Halfway Through My Traineeship at Forward Forever
I am nearing the halfway mark of my six-month traineeship at Forward Forever, and the past three months have been quite the whirlwind of learning, challenges, and exciting new opportunities!
Before joining Forward Forever, I had little exposure to low-code development, and Microsoft Power Platform was just a name I had heard in passing. Thanks to this traineeship, I’ve had the chance to take a deep dive into the Power Platform tools in a supportive environment. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow with the guidance of experienced mentors and a fantastic team.
My Path to Forward Forever
Like my fellow trainees, my journey to Forward Forever was unique. I’m currently completing my master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction Design through the EIT Digital Master Degree program, with my final year based in Madrid, Spain. While I was looking for an internship position through which I could complete my Thesis, I stumbled upon Forward Forever’s 2025 traineeship program on LinkedIn.
The job posting immediately caught my eye, it promised a hands-on learning experience in the world of Microsoft Power Platform. After researching Forward Forever, I was impressed by the depth of knowledge the company shared through its website and learning materials. It was clear that Forward Forever is a small but passionate company, dedicated to its craft. So, without hesitation, I sent in my CV, and cover letter along with a short video.
The Interview Process
The application process moved quickly. Soon after applying, I was invited to the first round of interviews. Naturally, I was a bit nervous, not knowing what to expect. But my nerves faded as soon as the interview started. It was a warm and engaging conversation, where we discussed my background, interests, and how I could contribute to Forward Forever. The interviewers seemed genuinely interested in me as a person, not just my resume. The hour flew by, it felt more like a friendly chat than a formal interview.
Not long after, I was thrilled to receive an invitation for the second round. This interview was a bit more technical, and I was given material to prepare with. Given my specialization in accessibility, I chose to evaluate some of Forward Forever’s applications and conduct a mini accessibility and usability audit, giving my recommendations. The discussion in the second round was just as open and enjoyable as the first. And then one beautiful sunny day in Madrid, I received a call from the CEO, I got the position!
The First Few Months at Forward Forever
Excitement quickly turned into action as I packed my bags, found a place to live in Finland, and started my traineeship at Forward Forever. From day one, I felt welcomed by the team. The onboarding process was fast-paced but well-structured, with frequent check-ins and plenty of support from colleagues. Everyone was more than happy to answer questions, making the transition smooth.
Team members provided workshops on each tool in the Power Platform, led by subject matter experts. I was extremely grateful for this as I had not worked with most of the tools before. These sessions, combined with hands-on practice assignments, gave me a solid foundation and the confidence to start working on real projects.
Now, three months in, I’m actively working on multiple customer projects. Coming from a background in pro-code development, I’m not only learning new tools but also the ways of working in the world of consulting. Each customer has unique needs, which means every project is different. I love the variety and the continuous learning that comes with it. I also appreciate that the work assigned to me aligns with my interests, making each task even more rewarding.
Combining Work and Thesis
In addition to customer projects, I’m also working on my master’s thesis, which focuses on accessible and user-centered design within Power Platform. At Forward Forever, I’m creating a set of guidelines to help design and develop accessible products using Power BI and Power Apps. The traineeship’s structure allows me to split my time evenly—50% on customer work and 50% on my thesis. This balance gives me the flexibility to focus deeply on both, allowing me to deliver with the highest quality, making the experience incredibly valuable.
Looking Ahead
The past three months have been an amazing learning experience, and I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive and inspiring environment. Forward Forever has given me the chance to explore new technologies, refine my consulting skills, and contribute to something meaningful. I’m excited to see what the next three months and beyond bring! For even more insights, check out Jemina’s post on her experience as a trainee.
