Application Guide

How to Apply for Intern in the Employment in Transition Project

at Bertelsmann Stiftung

🏢 About Bertelsmann Stiftung

The Bertelsmann Stiftung is one of Europe's largest operational foundations, focusing on creating a sustainable society through research and policy development. As a non-profit organization, it uniquely combines academic rigor with practical societal impact, making it an ideal place for those passionate about evidence-based social change. Working here offers exposure to high-level policy discussions and the chance to contribute to meaningful projects addressing Germany's key societal challenges.

About This Role

This internship in the 'Employment in Transition' project focuses specifically on women's labor market participation, analyzing barriers like tax system disincentives, work-life balance issues, and care responsibilities. You'll contribute to research that aims to reduce women's multiple burdens and increase their working hours, directly impacting policies that could reshape gender roles in the German labor market. This role offers hands-on experience in policy analysis within a respected think tank environment.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing current research on women's part-time employment patterns, contributing to policy briefs on tax system reforms, and participating in team discussions about innovative approaches to work-life balance. You'd likely work with data on employment statistics while also engaging with the practical implications of research findings for German labor market policies.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Bertelsmann Stiftung Is Looking For

  • Has academic background or strong interest in labor economics, gender studies, or social policy, with understanding of Germany's tax/transfer systems
  • Demonstrates analytical skills to examine complex societal issues like the tension between employment and care work
  • Shows genuine passion for gender equality and practical solutions to structural barriers in the labor market
  • Possesses research capabilities to contribute to evidence-based policy recommendations on women's employment patterns

📝 Tips for Applying to Bertelsmann Stiftung

1

Explicitly connect your experience to the project's focus areas: tax/transfer system disincentives, work-life balance, or care work distribution

2

Demonstrate knowledge of current German labor market statistics on women's employment (like the 50% part-time statistic mentioned)

3

Show understanding of the foundation's operational approach - not just research but creating implementable solutions

4

Highlight any experience with policy analysis or working at the intersection of research and practical application

5

Use specific examples of how you've shown 'mut und kreativität' (courage and creativity) in tackling complex problems

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific interest in women's labor market participation and understanding of the structural barriers mentioned", 'How your background prepares you to analyze complex policy issues like tax disincentives and care work distribution', 'Examples of creative problem-solving applied to societal challenges', "Why the Bertelsmann Stiftung's operational foundation model appeals to you over purely academic research institutions"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → The 'Beschäftigung im Wandel' project's previous publications and policy recommendations
  • → Bertelsmann Stiftung's specific operational model and how it differs from other German foundations
  • → Current German political debates around tax splitting (Ehegattensplitting) and its impact on women's employment
  • → Recent studies on care work distribution and time sovereignty in Germany compared to other European countries

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Your analysis of why nearly half of German women work part-time or fewer hours than desired
2 Specific policy recommendations to address tax/transfer system disincentives for women's full employment
3 How you would research the tension between employment and care work in modern families
4 Examples of creative approaches to changing traditional gender roles in the workplace
5 Your understanding of the Bertelsmann Stiftung's unique position as an operational foundation versus other think tanks
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic statements about gender equality without specific understanding of German labor market structures
  • Treating this as purely academic research without showing interest in practical policy implementation
  • Focusing only on individual solutions rather than systemic changes to tax/transfer systems and workplace structures

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Bertelsmann Stiftung!

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