Top 20 graduate programmes in Germany

Graduate Programmes are increasing in popularity in Germany. We have seen a rise of the largest companies offering unique opportunities for talented graduates. The list spans across industries and there is a track for allmost any education. Its not easy to get an overview of the companies offering a graduate programme but we have tried to create an overview by compiling a list of 20 of the best graduate programmes in Germany right now. Please do note that most of these require you to talk German.

 

List of companies

  1. KWS Graduate Programme
  2. Whirlpool Fast Track Management Program
  3. Beiersdorf BEYOND BORDERS Graduate Trainee
  4. Lufthansa ProTeam Trainee
  5. Henkel Trainee Programme
  6. DWS Graduate Program (P.A.C.E.)
  7. Siemens Graduate Program (SGP)
  8. Mars Leadership Experience (MLE)
  9. Cargill Trainee Program
  10. GSK Future Leaders Graduate Programme
  11. Merck GOglobal
  12. Visa Leadership Associate Graduate Programme
  13. Shell Graduate Programme
  14. AB inBev Global Management Trainee
  15. UBS Graduate Talent Program
  16. Barclays Graduate Programme
  17. Vattenfall International Trainee Programme
  18. Deutsche Bank Graduate Programme
  19. Amazon Graduate Programme
  20. Texas Instruments Graduate Programme
We offer three type of exciting entry opportunities for ambitious graduates and outstanding talents. Our vision is to grow a high potential talent pool for exciting career opportunities at KWS through three programs; Growing into the Future and Growing with Data, Growing with Innovation. After an initial 4 week onboarding session where graduates get to meet KWS leaders, do field-trips and receive soft-skill training, they join dynamic teams to tackle 4 exciting and diverse projects throughout the 2 years. During projects, graduates hone their strategic thinking and influencing skills and have the sole responsibility of planning, overseeing and executing a challenging project chosen by themselves from a project pool. Third rotation is an all-expense paid international assignment and graduates get to pick their country they visit. Graduates are part of an international graduate community and they have a chance to do trainings and socialize with the former and current graduates on a periodic basis. The graduates are supported with a strong relational network; Project Coach, Project Sponsor, Buddy and a Mentor. The finalized candidate group is offered a relocation package and receive a 3000 EUR worth training budget in addition to many other perks and packages.
  • Application Deadline: Open: December 20 - Close: February 28
  • Location: Germany
  • Areas: Marketing, Sales, Project Management, Product Management, R&D, Data Science & Analytics
  • Duration: 24 Months
  • International Rotation: Yes
  • Language Requirement: Fluent in English
  • To Apply: Click here
Fast Track is a 30 month accelerated Leadership Program where you will experience cross-country and cross- functional rotations within different locations in our region. According your background and future career aspirations, you will be assigned to one of the following streams: Operations (Manufacturing, R&D, Product Design, SC, Procurement) Corporate Functions (HR, Finance, Legal, IT) Commercial Functions (Marketing, Product & Brands, Sales, CS, Strategy) At the beginning of the program, you will have a 6 month-long orientation assignment in a different stream. You will then experience two 12 month-long job rotations in your specific functional stream. One of the positions will be in a central EMEA role, and the other will be in a local market or factory role. Throughout the program, you will get a 360° understanding of the overall business and will live the full Whirlpool experience. You will focus on building strong and relevant competencies that will prepare you for your graduation to future role!
