career?

“The traineeship introduced me to a branch of communication that I was not yet familiar with. It helped me think about what I want and where my strengths lie.”

What do you still hope to achieve?

“I want to develop myself even more as a Communications Advisor, take on more responsibilities and gain more self-confidence in my work. Ultimately, I hope to get a more concrete picture of the direction I want to go in.”

Would you also like to start your career with a traineeship where personal development and social impact are central?

Babbage is the place where your talent is seen and developed. Are you ready to develop yourself as a communications professional and be part of a future full of possibilities? Then apply now for the Traineeship Communication at Babbage and take the first step towards a successful career!