Application Guide

How to Apply for Unsolicited applications for internships

at Bertelsmann Stiftung

🏢 About Bertelsmann Stiftung

The Bertelsmann Stiftung is one of Europe's largest operational foundations, focusing on shaping a future-ready society through societal and political projects. Unlike corporate internships, this role offers direct involvement in meaningful societal change, working on projects that address real-world challenges with creativity and impact.

About This Role

This unsolicited internship application is for a Praktikant:in role where you'll support project management and implementation of societal-political initiatives. You'll gain hands-on experience in foundation work, contribute ideas to ongoing projects, and help shape solutions to societal challenges—making it impactful through direct engagement with policy and social innovation.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve attending team meetings on societal projects, assisting with research or data analysis for policy initiatives, and contributing to project management tasks like timeline tracking. You'll likely engage with interdisciplinary teams, draft briefs on societal topics, and participate in brainstorming sessions to inject fresh ideas into foundation work.

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🎯 Who Bertelsmann Stiftung Is Looking For

  • Has completed a Bachelor's degree or equivalent study phase (e.g., Vordiplom) in a relevant field like political science, sociology, economics, or public policy.
  • Can commit to at least three months full-time, with flexibility to immerse in project cycles and foundation workflows.
  • Demonstrates creativity and courage in problem-solving, aligning with the foundation's emphasis on innovative societal solutions.
  • Shows genuine interest in societal-political topics, possibly through prior coursework, volunteer work, or extracurricular engagement.

📝 Tips for Applying to Bertelsmann Stiftung

1

Tailor your application to highlight societal-political interests—mention specific Bertelsmann Stiftung projects or themes (e.g., education, digitalization, sustainability) you're passionate about.

2

Submit in German unless otherwise specified, as the job posting is in German and the foundation operates primarily in Germany.

3

Use the 'Initiativbewerbung' (unsolicited application) format: proactively propose how your skills could fit their projects, even without a listed opening.

4

If applying via LinkedIn, optimize your profile with keywords like 'gesellschaftspolitisch,' 'Projektmanagement,' and 'Stiftungsarbeit' to align with their focus.

5

Include concrete examples of 'Mut und Kreativität' (courage and creativity) in your resume or cover letter, such as innovative academic projects or initiative-driven volunteer roles.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express specific interest in the Bertelsmann Stiftung's mission for a 'zukunftsfähige Gesellschaft' (future-ready society) and mention one of their known focus areas (e.g., social cohesion, education reform).", 'Highlight any prior experience with project management basics or teamwork in societal contexts, even from university group projects or internships.', "Emphasize your ability to contribute 'neue Impulse' (new impulses)—suggest an idea or perspective you'd bring to their projects.", "Explain why you're seeking 'Praxisluft' (practical experience) in a foundation setting versus corporate or government roles."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore recent Bertelsmann Stiftung publications or initiatives (e.g., on their website) in areas like 'Bildung,' 'Digitalisierung,' or 'Nachhaltigkeit' to reference in your application.
  • → Understand the foundation's history and Reinhard Mohn's legacy, emphasizing their operational (hands-on) approach versus purely philanthropic models.
  • → Look into their team structure or departments to identify where your skills might fit best, as this is an unsolicited application.
  • → Review German societal-political trends they engage with, such as demographic change or social inequality, to show contextual awareness.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Discuss a societal-political challenge in Germany or Europe you're passionate about and how the foundation could address it.
2 Describe a time you demonstrated 'Mut und Kreativität' in a team or academic setting, with measurable outcomes.
3 Explain your understanding of 'operative Stiftung' (operational foundation) work and how it differs from grant-making foundations.
4 Share how you'd support project management tasks in a fast-paced, impact-driven environment.
5 Ask about current Bertelsmann Stiftung projects and how interns typically contribute to them.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without mentioning Bertelsmann Stiftung or societal-political themes—this shows lack of genuine interest.
  • Focusing solely on corporate internship experiences without connecting them to foundation or non-profit impact.
  • Overlooking the German language context—e.g., applying in English without checking if it's acceptable, or not using formal German business etiquette.

📅 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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