  • Application Deadline:
  • Location: EU, Germany
  • Areas: Operations, Corporate Functions, Commercial Functions
  • Duration: 30 Months
  • International Rotation: Yes
  • Language Requirement: Fluent in English
  • To Apply: Click here
BEYOND BORDERS is our ground-breaking graduate program that we have been running for over 40 years. Unlike most FMCG programes we put you right at the heart of the business, at our Headquarters in Hamburg, and post you overseas so you can get an international perspective at one of our subsidiaries. Past trainees have enjoyed successful careers throughout Beiersdorf, even had made it onto our Board. We take on 10-15 trainees every year from all over the world and this multicultural mix gives the program and trainee community added experience and energy. Your traineeship usually begins in Germany at our Headquarters. There you will get an overview of the company structure and processes in one of our most important markets. Your role will be structured but fluid, allowing you to get operational and strategic experience across a number of departments in your area of specialism. Eight months into the program you will begin another exciting stage in your journey, spending six months abroad at one of our 170 international subsidiaries. There you’ll support your international colleagues in their day-to-day business and work on fascinating local projects. This experience will broaden your knowledge of intercultural differences, an essential skill when working in a global, consumer-orientated company. The final piece in your trainee journey is cross-functional experience in another department. If, for example, you have decided to specialize in Brand Management & Digital Marketing you may choose to spend time in Business Controlling to expand your professional knowledge and grow your internal network. Training takes many forms, from one-on-ones to group trainings, coaching session and workshops. Our trainees can furthermore engage in BEYOND BORDERS consulting projects with different business units. You will be supported throughout the time by a management level mentor and a ‘buddy’ – an experienced trainee. As the name suggests, BEYOND BORDERS is open and flexible, so together with us you can shape it to suit both: you and the business.
  • Application Deadline:
  • Location: Germany
  • Areas: Sales & Marketing, Finance, Strategy, Controlling
  • Duration: 18 Months
  • International Rotation: Yes
  • Language Requirement: Fluent in English
  • To Apply: Click here
ProTeam is not just any trainee program. You will be part of a team that is shaping the future of aviation.  We are actively seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds who embody innovative thinking, proactivity, and a willingness to explore new paths. Additionally, we are looking for ambitious individuals with the goal of harmonizing the aviation industry, connecting people, and promoting sustainability. Join our ProTeam program! The heart of the Lufthansa Group lies in the fascinating world of aviation. ProTeam immerses participants in this unique realm, exploring strategic aspects, airline expertise, and flight operations through real-life experiences. The program includes several weeks of onboarding and visits to our subsidiaries (Eurowings, Austrian Airlines, Swiss Airlines, Lufthansa Systems, Lufthansa Cargo, Lufthansa Technik). During Airport Week, you will be part of our ground operations, engaging in passenger service and flight handling at Frankfurt International Airport. Experience life as a flight attendant during the Crew Experience Flight. Engage in a General Airline Management Simulation game. Participate in Airline Process Know-How Training.
  • Application Deadline: Open: January 8 - Close: February 4
  • Location: Germany
  • Areas: Sales & Marketing, Finance, Strategy, Controlling, Innovation
  • Duration: 18 Months
  • International Rotation: Yes
  • Language Requirement:
  • To Apply: Click here
As a Sales Trainee for our Consumer Goods Adhesives business unit in Henkel Adhesive Technologies, you will join our 12-month rotational graduate program that spans across Europe. It offers the security of a permanent contract from day one and ensures your long-term future with Henkel. The target position for this role is in the German Sales organization of our Consumer Goods Adhesives business unit, offering solutions for applications in the Food & Beverage and Personal Hygiene industry. Throughout the trainee program, you will have the opportunity to explore different Marketing & Sales roles, receive mentoring, and build connections with peers, mentors, and senior leaders who can offer you valuable guidance. We are committed to supporting you along the whole journey and helping you transition seamlessly into your long-term role within our company, filled with unique growth opportunities and international experiences.
  • Application Deadline:
  • Location: Germany
  • Areas: Sales & Marketing
  • Duration: 12 Months
  • International Rotation: No
  • Language Requirement:
  • To Apply: Click here
Our 2 year DWS Graduate P.A.C.E. program consists of a technical training period and is followed by four six-month rotations within your assigned division, where you will have the opportunity to implement your technical training in a practical setting with expert guidance. Based in one of the world’s global financial centres, you will gain valuable insight into a variety of teams with experienced professionals who develop best-in-class products and manage high-value portfolios. Along the way, you will gain vital experience at the heart of a progressive business whilst being exposed to a range of areas within your Division of choice. Whilst you can expect a high learning curve from our DWS Graduate Program, you will benefit from the support of your managers and mentors along with unparalleled exposure to the world of Asset Management. This Graduate program is an ideal way to deepen your Financial Services & Asset Management knowledge. The participation in speaker sessions, a variety of networking events and soft skills development opportunities will all form part of the Graduate program.
