Interview with data trainee Jasper
A Q&A about getting started with the Tracking & Analytics traineeship
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What does the Tracking & Analytics traineeship look like in practice? When do you start working on real challenges for clients? And how can you develop yourself in this traineeship? Our trainee Jasper van der Meer tells us more about it.
We are currently looking for Trainees who are fluent in the Dutch language, both verbally and in writing.
Why did you decide to pursue a traineeship?
Jasper explains that he has a different background than most data specialists and that he wanted to learn more technical skills: "I studied International Relations, which is not a very technical field. After completing this study, I realised that I wanted to learn more technical skills, especially programming." Jasper also wanted to gain work experience, so the perfect solution for him was the Tracking & Analytics traineeship at Digital Power.
Jasper adds: "I came across your company through Instagram, and the job vacancy was exactly what I was looking for: learning programming, gaining work experience, and having a good salary."
Why Digital Power?
Jasper mentions that Digital Power was the first company he applied to, and he immediately felt a connection: "I checked the website and social media channels. What particularly appealed to me was the culture: accessible, young people, open, and casual. This is also very important to me."
Apart from the culture, the opportunity to develop himself also attracted Jasper to Digital Power: "During the interviews, I noticed that there were many possibilities for self-development, and it is genuinely a priority at Digital Power."
A significant advantage of the traineeship, according to Jasper, is that you don't need to have much experience, and you start together with a small group: "As a beginner, this is very pleasant, and it's nice to collaborate with other trainees."
What does the traineeship involve?
The first six weeks of the traineeship consist of attending courses and training sessions. "The first week was all about getting to know the company and colleagues. In the following weeks, we had training sessions on topics like tag management systems, JavaScript, and Google Analytics. Additionally, we had several soft skills training sessions, covering topics like giving feedback and communication."
Every Friday, the trainees worked on a case study where they tackled a fictional tag management assignment: "It was nice to apply the knowledge from the training sessions in practice. I noticed that both soft skills and hard skills came in handy."
After 6 weeks, all trainees are supervised on assignments with clients. Jasper started working with a Dutch insurance company, where some of his Digital Power colleagues were also present.
How did it feel for you to start working on a client assignment after only six weeks?
Jasper enjoyed transitioning quickly from theory to practice. On the other hand, it was also intense to start working with the client within six weeks.
The advantage of this assignment for Jasper was that he was working with experienced colleagues from Digital Power at the insurance company: "One of those colleagues was my mentor, so I felt that I wasn't left on my own, and I could ask all my questions. Besides, we have been collaborating with the insurance company for a long time, making it the ideal place to learn everything," says Jasper.
What are your tasks at the client's company?
In the first three months, Jasper primarily worked on creating tag plans. Over time, he received more challenging assignments: "I started working with Tealium, configuring data in Adobe Analytics, and applying code in JavaScript. Additionally, I also got the chance to hold meetings with stakeholders. The exciting part is that you're not just sitting behind your laptop all the time."
Jasper notes that he is now becoming more independent and able to handle complex tasks more efficiently. "I'm learning to work with different tools. Moreover, I enjoy the exposure to various aspects at the insurance company, from holding meetings with stakeholders to learning SQL. This allows me to develop quickly." Jasper works on-site with the client twice a week, which he finds beneficial as it helps him get to know the company well and allows him to speak with stakeholders personally.
You're nearing the end of the traineeship. How was the overall experience?
Jasper found it very educational: "When I look at where I am now compared to the start of the traineeship, I have learned so much, both in terms of soft skills and hard skills."
Looking back, Jasper also sees that he has been able to apply many of the skills he acquired: "I work with different tools at the client's company and apply my soft skills in conversations with stakeholders. Now, I can see the aspects of the training sessions coming to life in practice."
At Digital Power, Jasper feels completely at home: "Whenever I come to the office, I feel comfortable. It's nice that everyone is always there to support you. On Fridays, I try to attend the meet-ups, where knowledge sharing is the focus."
How do you plan to continue your development in the coming time?
On Fridays, Jasper dedicates time to his personal development by attending a JavaScript course. This course was set up by a colleague at Digital Power. "The course includes many JavaScript assignments in the context of tag management. It's very beneficial to be able to apply the knowledge gained in the course directly to the related assignments. Additionally, I receive a lot of personal guidance from the colleague who organized the course."
In the future, Jasper would like to learn more about Python and SQL. He appreciates the fact that Digital Power provides opportunities to develop in various aspects.
Want to become a data trainee too? Apply at Digital Power!
Do you also want to join the Tracking & Analytics traineeship at Digital Power? View our job vacancy and become Jasper's colleague!
This is an interview by Irene Stolk, Digital Marketer at Digital Power
Irene Stolk is a Digital Marketer with a passion for data. Her analytical skills enable her to leverage valuable insights for campaigns. She thrives on writing blogs, client cases, and interviews, fueling her energy and creativity.
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