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About the company
Mars is an international, family-owned consumer goods company headquartered in McLean, Virginia. Its portfolio is divided into Mars Wrigley (confectionery including M&M's, Snickers and Wrigley), Mars Petcare (pet food including Whiskas, Pedigree and Royal Canin, plus veterinary clinics) and Mars Food & Nutrition (rice and sauces).
Program details
Key facts
Program length
36 months
Number of rotations
3
Departments
General management
International assignment
Not intended
Working hours / week
40h
Gross salary per year
Not public
Program description
Leadership Experience at Mars
The Mars Leadership Experience leads graduates toward a general management role in the company through three twelve-month rotations. These typically include assignments in different functions or departments and an international stint, supported by a dedicated leadership curriculum.
Application requirements
Who applies successfully?
Degree
Master's
Field of study
Business administration, economics or marketing
Work experience
First relevant practical experience (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.
03
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.
not required
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.
Leadership Experience: your questions answered
What salary does the Mars graduate program pay?
Mars does not publicly disclose the gross salary of its graduate program. Remuneration is communicated individually during the selection process.
How many months does the Mars graduate program last?
The Leadership Experience program lasts 36 months and comprises three rotations in different areas. The precise duration is determined individually and depends on the chosen department and the course of each rotation. Over this period, graduates gain insight into the company from different perspectives and progressively assume greater responsibility, typically moving into a permanent position upon completion.
What requirements do I need to meet for the Mars graduate program?
The Leadership Experience program sets clear professional and personal requirements. A master's degree is required. Fields of study: business administration, economics or marketing. Fluent German and English are essential. In addition, companies typically place significant emphasis on initial practical experience from internships or working student positions, as well as personal strengths such as initiative, analytical thinking, communication skills and teamwork.
How does the application process for the Mars graduate program work?
The application process for the Leadership Experience program comprises four stages: online application, online test, one-way video interview and assessment center. Each stage builds on the previous one, so candidates only progress after successfully completing a stage. The process overview above outlines each step in detail.
Does the Mars graduate program include an international assignment?
The Mars graduate program does not include an international assignment. The program is conducted entirely at locations in Germany.
When can I apply for the Mars graduate program?
The application portal for the Mars graduate program is currently closed. The notification option on this page provides you with an update as soon as the next application cycle opens.
The application portal is currently closed.
Sign up and we will let you know as soon as the application portal of Mars opens again.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Company | Mars |
| Program | Leadership Experience |
| Industry | Food manufacturing |
| Main location | Verden, Lower Saxony |
| Program length | 36 months |