  • Application Deadline:
  • Location: Germany
  • Areas: Finance, Trading, Investing, Audit, Strategy
  • Duration: 24 Months
  • International Rotation: No
  • Language Requirement:
  • To Apply: Click here
Siemens Gamesa is a global technology leader in the renewable energy industry – specifically in the development, manufacturing, installation and maintenance of wind turbines. Being a pioneer in renewables since the 1980s, we put our scale and entrepreneurial culture to work on driving the energy transition towards a sustainable world. We empower our customers, people, and partners to lead the future with green energy. As an ambitious graduate, you want to reach the top – that’s clear. But there are many challenges on the way. That’s why it’s incredibly important to identify your own strengths and weaknesses and know that you have the right partners at your side. That’s exactly what our Siemens Graduate Program is for. In two years and three different assignments, it offers everything you need to launch a successful career at Siemens. We’re looking for people who want to face the challenges of tomorrow. Do you think you have what it takes? Then we look forward to receiving your application.
  • Application Deadline:
  • Location: Germany, Sweden
  • Areas: Product development and distribution, product management and marketing, manufacturing, project management or procurement and logistics
  • Duration: 18 Months
  • International Rotation: Yes
  • Language Requirement:
  • To Apply: Click here
Your future as a leader starts today. Our general Graduate Traineeship Programme: The Mars Leadership Experience (MLE), is the perfect grounding for a career in business leadership. You’ll manage projects, lead teams, take on roles with local and international exposure and make decisions with real consequences. The work will come thick and fast, preparing you for the challenges tomorrow. The MLE comprises three 12-month placements. As a guide, you’ll typically follow a path through the three years with exposure to very different areas of our business. You will have placements across Demand  (Sales, Category Management, Marketing), Supply (Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Logistics), and Digital (Data & Analytics, Project Management, Functional Applications & Strategy).   
  • Application Deadline:
  • Location:
  • Areas: Sales, Category Management, Marketing, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Logistics
  • Duration: 36 months - 12 months each rotation
  • International Rotation: Yes
  • Language Requirement:
  • To Apply: Click here
Are you a highly motivated recent university graduate eager to launch your career and engage in meaningful and diverse work experiences? Do you want to collaborate with other trainees in an international, multicultural environment and create a positive impact in your community and the world? At Cargill, our purpose is to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way, and we are looking for future leaders who align with these ideals. If you have an interest in learning, collaborating with like-minded individuals, and delivering high quality services in a supportive environment, then we want to hear from you! The Next Generation Graduate program is a two-year development program for the EMEA region. Each of our disciplines offer exceptional on-the-job experiences, opportunities to collaborate with other trainees, and receive exceptional personal and professional development. Over the course of the program, you will spend time in your discipline of choice learning key skills from Cargill’s professionals, as well as having the opportunity to work on a real business challenge with other trainees from across the region. This unique offering will provide you exposure to other businesses, locations and Cargill experts. Interested? Please submit your application below to the Next Generation Graduate Program, where you will be able to communicate your areas of interest, your availability, location, and we will contact you if there is a position matching your profile. If you cannot find an open position which matches your interests, please Register in our Talent Pool.
  • Application Deadline:
  • Location: Germany, Spain
  • Areas: Business and Engineering roles
  • Duration: 24 Months
  • International Rotation: Yes
  • Language Requirement:
  • To Apply: Click here

GSK Future Leaders graduate programme

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology
Our two- to three-year Future Leaders Programme will help develop your leadership skills as part of a company whose purpose is to get ahead of disease, together. If you are hardworking and dedicated, the programme will provide you with many of the vital tools required to boost your career. You’ll be immersed in your chosen area, but also have plenty of opportunities to discover how other areas of our business work. Get the support you need  We will help you thrive throughout the programme, but the ultimate responsibility for shaping your career will be yours. You and your manager will have open, frank conversations about your progress – and your future. There will be no shortage of mentors and coaches to share their insights and advice. Become a Future Leader  The best leaders inspire others with their values and their actions. The Future Leaders Programme will challenge and support you to grow professionally and personally, so you can become one of tomorrow’s great leaders. With access to first-class support and development opportunities, you will also be well-placed to accelerate your career into leadership.
