Digital Transformation Intensive Programme Trainee

Start your career transformation and shape the future with us

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION INTENSIVE PROGRAMME

Experience a unique Digital Transformation Intensive Programme (DTIP) that combines design, technology, and social innovation.

During this hands-on traineeship programme, you will dive into real-world challenges while working in interdisciplinary and diverse teams. We will change the way you look at collaboration and provide you with the tools to drive positive impact.

Key Facts

Fall 2025:

1 September 2025 – 23 January 2026

Spring 2026:

2 February 2026 – 26 June 2026

Language: English

Mode of study: Full-time from Monday to Thursday (32 hrs/week)

Cohort size: max. 50 people

STRUCTURE

Join us for a 20-week program where you’ll work on real-world projects while gaining new knowledge and build up your skillset with the supportive learning track.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Tackle a challenge aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals together with a multidisciplinary team. You’ll use Scrum to break down complex problems, test ideas quickly through prototyping, and learn from research as you go.

LEARNING TRACK

The program focuses on four key areas:

• Creative applied research: Learn to transform ideas into insights through design-driven research and create solutions from your findings.
• Makers skills & Mindset: Work with tools that bring ideas to life and develop skills to turn concepts into reality.
• Scrum & Agile: Learn to work in fast-paced teams, iterate quickly, and deliver results in complex projects.
• Personal development: Find your strengths, set goals, and shape your path.

Among others, the workshops you’ll join are: Makers masterclasses, Speculative design, Design thinking, Ethics, Intercultural & interdisciplinary working, Prototyping mindset, Creative storytelling, Transformation design.

DELIVERABLES

In 20 weeks, your team will deliver:

• A prototype of the final solution
• An installation of your research at the Showcase
• Sharing of insights & results as a publication on the Digital Society School website
• A two-minute explainer video produced in the recording studio
• and of course all other needed documentation

ADMISSION & APPLICATION

The Digital Transformation Intensive Programme has a selective admission process to ensure an optimal match between diverse educational and professional backgrounds in each traineeship group. Additionally, we are highly committed to promoting equality of opportunity, merit and a proper representation of diversity around the world.

If you are not a citizen of the Schengen area, we request you apply at least 6 months in advance. This is due to the length of the Visa process. If you apply at a later date, we cannot guarantee your application can be processed in time.

Application deadlines for Spring 2025 are closed

For Fall 2025:

Non-Schengen citizens: 30 April
Schengen citizens: 31 May

For Spring 2026:

Non-Schengen citizens: 30 September
Schengen citizens: 31 October

Please note: To be eligible for student housing, you must apply BEFORE the first week of October (for Spring) or the first week of May (for Fall).

Our programme is a full-time commitment. Please note that trainees cannot be employed by a third party for the complete duration of the programme. Extraordinary cases may be discussed during the interview process.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Aspiring trainees will be considered for admission when they fulfil the following characteristics:

Schengen area citizens: Bachelor’s degree
Non-Schengen area citizens: Master’s degree*

B2 English level or equivalent. Recommended: IELTS Speaking/Listening 7 or higher, or TOEFL Speaking/Listening 27 points or more

Preferred: Two years of work experience

Educational and/or professional backgrounds preferably (but not exclusively) in the areas of Digital Design, Computer Science, Game Design, Data Science, MBA, Creative Industries, Humanities, UX/UI and Social Sciences.

*We offer a very limited number of openings for participants with a Bachelor’s degree completed no more than two years before the start of the programme.

Competencies:

• You are a critical and independent learner;
• You have knowledge and insights about the latest pressing social challenges or technological advancements.
• You can design, perform, analyse and report both in writing and orally on complex topics.
• You are willing to challenge your perceptions of the current growth-driven and technology-centred society.
• You are open-minded and collaborative, and you have an adaptable mindset.

If you do not meet all the admission requirements but believe you have enough demonstrable skills and competencies, we encourage you to continue your application process.

TUITION FEES

The tuition fee to participate in the Digital Transformation Intensive Programme in the Fall of 2024/Spring of 2025 is €4,750. There’s a possibility to pay in installments. This fee applies to Schengen area citizens* as well as non-Schengen citizens with a Masters’ degree.

* Please note that having a residence permit for another Schengen member state does not necessarily mean that you are allowed to work outside of that country.

Examples of Past projects

Our trainees worked on 85+ challenges so far, will you join us on our mission to shape a better future?

• Connected Campus
• Chasing Colors
• Aim for the Experience