Benefits of the Trainee Program

By allowing international students and professionals to undertake structured programs of practical training at US companies, the Trainee Program creates a unique forum for professional and personal growth within an international context. Consider the benefits that such a program can have for you.

‘On-the-Job Training’: participants will learn valuable professional techniques and US business methodologies in their field of endeavor, allowing them to further their skills and knowledge and to enhance their qualifications within this field.

Networking: by completing a training program at a US company, participants begin to establish professional relationships and to develop an international network of colleagues and contacts that they can call upon in their future careers.

Language Skills: for those participants who are not native English speakers, the Trainee Program allows them to advance their skills in a professional setting, helping them to improve not only their overall fluency but also their industry-specific business English skills.

Cultural Exchange: in addition to providing for profound professional development, the Trainee Program is also administered as a cultural exchange program, creating the opportunity for participants to learn about US culture, history and politics while at the same time providing insight into their home culture to their friends and colleagues in the US.

Fun: participating in the Trainee Program is not just a good career decision, it is also a great way to make friends from all around the world, and experience the excitement of living in and exploring a new country.

Trainee Program testimonials
Having sponsored participants on the Trainee Program for nearly 20 years, we have collected a wealth of testimonials from participants describing the benefits they have garnered from participation in this program. Here are just a few.

Q: How is this program benefiting your future career goals?

Paula Gomes Rosa, Trainee at O Jornal May 2004 - October 2005 Post graduate student of Universidade Nova De Lisboa
"To start, it gave me an idea of the reality of my professional area and it has been a great experience both personally and professionally, specifically the professional work environment. Ric has really helped me learn a lot and learn how to apply my studies in real work situation."

Caroline Dubarry, France, Trainee at Sofitel Los Angeles, student in International Business/Trade/Commerce:
I am studying International Trade and International Tourism Management in university. This Traineeship with Sofitel is a link between the two. I needed an international training experience to complete my degree and this opportunity to meet new people, understand a different culture, improve my English language skills and adjust to a different way of life will definitely benefit my future career goals.

Kathryn McCagherty, Canada, Trainee at Burditch Marketing Communications in Los Angeles, student in Social Sciences:
Training at BMC has given me the experience, and, as such, the confidence to work in a business setting. Coming from Canada, I was not expecting to experience such culture shock, but training in Los Angeles, which is such a hub of communications and where Public Relations is thriving, has provided me the opportunity to develop and perfect my composure.

Jennifer Dyke, UK, Trainee at Hall & Partners USA, Inc. in Los Angeles, student in Business/Managerial Economics:
I find that in the United States, at least in this Traineeship, the Host Company puts more trust in you and allows you to be more hands on that in the UK. There is more potential to get experience doing everything and not just menial work. Training at such a well respected company, Hall and Partners, has allowed me to take a huge leap towards my future career goals and bypass several years of entry level positions back in the UK I can easily transition from general market research to consultancy based research thanks to this Traineeship.

Matthew Symons, UK, Trainee at BWP Media USA, Inc. in Los Angeles, student in Journalism:
I gained knowledge and learned how the industry works and what the consumers or audience is interested in. I will have a competitive advantage knowing what to shoot for photos and film footage back home in the UK. Los Angeles is where all the main industry businesses are based and there is always something new to learn here with so many premieres.

Linh Pham, Australia, Trainee at Hallmark Aviation Services in Los Angeles, student in Tourism and Travel Services Management:
I've learned that tourism is all about networking. Training with Qantas has enabled me to speak with different people and find out more about all the different opportunities available in the travel industry. I would like to be a flight attendant back in Australia and having trained with Qantas in Los Angeles I am hoping to be offered a permanent position with them back home.