Recruiters' tips for summer trainee applications
We want your summer job application process with us to be as easy and positive as possible. Below you will find our recruiters’ insights on what to consider when preparing your application and how you can describe your interests and skills.
- Focus on the roles that genuinely interest you
We receive many summer job applications each year, and one of the most common questions we hear is how to stand out. The best way is to focus on the positions that truly feel like a good fit for you. When you explain why a specific role excites you, and give short examples from your studies, projects or past work, your application is far more likely to catch our attention.
- Using AI in job applications
You can use AI to draft your application but note that many AI-written texts might end up looking similar if you use too much AI. In your application, be the unique you, and think about examples from your past, your studies, and your skills that set you apart from others. We encourage you to be creative in your application and showcase your personality.
Our recruitment system helps us process applications using AI, for example in making application document summaries. Each application is always reviewed by the recruiting team, and recruitment decisions are always made by a human being.
- Tell us what you can do and what you’d like to learn
Most of our summer trainee roles don’t require prior experience. A motivated attitude and willingness to learn matter most. A short explanation of why you’re interested in the role and what you hope to learn helps us understand your goals.
- Contact the person in the job ad only if you have specific questions
Most of the job ads list a contact person. Use this option when you have a clear question that the ad or FAQ doesn’t answer. This keeps the process smooth for you and other applicants. Many of the questions regarding VTT’s summer trainee positions are answered below in the FAQ section and in the job ad.
- Emphasize your key expertise as clearly as possible
Present your main areas of expertise clearly so recruiters can quickly understand your profile and what you bring to the role. A well-structured CV helps highlight your skills and experience and makes it easier for reviewers to recognise how you fit the position.
Focus on your primary technical skills, software experience, research areas, or methods, whichever best represents your background. This approach shows how your strengths align with the role and the team’s needs. For example, you might summarise 3-5 key areas of expertise such as “Python programming,” “data analysis,” “project management,” “materials science,” or “laboratory techniques.”
Frequently asked questions
We’ve gathered answers to the most common questions to help you find information quickly and reduce the need to call or email our contact persons for additional inquiries.
What is the salary range for trainee positions?
All VTT Summer of Changemakers traineeships are paid. The salary is determined based on study credits: for master’s students the monthly salary is between 2650€ and 2850€, and for bachelor's students the monthly salary is between 2150€ and 2450€.
Where is the summer job located?
Each job ad lists the location at the end. VTT has several offices across Finland: Espoo, Oulu, Tampere, Jyväskylä, Kajaani and Kuopio.
Is hybrid or remote work possible?
Yes, most of our positions offer the possibility to work in a hybrid model. If the role is of a kind that it requires you to be present at the office or laboratory daily, it’s mentioned in the job ad. Working fully remote is not possible at VTT.
Should I contact the listed contact person?
Not necessarily – if you have a question that isn’t already answered in the job posting or this FAQ, then feel free to reach out to the contact person mentioned in the job ad.
How long does the application process take?
Most summer trainee positions are open from 8 January to 1 February. The review process may take from a few weeks up to about a month. We inform all applicants of the final decision.
Who should apply for Summer of Changemakers positions?
Our trainee positions are aimed at bachelor's and master's level students and fresh graduates. If you are a more senior expert, please consider applying for our PhD, PostDoc, research scientist or senior scientist, or other professional level positions. All our open positions can be found here.