„I really wanted to see what it’s like to work for a corporation, and I knew that this was not your typical corporate job. You move around the different divisions of the company like a free radical, looking for new, exciting businesses.“
Bertelsmann Future Leaders Business
Don’t just lead the business world – inspire it.
The business track of our Future Leaders trainee program offers you the perfect opportunity to develop and implement innovative approaches to leading our business models in the areas of media, services and education into the future. During a period of 18 months, you can show off your entrepreneurial talent, expand your network and meet innovative and creative people. Unlike any traditional trainee program, there is no predetermined path through our divisions. Choose your rotations and work on the projects you find exciting. You'll learn from the best and grow personally and professionally!
Your benefits
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A global network and community -
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Individual career coaching and targeted trainings -
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Excellent career prospects
During your 18 month long trainee program, you will
- Get to know different jobs and business areas of Bertelsmann such as RTL Group, Penguin Random House, Arvato Group and BMG
- Work in different teams throughout Germany and, possibly, Europe
- Realize your creative ideas
- Develop your own business concepts and strategies
- Learn what it takes to become an entrepreneur
What you should bring to be a Business Future Leader
- Master's degree or equivalent and relevant professional experience
- Entrepreneurial experience in a business initiative or large project
- Leadership skills and a proven affinity for media
- The ability to communicate with top management in English as well as in German
- Geographic flexibility, as Bertelsmann operates worldwide
At a glance
- Application period: November 3 – December 28, 2025
- Start: September 01, 2026
- Duration: 18 months
- Language: German & English
The application period ends December 28, 2025.
„Being part of this dynamic rotational program means to gain insight into the diverse array of business areas contained within Bertelsmann. I work on projects that touch on various subject areas and interact with driven colleagues who live out Bertelsmann’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit every day. One of my favorite parts of the program is seeing the value I add to each rotation and experiencing the lasting impact the teams have on me in return.“
Your application
The application process in detail
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You apply online -
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You take an online ability test -
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You have your first interviews with the HR department -
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You will receive invitations to interviews with top management -
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You will receive our offer shortly thereafter
Get to know our trainee Sebastian
My name is Sebastian Lemanczyk and I have been part of the Business Track in the Future Leader Graduate Program since 2023. It all started with a dual master's degree in Business Development &
Marketing. After that, I honed and further developed my skills in companies such as Adidas, Allianz and Volt. In 2022, I took first place at Talent Meets Bertelsmann with my team “Fintech”.
As a trainee, I am now part of a unique network and a “bridge builder” between the different business divisions. It is important to me to have a wide range of tasks that help me develop. And that's exactly what I currently get, from strategic analysis and project management to international cooperation.
Our Future Leaders trainee program has been awarded as a fair trainee program for the second year in a row.
FAQ
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Bertelsmann Future Leaders I Business
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What areas will I get to know during the Business Track?
Unlike a conventional trainee program, there is no predetermined route through our divisions. In principle, you can choose your rotations yourself, but of course we make sure that you can work on an exciting project in the division you want to go to during the respective period. We are happy to support you in choosing your placements and will let you know about the projects you can work on within the group.
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Does the Business Track offer both theory and practice?
First and foremost, you will learn on the job. However, Bertelsmann University offers a variety of learning platforms and formats that can help you to grow further.
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Contact
Do you have questions about the Bertelsmann Future Leaders trainee program?
Steffi Heldberg (s.heldberg(at)bertelsmann.de) will be happy to answer them!
Please note that we cannot consider applications submitted by post, fax or email.
