Application Guide

How to Apply for Intern (m/f/d) in the Sustainable Social Market Economy program

at Bertelsmann Stiftung

🏢 About Bertelsmann Stiftung

The Bertelsmann Stiftung is a unique German think tank focused on promoting social change through research and dialogue, operating independently from its parent media corporation. It stands out for its influential role in shaping Germany's social market economy discourse and its commitment to evidence-based policy recommendations. Working here offers direct exposure to high-level policy discussions and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful societal impact.

About This Role

This internship involves supporting research on sustainable social market economy topics, assisting with project coordination, and contributing to policy publications at a leading German think tank. You'll gain hands-on experience in economic policy analysis while helping develop practical recommendations for sustainability challenges. The role is impactful because your work directly informs policy discussions and publications that influence decision-makers in Germany and Europe.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching recent policy developments on sustainability topics, summarizing findings in German for internal discussions, assisting with stakeholder meeting preparations, and contributing to draft policy briefs. You'll likely participate in team meetings where research approaches are debated and collaborate on turning analysis into actionable recommendations for policymakers.

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🎯 Who Bertelsmann Stiftung Is Looking For

  • A current economics, political science, or social sciences student with demonstrated analytical coursework or projects
  • Someone who can articulate specific interests in German social market economy principles and sustainability policy intersections
  • A bilingual communicator comfortable drafting research summaries in both German and English for different audiences
  • A detail-oriented team player who understands think tank work requires both independent research and collaborative project support

📝 Tips for Applying to Bertelsmann Stiftung

1

Reference specific Bertelsmann Stiftung publications on social market economy or sustainability in your application materials

2

Demonstrate your bilingual abilities by including examples of work or projects completed in both German and English

3

Highlight any experience with German economic policy institutions, think tanks, or sustainability organizations

4

Connect your academic background directly to the program's focus areas (e.g., 'My thesis on X relates to your work on Y')

5

Show familiarity with German policy-making processes and key stakeholders in social market economy discussions

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your understanding of the German social market economy model and its sustainability challenges', 'Specific research or analytical skills relevant to policy analysis (e.g., data analysis, literature reviews, stakeholder mapping)', 'Examples of bilingual communication in academic or professional contexts', "How your background aligns with the Stiftung's evidence-based, practical approach to policy recommendations"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Recent Bertelsmann Stiftung publications from the Sustainable Social Market Economy program
  • → The foundation's role in German policy debates (e.g., their positions on minimum wage, energy policy, or social cohesion)
  • → Key figures in the program and their research focus areas
  • → How the Stiftung's work differs from other German think tanks like DIW or ifo Institute

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Your perspective on current sustainability challenges within Germany's social market economy framework
2 How you would approach researching a specific policy issue for the program (e.g., energy transition labor impacts)
3 Your experience working in bilingual German/English environments and adapting content for different audiences
4 Knowledge of key German policy institutions and stakeholders relevant to social market economy discussions
5 How you balance detailed research with practical policy recommendation development
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic applications that don't reference Bertelsmann Stiftung's specific work or German policy context
  • Overemphasis on theoretical knowledge without showing practical application to policy problems
  • Failing to demonstrate genuine interest in the German social market economy model specifically (not just general economics)

📅 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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