How to Get Your First Traineeship in Estonia

Submitted by Triinu on Wed, 03/18/2026 - 09:45

This blog post was written by our student ambassador Anna Didyk, a graduate of the Politics and Governance BA programme at Tallinn University.

When I first arrived in Estonia as an international student, one question kept coming back again and again:

"Will I be able to find a traineeship or student job in Estonia?" The opportunity would provide me with real professional experience, confidence, and a sense that I am actively building my future while studying abroad. If you are asking yourself the same question, you are definitely not alone.

In this article, I aim to share my experience of securing my first traineeship in Estonia, the mistakes I made during my internship search, the strategies that were effective, and what I wish I had known earlier.

Because the truth is simple:

Getting your first traineeship or internship in Estonia is absolutely possible, but it may not happen the way you expect.

Why Traineeships and Internships Matter in Estonia

Estonia is a digital and startup country, and for good reason. Many companies operate in international teams, use English as a working language, and are open to hiring students and young professionals.

However, competition for internships in Estonia can be strong, especially in fields such as:

IT and software development
business and finance
marketing and communications
public administration and governance

Getting a traineeship while studying in Estonia can help you:

gain practical work experience before graduation
understand Estonian work culture and professional expectations
build confidence in an international working environment
create valuable connections and networking opportunities
Increase your chances of finding a full-time job in Estonia after graduation

For many international students, an internship or traineeship becomes the first real step toward starting a career in Estonia.

My Story: 9 Applications and 1 Reply

When I started my traineeship search, I felt highly motivated and optimistic. I updated my CV, wrote multiple motivation letters, and actively applied for open positions. In total, I applied for 9 trainee roles at one company. I expected at least a few interview invitations. Instead, I received only one reply. Luckily, that one reply changed everything. I was accepted as an Improvement Lead Trainee at Ericsson. At that moment, I realised something extremely important: Finding a traineeship in Estonia is not about applying once or twice - it is about persistence. Sometimes it takes many unanswered applications or rejections before one opportunity finally opens the door.

Where to Look for Traineeships in Estonia

One thing I learned very quickly is that internships and trainee positions in Estonia are not always easy to find in one place.

Here are the most effective platforms and strategies.

1. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is one of the best tools for finding internships in Estonia. Many companies publish trainee roles directly there. You can also:

Follow the companies you are interested in
Set job alerts for keywords like internship, Estonia, or trainee, Tallinn
connect with recruiters or employees
Apply early when positions are just posted

Sometimes, a proactive message can set you apart from hundreds of applicants.

2. Company Career Pages

Large international companies in Estonia often have dedicated career portals. Some internship programmes open only once per year, typically in spring for summer internships. Checking company websites regularly can help you apply on time and increase your chances.

3. University Career Platforms and Job Fairs

Estonian universities actively cooperate with employers. Career fairs, internship cafés, and student job portals can provide opportunities that are not widely advertised. Sometimes companies specifically look for international students, which can be a great advantage.

Apply Even If You Don’t Feel Fully Ready

One of the biggest mistakes students make is waiting until they feel 100% qualified. I did the same. But traineeships are designed for learning. Employers do not expect you to know everything; they expect motivation, curiosity, and willingness to grow. Even if you meet only part of the requirements, it is still worth applying.

Don’t Take Silence Personally

This is probably the most emotionally challenging part of the internship search. After receiving only one reply out of nine applications, I began to doubt myself.

Was my CV not strong enough?

Was my experience too limited?

Was I choosing the wrong field?

Later, I understood that there are many reasons why companies may not respond:

a high number of applicants
internal hiring priorities
timing and budget constraints
limited trainee positions

Very often, it is not about your abilities at all.

What Helped Me Finally Get a Traineeship

Looking back, several strategies made a real difference:

applying to multiple positions instead of focusing on just one
tailoring my motivation letter for each role
staying consistent and continuing the search
focusing on international companies with English-speaking environments
being open to learning rather than searching for a “perfect internship.”

Most importantly, I did not stop after the first rejection or silence.

What You Gain From a Traineeship in Estonia

Beyond technical knowledge, a traineeship provides something even more valuable:

confidence to work in multicultural teams
an understanding of workplace communication and expectations
clarity about your career direction
real examples and achievements for future job interviews

A traineeship helps you transition from a student to a young professional with international experience.

Final Thoughts

Getting your first traineeship or internship in Estonia may take time. It may take more applications, more patience, and more courage than you initially expect. But one opportunity can completely transform your student experience and career path. If you are currently searching - don’t give up.

Your first traineeship in Estonia might be just one application away.

Find out which international degree programmes are available for you in Estonia.