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Traineeship - AFS Energy & Group

Are you ready to become best in class in the Financial & Environmental Markets: kick-start your career within AFS.

Whether you’ve just graduated or already have some initial experience, the AFS Traineeship is your opportunity to launch or elevate your career in the dynamic world of financial and renewable energy markets. Rotate through our departments Environmental Commodities, Fixed Income, Interest Rates, Multi-Asset Execution, Custody and Electronic platforms, and we’ll find the best fit for you to become a great sales trader or account manager.

Starting on August 1st, 2025, our 2-month program offers an intensive, hands-on learning experience. You'll be based on the historic Amsterdam Stock Exchange trading floor, learning how to be great at sales, cold calling, building a network, and deal closing by learning directly from experienced colleagues. After these 2 months, your journey will continue at one of the AFS departments.

Apply now

Who we’re looking for

  • Educational Background: preferably a bachelor’s degree (in e.g., business, hospitality, finance, or sales), however as long as you have proven sales experience or a strong affinity for sales, you are welcome to apply!
  • Work experience: For this junior position, we are looking for 0-2 years of experience in a sales role.
  • Language: Fluent in English and a 2nd language, preferably Dutch, German, French, Italian, or Spanish.
  • Your core strengths:
    • Driven competitor
    • Curious and growth-minded
    • Entrepreneurial and ambitious
    • Team player with a winner mentality
    • Socially confident and a strong communicator

Your growth journey

  • Structured Onboarding: Getting to know the company in a blended learning classroom.
  • Mentorship & Networking: Learning from colleagues on all seniority levels and getting to know peers from all various product desks.
  • Building knowledge: Get familiar with over 80 different products and instruments AFS is offering.
  • Training &development: Training in hard- and soft-skills, and an intensive personal development journey.
  • Regular Feedback: From your traineeship manager, colleagues and trainee group.
  • Career Placement: Reflection on your 2-month journey and interests to assist in finding the right spot within the AFS to continue your sales trader career.

Skills you need to bring

  • You are commercial, love sales and talking to people all day. Building relationships, pitch transactions, and closing deals.
  • You are target driven and motivated by results.
  • You are persistent, with a “no, does not mean never" attitude.
  • You are driven, resilient and full of energy.
  • The ability to learn fast, are open to feedback, and are constantly improving your skills.

Rotations you will do

  • Environmental Commodities (AFS Energy)
    Sales, advisory, mediation, network building, (cold) calling, and market analysis on renewables and carbon instruments.
  • Fixed Income & Interest Rates (AFS Interest)
    Sales, advisory, mediation, network building and liquidity sourcing on money-markets and fixed income instruments (deposits, bond, swaps and loans).
  • Multi-asset execution
    Executing and brokering on shares, options, ETF and bonds high touch (phone, email) with liquidity providers and low touch, via trading systems on exchanges.
  • Custody and paying solutions (AFS Execution Services)
    Sales and account management of safe keeping and paying services for securities for the retail clients of Asset Managers, Funds and Crowdfunders.
  • Electronic platform
    Sales and account management for our inhouse electronic trading venue (MTF) for equity, bonds and renewable energy and carbon instruments.

Why AFS?

  • We offer a vibrant work environment with a diverse, international, and ever-growing  teams.
  • With over 175 years of market experience and 180+ employees across Amsterdam, Zurich, and New York, we are a leading environmental and financial intermediary.
  • We provide expert solutions across investments, treasury management and sustainability with a focus on delivering results that help clients thrive in a competitive market.
  • At AFS, our values drive how we work and grow together, we are:
    • committed to being knowledgeable in our field
    • collaborative in our approach
    • entrepreneurial in our mindset
    • accurate in our execution
    • ethical in all our dealings

Program highlights

  • Duration:
    2 months (full-time available)
  • Development
    • Product and market knowledge
    • Sales and pitching skills
    • Self-reflection & growth journey
  • Assignments
    • Product related assignments
    • Cross collaboration
    • Personal development
  • Fun
    • Teambuilding activities
    • Lunches
    • Afterwork drinks

FAQ

  • How do I apply?
    Apply via the vacancy, answer the mandatory questions, write a motivation letter, and submit your CV.
  • Application process (3 rounds)
    1st : online meeting with a recruiter to get to know each other.
    2nd : Job interview with the hiring manager at the office.
    3rd : Interview with a Director at the office.
  • What if I don't meet the requirements?
    It’s hard to meet all requirements. If you meet about 60% of the criteria, apply!
  • Where is the program based?
    At our HQ in Amsterdam - the Netherlands. Remote is not an option.