How Barco’s Management Trainee Program empowers young graduates

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At Barco, innovation isn’t just about technology, it’s about people. The company’s Management Trainee Program is a testament to that philosophy, offering offering recent graduates and early-career professionals a unique opportunity to explore, grow, and shape their careers from the inside out. Through hands-on, cross-functional projects and a strong support network, the program helps participants discover their strengths and shape their future.

A journey of discovery

We spoke with three recent trainees – Aaron De Weerdt, Joyce De Temmerman, and Lucas Maertens – who each brought their own background, ambitions, and experiences to the program. Their stories reveal how Barco’s approach to early career development is both personal and powerful.

For Aaron, who earned a Master’s in Mechanical Energy Engineering and an additional Master’s in General Management, the appeal of the program was its variety. “I didn’t know exactly which direction I wanted to take professionally,” he says. “But I knew I wanted to explore different areas, and this program gave me the opportunity to do that."

Joyce, who holds a Master’s in Business Economics, a PhD in Business Economics, and works as a Teaching Assistant at Ghent University, echoed that sentiment: “The variety was key. You get to learn from different people and departments in a short time. That’s incredibly valuable.”

Each trainee rotated through multiple domains. Aaron explored upstream and downstream marketing before diving into finance. Joyce worked in cinema product management and investor relations. Lucas, who has a Master’s in Business and Information Systems Engineering (Data Science), experienced supply chain, commercial operations, and IT – plus an unexpected month working alongside Barco’s Sustainability Manager.

The program isn’t without its challenges, such as navigating unfamiliar systems or gathering the right information across the organization. But these obstacles quickly turned into growth opportunities. All three trainees developed critical skills such as communication, stakeholder management, and resilience.

"You learn to be proactive, to ask questions, and to challenge the status quo,” says Aaron.

Aaron, Joyce and Lucas with the Strategic Initiatives team at the start of their traineeship in September 2023

Freedom to grow

One of the program’s strengths is its balance between structure and autonomy. “Barco takes your interests into account and tailors the program to those fields,” Joyce explains. “But they also push you out of your comfort zone.”

Lucas appreciated how the program evolved. “My first assignment was fixed, but by the third, I proposed my own project, which they approved. That freedom made a big difference.”

The support system also stood out.
“Colleagues here are open and willing to help,” Lucas continues.

From trainee to team member

All three trainees have now transitioned into permanent roles at Barco. Aaron joined the Strategic Initiatives team, where he continues to work on strategic projects across the company. Joyce became a Segment Marketing Manager in the Control Rooms team, and Lucas is now a Functional Analyst within the IT team.

Each of them credits the program with preparing them for this next step. “Without the program, starting here would’ve been much harder,” says Lucas. “It gave me the confidence and experience I needed.”

From Barco’s perspective, it’s a win-win. Management trainees contribute to key projects that benefit from fresh perspectives and new ideas, or tackle initiatives that require dedicated and specific attention. Their added value to the teams they join is significant. And after this two-year journey at Barco, they have many professional options to choose from.

Thomas Serbruyns

VP Strategic Initiatives at Barco and sponsor of the Barco Management Trainee Program

Advice for the next generation

As they look to the future, all three see Barco as a place where they can continue to grow and pursue their ambitions. They’ve also warmly welcomed the next generation of management trainees, who have just started. Their advice to them is clear:

Network actively: “This is a rare chance to meet many people quickly,” says Aaron.

Speak up:  "Express your interests and concerns,” Joyce advises. “Barco listens.”

Don’t do it alone:  “Ask for help,” Lucas emphasizes. “You’re not alone here.”

About the Barco Management Trainee Program

Barco’s Management Trainee Program is a two-year journey designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals eager to explore different roles within a global tech company. Trainees rotate through various departments to gain hands-on experience and build a strong network.

As the program progresses, trainees gain more freedom to choose their projects, while being guided by mentors and encouraged to take initiative. Many finish the program with a strong understanding of Barco and move into permanent roles with confidence.

It’s the ideal program for those who are curious, ambitious, and ready to grow.