Launch your career with Viterra: My IT traineeship journey

Ready to kickstart your career in data and analytics? As part of Viterra’s IT Data & Analytics traineeship, our trainees have the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop new skills and grow both personally and professionally. In this article our IT Trainee Xueying shares her journey through the programme. 

My journey at Viterra began as an intern while pursuing my Master’s in Organic Agriculture at Wageningen University. After graduating, I joined the IT traineeship programme, which includes rotations through five different departments and roles over 18 months. Each role brings fresh challenges and opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across diverse systems. Currently, I am in my fifth rotation, contributing to the Sustainability department, where I apply my skills to make an impact on our global network.

What’s it like to be a trainee at Viterra?

Being a trainee at Viterra is about more than just learning on the job – I feel like an integral part of the team. From the very first day, I have taken on real responsibilities and have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. This experience has been transformative, allowing me to enhance my IT skills, including data analysis, data engineering, and data modelling techniques, while deepening my understanding of complex business processes. Every day is different, offering opportunities to tackle new challenges, collaborate with experienced professionals, and connect with colleagues across departments.

What sets this traineeship apart?

One word: variety. Each department offers unique work systems, approaches, and business knowledge, ensuring a dynamic learning experience. Through the rotations, you gain diverse insights, offering a holistic view of the company. The traineeship isn’t just about building technical skills—it’s about understanding how the business operates and identifying where you can make an impact. This blend of technical knowledge and business insight makes it an ideal foundation for anyone interested in data analytics.

Another highlight of the programme is its flexibility, as trainees are empowered to tailor it to their interests. My passion for sustainability led me to request a rotation in the Sustainability department. Even though it wasn’t originally part of the Data & Analytics programme, my manager fully supported my vision. That level of empowerment has been instrumental to my growth.

What does a week as a trainee look like?

Currently, I’m making a tangible impact in our Sustainability department. As part of the IT traineeship, I apply my technical expertise and passion for data to support one of our most important goals: reducing Scope 3 emissions across our supply chain. From upstream producers to downstream distributors, I ensure our data is accurate, reliable, and flows seamlessly throughout the business.

My work starts with gathering and cleaning data, introducing the latest tools and platforms to make processes more efficient, and tailoring solutions to meet the unique needs of stakeholders. By simplifying workflows and reducing manual tasks, I help colleagues focus on what matters most. I also collaborate with teams across the IT department to connect stakeholders with the right resources and keep everyone aligned on ongoing projects.

What’s unique about this role is the big-picture perspective it offers. I work closely with stakeholders at every stage of the supply chain, connecting the dots between operations and ensuring our sustainability initiatives are effectively coordinated. Whether I’m collecting data upstream or collaborating with downstream distributors, I am constantly driving towards our shared goal of achieving sustainable agricultural networks that benefit the entire industry.

Once the data is collected, I bring it to life through visualisations. These insights help teams track progress, identify opportunities for improvement, and stay transparent about their results. For me, it’s not just about managing data—it’s about empowering people and processes to make sustainability an integral part of our business.

Training, support, and growth

At Viterra, learning is a continuous journey. I value the ongoing training and mentorship from senior team members, which helps me develop new skills. As I rotate through departments, I adapt to different team dynamics and collaborate with colleagues to tackle exciting challenges. Whenever I want to expand my knowledge, I know I can rely on my manager and colleagues for personalised training or suggestions, ensuring my growth is tailored to my needs.

With my agricultural background, I can also simplify complex IT concepts for stakeholders who may not have a technical background. Although transitioning from studying to working was a big change, my passion for data has made the process smoother. I focus on turning raw data into valuable insights, using my curiosity to help others understand how data drives decision-making.

Perfect for graduates ready to make an impact

For recent graduates eager to launch an international career in data analytics, this traineeship is the perfect starting point. It combines hands-on experience, technical training, and business exposure, providing trainees with a well-rounded foundation for their careers. Click here for all the vacancies.