  • Application Deadline:
  • Location: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, United Kingdom
  • Areas: Business Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing & Sales, R&D, Technology, Manufacturing
  • Duration: 24 - 36 Months
  • International Rotation: Yes
  • Language Requirement:
  • To Apply: Click here

Merck GOglobal

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology
As a vibrant science and technology company, we believe in science as a force for good. We uniquely combine three specialized, innovation-driven businesses: Life Science, Healthcare, and Electronics. Embrace your curiosity and unlock hidden talents. We support you during your journey to build strengths and acquire new skills. The goal is to guide you into a position within our company that suits your career goals. You can choose from three different graduate programs to work your magic: GOglobal Program, Operations Leadership Development Program, and Engineering Leadership Development Program. While GOglobal is a global program, which includes an international assignment and offers different tracks, the other two are local programs with one track each.
  • Application Deadline:
  • Location: Belgium, France, Germany
  • Areas: Operations, Corporate Functions, Commercial Functions
  • Duration: 24 Months
  • International Rotation: Yes
  • Language Requirement:
  • To Apply: Click here
The Visa Leadership Associate Graduate Program is a rotational programme offering a unique development experience that enables high potential early career talent to build the broad capabilities and necessary experience to pursue a career at Visa. Our world class programming will allow participants to build their network, understand our business, obtain a global mindset and acquire new skills on their journey to becoming the next generation of Visa leaders. Through experiencing four six-month distinct rotational assignments across the breadth of our business over the two-year program, our graduates will be able to hone their business acumen while making a direct impact to Visa’s business.   Program Highlights Business Insight: Rotational assignments span key areas of Visa’s business (e.g., Business Development, Consulting, Finance, Marketing, Product, Risk, Sales, Strategy). Graduates will also have the ability to choose rotations and projects that are aligned with their career goals and growth areas. Training & Development: Curated training courses in varied learning formats will be offered to expand business and industry knowledge, and develop professional and technical skills. Networking Opportunities: Meaningful exposure to Visa leaders and subject matter experts will enable graduates to broaden their perspectives and think more strategically. Career Progression: Opportunity to progress into an Analyst role upon completing the programme.
  • Application Deadline:
  • Location: EU, Germany
  • Areas: Business Development, Consulting, Finance, Marketing, Product, Risk, Sales, Strategy
  • Duration: 24 Months
  • International Rotation: Yes
  • Language Requirement:
  • To Apply: Click here
Join us as a Shell graduate and you can be a part of the future of energy. Together we are transitioning to become a net-zero emissions business while providing the energy that people around the world need today. Working with experienced colleagues on these important challenges, you’ll have the opportunity to grow your skills– in an environment where we value honesty, integrity, and respect for one another. Whichever part of our business you join, you will have the chance to work with experienced colleagues and share your unique perspective and fresh ideas on how to tackle energy-related challenges. That’s why we’re looking for graduates who share our purpose and passion for progress. Our inclusive and collaborative culture will equip you with the support you need to forge your own path and grow your skills as you work on meaningful projects with exciting responsibilities right from the start. At Shell you can power your progress as we tackle the energy challenge together.
  • Application Deadline: Open: - Close: November 29
  • Location: Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom
  • Areas: Global, Commercial, Technical, Trading & Supply
  • Duration: 36 Months
  • International Rotation: Yes
  • Language Requirement: Fluent in English
  • To Apply: Click here
We can only grow at the pace of our talent. This program will prepare you for a fast-track career at AB InBev. It’s part of our drive to recruit, develop & retain people better than ourselves. The Graduate Management Traineeship (GMT) is a 1-year program starting in August 2024, which will provide you with valuable exposure and insights in to leading and transforming a successful global business. You will work on real projects with senior stakeholders to drive value and undertake a structured program to support your development as a future leader of AB InBev. The programme focuses on a 70-20-10 learning and development approach to maximize learning and give you the best opportunity to grow within an exciting, fast-paced company.
