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About the company
DHL Group is one of the world's leading logistics companies, headquartered in Bonn. Its business is divided into Express, Global Forwarding & Freight, Supply Chain, eCommerce and the German mail and parcel business Post & Paket Deutschland.
Program details
Key facts
Program length
18 months
Number of rotations
Individual
Departments
Supply Chain
International assignment
Not intended
Working hours / week
38,5h
Gross salary per year
€57,000
Program description
LEAD at DHL
The LEAD graduate program is aimed at graduates with clear leadership ambitions. Graduates rotate through different departments and countries, take on project responsibility in group-wide initiatives and are prepared for a first leadership role through a structured leadership curriculum.
Application requirements
Who applies successfully?
Degree
Bachelor's
Field of study
Any discipline relevant to the designated department
Work experience
First relevant practical experience in supply chain (e.g. internships or working student jobs)
International experience
Not specified
Languages
Fluent German
Other
Leadership ambition
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.
not required
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.
04
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.
LEAD: your questions answered
What salary does the DHL graduate program pay?
Graduates at DHL receive a starting salary of €57,000 gross per year. This corresponds to approximately €4,500 gross per month.
How long does the DHL graduate program last?
The LEAD program lasts 18 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 requirements do I need to meet for the DHL graduate program?
The LEAD program requires a suitable professional profile. A bachelor's degree is required. Candidates from any discipline relevant to the designated department are considered. Fluent German is 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 DHL graduate program?
The application process for the LEAD program comprises four stages: online application, online test, interview with HR and assessment center. Application documents, typically a CV and cover letter, are submitted via the DHL 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.
Can I go abroad during the DHL graduate program?
The DHL graduate program does not include a mandatory international assignment. All rotations take place at DHL locations in Germany.
When can I apply for the DHL graduate program?
The application portal for this DHL program is currently closed. Notifications about the next application cycle can be activated on this page.
The application portal is currently closed.
Sign up and we will let you know as soon as the application portal of DHL opens again.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Company | DHL |
| Program | LEAD |
| Industry | Logistics |
| Main location | Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia |
| Program length | 18 months |
