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Bertelsmann Graduate Program 2026 Future Leaders - Creative Management
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About the company
Bertelsmann is an international media, services and education group headquartered in Gütersloh. The group includes RTL Group in audiovisual media, Penguin Random House in publishing, BMG in music rights, Bertelsmann Marketing Services and the education business Bertelsmann Education.
Program details
Key facts
Program length
12 months
Number of rotations
Individual
Departments
Creative management
International assignment
Optional
Working hours / week
40h
Gross salary per year
€45,000–50,000
Program description
Future Leaders – Creative Management at Bertelsmann
The Creative Management Track of the Bertelsmann Future Leaders program combines creative concept work with commercial responsibility in the group's media and content businesses. Graduates get to know different business areas, from RTL to Penguin Random House to Arvato, and take on their own projects early at the intersection of creative and business functions.
Application requirements
Who applies successfully?
Degree
Master's
Field of study
Humanities, social sciences, political science or communication studies
Work experience
First relevant practical experience in the media industry (e.g. internships or working student jobs)
International experience
Not specified
Languages
Fluent German and English
Other
Geographic mobility
Application process
How does the application work?
01
Online application
Application documents, typically a CV, cover letter and relevant certificates, are submitted via the company's career portal. An automatic confirmation follows, while substantive feedback from HR is generally provided within one to four weeks.
02
Online test
A standardized aptitude test completed online, typically covering logical reasoning, numerical and verbal skills as well as personality. The total duration ranges from 20 to 90 minutes.
not required
Recorded video interview
An interview without a live interviewer, in which candidates respond to predefined questions on camera. It typically comprises five to seven questions, each with two minutes to respond.
03
Interview with HR
An interview with the HR department, usually conducted via video and lasting 30 to 60 minutes. It focuses predominantly on academic background, motivation, cultural fit and behavioral questions on soft skills.
04
Department interview
An interview with the manager or team of the department you are applying to, usually conducted via video and lasting 45 to 90 minutes. It centers on technical questions, situational cases and the alignment of mutual expectations.
05
Assessment center
A multi-stage selection day comprising presentations, case studies, group exercises and individual interviews. The format varies by company and may take place on site or virtually.
Future Leaders – Creative Management: your questions answered
What salary does the Bertelsmann graduate program pay?
Graduates at Bertelsmann receive a starting salary of €45,000–50,000 gross per year. This corresponds to approximately €3,750 to €4,166 gross per month.
How long does the Bertelsmann graduate program last?
The Future Leaders - Creative Management program lasts 12 months. The program is designed as a structured career entry, in which graduates acquire practical experience across different areas and contribute to their own projects. Upon completion, graduates typically move into a permanent position within the company.
What qualifications does the Bertelsmann graduate program require?
The Future Leaders - Creative Management program requires a suitable professional profile. A master's degree is required. Relevant fields of study include humanities, social sciences, political science or communication studies. Fluent German and English are essential. Beyond the formal criteria, companies typically place significant emphasis on relevant practical experience, confident English and a convincing presence in interviews.
How do I apply for the Bertelsmann graduate program?
The application process for the Future Leaders - Creative Management program comprises five stages: online application, online test, interview with HR, interview with the department and assessment center. Application documents, typically a CV and cover letter, are submitted via the Bertelsmann career portal. The stages are completed consecutively and may extend over several weeks, depending on the application round. Thorough preparation for the interviews and subsequent selection stages significantly increases the likelihood of success.
Does the Bertelsmann graduate program include an international assignment?
The Bertelsmann graduate program offers the option of an international assignment. Whether an international rotation takes place depends on the chosen department and individual development goals.
When is the application deadline for the Bertelsmann graduate program?
The Bertelsmann graduate program is currently not open for applications. The notification option on this page provides you with an update as soon as applications open.
The application portal is currently closed.
Sign up and we will let you know as soon as the application portal of Bertelsmann opens again.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Company | Bertelsmann |
| Program | Future Leaders - Creative Management |
| Industry | Media |
| Main location | Gütersloh, North Rhine-Westphalia |
| Program length | 12 months |