  • Application Deadline: Open: September 4 - Close: December 31
  • Location: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain
  • Areas:
  • Duration: 12 Months
  • International Rotation: Yes
  • Language Requirement: Fluent in English
  • To Apply: Click here
With the chance to receive one-to-one coaching from some of the best in the industry, our 18-24 month Graduate Talent Program is the perfect way to start your career. Rotation is a key part of the program and through working with several different teams, you’ll learn about financial markets, what we offer to clients and our day-to-day operations. To start with you’ll take part in UBS Discovery, a training program to bring you up to speed with our industry, what we do and how we do it. All our programs break down complex information into manageable elements. And, as well as on- and off-the-job technical training, you’ll have a personal development opportunities for improving general job skills and broadening your network of contacts. You may be rotated through a number of desks and business areas to broaden your product knowledge and extend your network of contact.
  • Application Deadline:
  • Location: EU, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, United States
  • Areas: Finance, Trading, Investing, Audit, Strategy
  • Duration: 18 - 24 Months
  • International Rotation: Yes
  • Language Requirement:
  • To Apply: Click here
Our Graduate programmes deliver immersive experiences, transformative development and incredible support – giving each graduate the best possible start to their career. You’ll learn continually. From bespoke training to courses on our e-learning platform, you’ll become more capable and better-equipped every day. Whichever programme you choose, you’ll do meaningful work, discover resources to help you build a long-term career and develop your skillset with the guidance of a hand-picked line manager and a dedicated talent coach.
  • Application Deadline:
  • Location: Germany
  • Areas: Finance, Trading, Investing, Audit, Strategy
  • Duration: 24 Months
  • International Rotation: No
  • Language Requirement:
  • To Apply: Click here
The programme is structured to help you really get to know our business, yourself and where your career could take you. From day one, you’ll also benefit from a strong and supportive network of colleagues on the programme and beyond. An onboarding month with your ‘home’ department is then followed by the first of five trainee weeks, each of which is held in different locations during the year. After an initial welcome meeting at our headquarters in Sweden – where trainees usually get to meet our Group management – a series of team-building exercises and a site visit to a generation facility provide an introduction to your new colleagues and the business. The trainee weeks enable you to learn more about how we work across different cultures and countries and to see our business close-up through site visits. In the first four months you are focused on the business area you are assigned to. You then carry out two rotations, each of between 4-8 weeks, and you can choose where you want to go in the business with at least one rotation abroad. The rotations, with accommodation and travel paid for, are an opportunity to broaden your experience and take a deep-dive into an area that interests you. Many trainees choose to step outside their comfort zone and work in a different expertise or business area. Each programme also features a ‘Hackathon’ based at our R&D centre in Sweden and huddle meetings where trainees can choose particular topics they want to know more about. At the final trainee week, we’ll make sure you have all the tools you need to continue your development and take the next step in your career. What we offer Challenging and international work environment Full-time contract with an employer committed to good work/life balance Focused personal development plan and mentoring Opportunity to choose two assignments, including one abroad International travel to visit Vattenfall operations across Europe Networking opportunities to get to know colleagues
  • Application Deadline: Open: September 11 - Close: October 13
  • Location: EU, Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom
  • Areas: Operations, Corporate Functions, Commercial Functions
  • Duration: 12 Months
  • International Rotation: Yes
  • Language Requirement:
  • To Apply: Click here
The Deutsche Bank Graduate Programme is a year-long comprehensive programme designed to provide you with exposure to a range of fascinating projects and ongoing professional and technical training to develop the skills you need to grow your career. You’ll feel supported by a network of peers and mentors and benefit from our global wellbeing programme. We offer our Graduate Programme across various business divisions and infrastructure areas – The Unofficial Guide to Banking will help you to understand the best fit for you.
