Application Guide

How to Apply for Intern in the Health Program

at Bertelsmann Stiftung

🏢 About Bertelsmann Stiftung

The Bertelsmann Stiftung is one of Europe's largest operational foundations, focusing on creating a sustainable society through practical projects rather than just grant-making. As a non-profit organization, it uniquely combines think-tank research with hands-on implementation to drive systemic change in healthcare and other societal areas, offering interns direct exposure to policy influence.

About This Role

This internship involves supporting the Health Program's mission to transform Germany's healthcare system toward patient-centered, integrated care models. You'll contribute to projects addressing regional healthcare challenges like hospital sustainability and workforce shortages, gaining practical experience in health policy analysis and reform initiatives at a major European foundation.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching regional healthcare data for an ongoing project, assisting with preparation for stakeholder workshops on integrated care models, and contributing to policy briefs or presentations that translate research findings into actionable recommendations for healthcare system transformation.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Bertelsmann Stiftung

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Bertelsmann Stiftung Is Looking For

  • A student or recent graduate in public health, health economics, health policy, or related social sciences with coursework or interest in healthcare system reform
  • Someone with basic research skills who can analyze healthcare data, policy documents, or academic literature in German and English contexts
  • An individual demonstrating both creativity and courage in problem-solving, as emphasized in the job description, with examples of innovative approaches to complex issues
  • A candidate familiar with current German healthcare debates, particularly around hospital financing, integrated care models, or demographic challenges

📝 Tips for Applying to Bertelsmann Stiftung

1

Explicitly address both 'Mut' (courage) and 'Kreativität' (creativity) in your application materials with concrete examples from academic or volunteer experiences

2

Demonstrate knowledge of specific Bertelsmann Stiftung health projects by referencing their publications on integrated care or regional healthcare challenges

3

Highlight any experience with German healthcare institutions, policies, or data sources, even if through coursework or research papers

4

If applying in German, ensure perfect grammar and formal business language; if applying in English, acknowledge your German language level honestly

5

Connect your background directly to their mission of 'bedarfs- und qualitätsorientierten Umbau der Gesundheitsversorgung' (needs- and quality-oriented restructuring of healthcare)

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your understanding of the specific challenges mentioned: financial pressure on hospitals, workforce shortages, and demographic change in German healthcare', "How your academic background or previous experiences prepare you to contribute to 'sektoren- und berufsgruppenübergreifender medizinischer Angebote' (cross-sector, cross-professional medical offerings)", 'Specific examples where you demonstrated both analytical rigor and creative problem-solving in healthcare or policy contexts', 'Why the operational foundation model (as opposed to academic research or corporate healthcare) appeals to you for creating societal change']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Recent Bertelsmann Stiftung publications from their Health Program, particularly the 'Krankenhaus der Zukunft' initiative or integrated care models
  • → The foundation's specific projects mentioned on their website, like regional healthcare transformation pilots
  • → The career backgrounds of current Health Program team members to understand their expertise mix
  • → How the foundation measures impact in their operational model compared to traditional grant-making foundations

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Your perspective on one current challenge in German healthcare mentioned in the description and a creative approach to addressing it
2 How you would research or analyze data on regional healthcare disparities in Germany
3 Your understanding of what makes the Bertelsmann Stiftung's approach to health reform different from government agencies or academic institutions
4 A time you had to balance detailed analysis with practical implementation considerations in a project
5 How you stay informed about German health policy debates and which sources you find most valuable
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic applications that don't reference specific Bertelsmann Stiftung health projects or their unique operational foundation approach
  • Focusing only on clinical healthcare experience without connecting it to system-level policy or reform discussions
  • Overlooking the German context - applying with only international healthcare examples without demonstrating knowledge of Germany's specific challenges

📅 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!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →