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About the company
Volkswagen Group, based in Wolfsburg, is one of the world's largest automotive groups and Europe's leading car maker. The group brings together ten brands as well as financial services and mobility businesses, with a clear focus on the shift to zero-emission and software-driven vehicles.
Program details
Key facts
Program length
12 months
Number of rotations
Individual
Departments
All departments
International assignment
Optional
Working hours / week
35h
Gross salary per year
Not public
Program description
StartUp Direct at Volkswagen
StartUp Direct is Volkswagen's entry program for graduates with little work experience. Participants start directly in a department and are supported in a structured way through personal guidance from management as well as additional training and seminars.
Application requirements
Who applies successfully?
Degree
Bachelor's, master's degree or PhD
Field of study
Any discipline relevant to the designated department
Work experience
First relevant practical experience (e.g. internships or working student jobs)
International experience
Not specified
Languages
Fluent German and English
Other
Not specified
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.
StartUp Direct: your questions answered
What salary does Volkswagen pay in its graduate program?
Volkswagen does not publicly disclose the gross salary of its graduate program. Remuneration is communicated individually during the selection process.
How many months does the Volkswagen graduate program last?
The StartUp Direct program lasts 12 months. 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.
Who can apply for the Volkswagen graduate program?
The StartUp Direct program sets clear professional and personal requirements. A bachelor's, master's or PhD is required, and candidates from any discipline relevant to the designated department are considered. 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 do I apply for the Volkswagen graduate program?
The application process for the StartUp Direct program comprises four stages: online application, online test, interview with HR 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 Volkswagen graduate program include an international assignment?
The Volkswagen graduate program offers an optional international assignment.
When can I apply for the Volkswagen graduate program?
The application portal for the Volkswagen 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 Volkswagen opens again.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Company | Volkswagen |
| Program | StartUp Direct |
| Industry | Automotive manufacturers |
| Main location | Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony |
| Program length | 12 months |
| Gross annual salary | Not publicly disclosed |
