Business & Tech Management Traineeship

Introduction

Help transform the aviation industry digitally and develop into the tech leader of tomorrow. As a Business & Tech Management Trainee at Air France-KLM, you will work from day one on groundbreaking projects: from smart digital platforms and large-scale cloud migrations to implementing AI in our operations. You will lead agile teams, build innovative solutions, and help shape the technological direction of an international organization.

What are you going to do?

During the two-year traineeship, you will work on four assignments, each with its own focus. You will be given significant responsibility from day one and make a visible impact:

• Cargo IT Projects: As a product owner, you will work within an agile team on a new digital platform for freight forwarders, from the initial minimum viable product to its launch.
• International IT Implementations: You will lead a team rolling out Office 365 solutions, ensuring smooth collaboration between Amsterdam, Valbonne, Toulouse, and Paris.
• Cloud Migration: You will guide the migration of existing applications, introduce new ways of working, and contribute to knowledge development within the team.
• AI Innovation: You will explore how artificial intelligence can help optimize flight schedules and analyze large data sources.

Through these assignments, you will develop both strategic insight and technical expertise while playing a crucial role in the digital transformation of Air France-KLM. Additionally, the traineeship gives you the opportunity to apply new technologies in practice: you may set up a team for API development, contribute to the implementation of innovative self-service check-in solutions at Schiphol, lead the introduction of a private ChatGPT environment within Air France-KLM, and develop digital integrations with SkyTeam partners. In this way, you play a pivotal role in the organization’s digital transformation while building both strategic and technical skills.

The KLM Management Traineeship consists of four tracks: Business & Tech (English-language track), Finance, Engineering & Maintenance, and Corporate. You will start the program together with all trainees and attend masterclasses, tours, and training courses every Friday, allowing you to gain exposure to other disciplines in addition to your own track. As a trainee, you will be part of the overall KLM Management Traineeship program while exploring your specific division through four challenging assignments. This way, you develop both broad management skills and deep expertise in your field.

With professional guidance and coaching, you will be continuously supported throughout the two-year traineeship to become the best version of yourself, both professionally and personally. You will discover who you are, where your talents lie, and how to leverage them to make an impact. Upon successful completion of the traineeship and if both parties have had a positive experience, you will have the opportunity to grow into a full-time role within KLM, further shaping your career.

Where do you land?

Your workplace is flexible: your base is at Schiphol-Rijk the tech-base of KLM. As well you can have an assignment at the headquarters in Amstelveen, sometimes at Schiphol, and regularly collaborating with colleagues in France (Valbonne, Toulouse, Paris).You will work in a hybrid setup, depending on your assignment. You will be part of an international team of trainees, IT specialists, and managers. 

The atmosphere is open, innovative, and inspiring: you are encouraged to bring your own initiatives and can always rely on the knowledge and experience of your colleagues. Fridays are dedicated to cross-traineeship trainings, where you learn alongside trainees from other disciplines, exchange ideas, and further develop your skills.

Through the Young KLM network, you will meet other young professionals who are just as ambitious and driven as you. Together, you will learn, inspire each other, and build a strong network that gives your career a flying start.

Your profile

You switch effortlessly between different projects, from strategy to execution, and actively look for new ways to use technology to create smart solutions. You easily connect with others, enjoy collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and know how to inspire others with your ideas and approach. You reflect on your own actions, are comfortable giving and receiving feedback, and are not afraid to experiment with new technologies—even if you have no prior experience with them.

In addition:

• You hold a (completed) bachelor’s or master’s degree in, for example, Business Administration, Data Science, Computer Engineering, Information Management, or another digital field;
• Strong analytical skills and a passion for technology;
• Familiarity with Design Thinking, Agile & Lean, or Scrum;
• Interest in topics such as Generative AI, Cloud Computing, Sustainable IT, Robotics, Autonomous Operations, Virtual & Augmented Reality, OKR, DevSecOps, or Data Science;
• Demonstrated affinity for IT, for example through developing applications, setting up a network, or leading a tech project;
• Fluent in English (C2 level);
• We warmly invite recent graduates and young professionals to apply; ideally, you have no more than 2 years of relevant work experience, but ambition, motivation, and learning ability are even more important.

You also identify with the following competencies:

• Problem Analysis: You quickly identify bottlenecks and come up with smart solutions;
• Results Orientation: You persevere and ensure projects are successfully completed;
• Collaboration: You work seamlessly with colleagues from different backgrounds and disciplines;
• Ownership: You take responsibility for your assignments and actively contribute to improvements;
• Innovation: You continuously look for smart, efficient ways to improve processes and projects;
• Resilience: Setbacks do not throw you off balance; you remain focused and enthusiastic;
• Interest and potential for leadership: You constantly develop yourself and demonstrate the ability to grow into a future leadership role.

At KLM, we work in a diverse organization with an inclusive atmosphere where you can be yourself, regardless of your appearance, nationality, identity, religious beliefs, or whom you love. It’s not about who you are, but how you are. Do you have a disability or special requirement? Let us know, and we will ensure you receive the right support.

Competencies