  • Application Deadline: Open: - Close: November 24
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Areas: Finance, Technology, Audit, Innovation
  • Duration:
  • International Rotation: No
  • Language Requirement: Fluent in English
  • To Apply: Click here
We want to hire and develop the best and be able to innovate on behalf of customers. That’s why we’re introducing workshops to empower any student to be ready to chart their own career path. This summer’s internship program welcomed the largest global intern class ever, with more than 10,000 young professionals joining Amazon across 45 countries. And now, it’s time to kick off our autumn recruiting for students and graduates across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. “All students, regardless of background will have the opportunity to accelerate their growth across the organization with a wide spectrum of internship and full-time roles. Throughout the next few months, there will be multiple upskilling workshops that students can benefit from to feel confident about the application and interview process. We value individual expression and encourage students to bring their unique skills and experiences to build the next generation of Amazon” said Nikki Craig, Director of Amazon Student Programs EMEA. With thousands of internships and full-time opportunities available in cities including London, Manchester, Munich, Paris , Madrid and Cape Town, we offer exciting opportunities across Amazon, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and other business teams for current or recently graduated Bachelors, Masters, MBA, and PhD students. Undergraduate and Graduate Roles Roles are available in a range of departments and teams – from software development engineers (SDEs), business analysts, support engineers, product managers, vendor managers, cloud support associates, brand specialists, financial analysts and more.
  • Application Deadline: Open: January 1 - Close: November 4
  • Location: EU, France, Germany
  • Areas: Operations, Corporate Functions, Commercial Functions
  • Duration: Varies
  • International Rotation: No
  • Language Requirement:
  • To Apply: Click here
Texas Instruments has been making progress possible for decades. We are a global semiconductor company that designs, manufactures, tests and sells analog and embedded processing chips. Our more than 80,000 products help over 100,000 customers efficiently manage power, accurately sense and transmit data and provide the core control or processing in their designs, going into markets such as industrial, automotive, personal electronics, communications equipment and enterprise systems. Our passion to create a better world by making electronics more affordable through semiconductors is alive today as each generation of innovation builds upon the last to make our technology smaller, more efficient, more reliable and more affordable – opening new markets and making it possible for semiconductors to go into electronics everywhere. We think of this as Engineering Progress. It’s what we do and have been doing for decades. About the Graduate Program: the Career Accelerator Program When you join TI as a recent graduate, our Career Accelerator Program will give you the tools you need to succeed: Accelerated ramp-up: Our program provides you with the development tools and training you need to get up to speed quickly and start making a difference. Function-specific technical training: You’ll learn the skills to succeed in your chosen field. Professional development: We’ll help you develop your interpersonal skills and leadership potential. On-the-job learning: You’ll get hands-on experience solving real-world problems. TI values every voice and encourages TIers to bring their full selves to work and share their ideas. We are different by design, and believe that our diverse backgrounds and perspectives make our products more innovative, and our company stronger. We work to create an inclusive culture where we respect and encourage ideas, and where our people know that they can succeed and build long-term careers. For more than 30 years, the TI Diversity Network (TIDN) has helped educate and elevate topics that matter to employees. The TIDN started in 1989 and today includes thousands of members in 15 different employee resource groups. The TIDN provides a community that promotes a sense of belonging through open dialogue, education, volunteerism, well-being, and opportunities for professional development and business engagement. It includes networks for women, Black and Hispanic/Latino/x employees, veterans, LGBTQ+ employees and allies, employees with disabilities, and employees of faith. TIDN includes three faith-based ERGs, Muslim Employee Network, Christian Employee Network and Jewish Employee Network. As a global company, the TI workforce represents a wide range of diverse worldviews and for many employees, faith is the foundation of their core values and self-identity. Every network is open to all TIers, and our company encourages employees to join a network and get involved.
  • Application Deadline:
  • Location: EU, Germany
  • Areas: Business, Operations and Finance
  • Duration: 36 Months
  • International Rotation: Yes
  • Language Requirement: Fluent in English
  • To Apply: Click here