​Management Trainee versus Graduate Trainee
As a person who has successfully become a Management Trainee/Graduate Trainee, I would like to write something down about my experience and learned lessons. From that, hope some of you can find some interesting things that may be helpful in your own path.
Please note that this content is aimed at the Vietnam scenario (labor market, living standards, business cultures, etc)
Management Trainee (Quản trị viên táºp sá»±): it is a program targeting you to become a manager/ product line manager/…after a period of time. As a result, MNCs expect to find a talent having both people/team management potential and excellent learning ability, and passion for the industry.
Graduate Trainee (không biết dịch sao =))): it is a program targeting you to become an officer/senior officer/specialist. This program normally limits final-year students and fresh graduates with less than 1-year experience. While a MT program gives you more chances to apply (normally from final-year students to less than 2 years of experience young professionals). In addition, the apprentice between 2 types of programs is vastly different. GT time frame could range from 12 months to 18 months, however, MT programs take 2 to 3 learning years.
Understanding that when you comprehend the requirements, expectations, and process, it will be far easier to conquer the programs. I made the below table:​
Now, there are more and more MT/GT programs. The reasons behind vary from employment branding to real demand. It also differs between Vietnamese SMEs and MNCs in terms of budgets and human resources, that's why you may see various offers (monetary benefits and working environment), the above table's benefit section describes MNCs' MT/GT program. My advice for you is:
With many program options ahead, before applying, you should clarify:
1. What type of company (MNC or VN SME) Normally, MNCs can offer better benefit package.
2. What is their country of origin? because it will decide their working style (US, EU, JP, KO, CH, etc)
3. Industry of that company (is it sustainable?) and products.
4. How many years/batches have they recruited? Normally, a longer establishment will be better.
5. What can they offer? (mentoring, opportunities for job rotation or working overseas, etc)
6. How long does that program take? (12 months or 2 years?)
7. Your first title after graduation from that program. Why the first title is important? As you may know, the economy now can change fast in unexpected ways, and no one can make sure that they can stay in that company for many years or that the company can operate well all the time (laid-off or business challenges will affect directly to you in that company). It will be great if you can grow up and become a high level in that company but from the beginning, we should analyze and consider a safe option. The best title after graduation should be from senior position.
8. !!! Money is the last thing, not the first thing. Pls remember! Money is a sensitive but essential matter. From my viewpoint, if they can offer a competitive salary (equal to the market salary for that position for freshers) and above, you should accept.
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​Finally, wish you all the best and you will realize your dreams ^^