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The application phase for the Data Science Track 2025 is currently open. Apply here for the Germany-based Track until March 30! The application phase for the US-based track has ended.

Bertelsmann Future Leaders Data Science

Transform big data into big ideas

Are you a passionate techie with the drive, curiosity and courage to think differently and make things happen? By joining the Data Science Track of our Future Leaders Graduate Program, you will work with and learn from the best. We will support you on your journey with tailored trainings and career coaching. After 18 months rotating through diverse teams on data projects across various business divisions, you will be ready to take on an expert or leadership role within the company.

We offer you

  1. 1.
    Modern working methods and cooperation networks
  2. 2.
    Intensive further development with a good work-life balance
  3. 3.
    Excellent career prospects and a salary of about €65.000 to €70.000 a year
  4. 4.
    Work experience in multiple cities and teams, solving problems and improving processes

What you should bring to be a Data Science Future Leader

At Bertelsmann, your overall profile, not just your degree, determines your fit for the program. However, you should meet the following qualifications:

  • An M.Sc. or Ph.D. in data science, computer science, artificial intelligence, statistics, engineering, applied mathematics, physics or a related field
  • Data science experience through internships or research projects
  • Advanced knowledge of machine learning methods, database concepts, prompting and generative AI
  • Solid programming skills in Python and SQL (R, Scala, Spark and other programming languages are a plus) as well as extensive experience with GitHub
  • Solution-oriented thinking with strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Fluent English (other languages are an advantage) and willingness to move to a new location several times

We want to be a fair and inclusive employer and value the different perspectives that a diverse workforce brings to the table. Therefore, we actively seek people who enrich our company through their identity, background and personal experiences, with or without disabilities.

„What I really like is the collaboration within the data analytics team. It unites all kinds of people who work together on different data projects. There are many different companies within the group, and the data analytics team ensures that people from all divisions can share their knowledge and collaborate on certain projects.“
Lena Lickteig, Alumna – Manager Data Strategy, RTL

During our 18-month Data Science Graduate Program, you will

  • Get to know different divisions of Bertelsmann, such as RTL Group, Penguin Random House, Arvato Group or BMG
  • Work intensively on at least three major data projects
  • Learn from renowned data scientists and explore new use cases for machine learning and AI
  • Constantly train yourself and hone your data skills within a business context
  • Leverage new data sources and integrate traditional structured data with raw data

At a glance

  1. Application period: February 3 - March 30, 2025
  2. Start: September 1, 2025
  3. Duration: 18 months
  4. Language: English
„The truly remarkable aspect of Bertelsmann lies in the diversity of the various divisions. The Future Leaders Graduate Program provided me with an unparalleled opportunity to experience different approaches to data science and machine learning across different business models. My rotations not only connected me with amazing people, but also helped me learn a huge amount in a relatively short time.“
Moritz Glauner, Alumnus – Head of Data Science, Bertelsmann Data Services

Your application

The application process

  1. 1.
    Apply online
  2. 2.
    Take part in an online ability test
  3. 3.
    Prove your potential in different interview situations
  4. 4.
    Start as a Future Leaders Trainee

Get to know our trainee Willie

Hi! My name is Willie Hernandez, and I hold an MBA from HEC Paris. Prior to joining Bertelsmann, I gained experience in the financial sector. During my first rotation of the Future Leaders Graduate Program at Bertelsmann, I had the opportunity to work on a project focused on social media. This experience allowed me to delve into platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), which is particularly valuable in today's increasingly digital world.

One of the most memorable moments in the program was when I had the chance to connect and network with an alumnus of this graduate program. It was truly inspiring to receive valuable advice from someone who has walked the same path, while also forging my own unique journey.

Learn more

Our Future Leaders Trainee Program has been awarded the Fair Trainee Program title for the second year in a row.

Trendence Award for Fair Trainee Program 2024
Trendence Award for Fair Trainee Program 2023

FAQ

  • Bertelsmann Future Leaders | Data Science

    • What are the eligibility requirements?

      For the Data Track of our Future Leaders Graduate Program, we are looking for master or Ph.D. graduates who will have completed their degree by the start of the program. Fluency in English is required for the position, and competency in relevant local languages such as German or Spanish is a plus. Other selection criteria include the knowledge and experience you have gained during your academic career, as well as internships or projects. However, your overall profile, including your ambition and growth mindset, not just your degree or your resume, determines the fit to the program.
       

    • Coding is my passion but not my academic subject. Can I apply nevertheless?

      Sure! We are looking for future data experts who are passionate and eager to learn and value the investment of time that lots of data talents have made. That’s why we do welcome self-taught “data scientists” to apply to our graduate program too.

    • How important is practical experience?

      We welcome it if you have already gained some practical experience in business, for example, during a longer internship.

    • What divisions will I be working at?

      During the time of the program, you will get to know very diverse areas of Bertelsmann, such as RTL Group, Penguin Random House, Arvato Group or BMG. Rotations in other divisions of the company are also possible.

    • What is the salary for the Graduate Program?

      The annual salary range for Data Science trainees is €65,000 to €70,000.

Contact

Do you have further questions? Get in touch with Steffi Heldberg (s.heldberg(at)bertelsmann.de).

Please note that we do not consider applications submitted by mail, fax, or e-mail.

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