Student Challenge Program
About Student Challenge Student Challenge is an intern retention program for top students and soon-to-be graduates. Every year a heterogeneous pool of 10 to 15 outstanding students with relevant Bertelsmann experience is nominated by the management upon particular criteria for the Student Challenge program. The candidates are part of the Student Challenge community, participate in a number of events and regularly receive relevant information about Bertelsmann. Being part of Student Challenge is an opportunity for the intern and for Bertelsmann to build a relationship and maintain the contact until graduation and beyond. Members of Student Challenge are considered potential candidates for top entry-level positions in the Corporate Center and the divisions. Individual Service Responsibility of Corporate Management Development:
Career coach and sparring partner Networking support Support in finding follow-up internships, even abroad Welcome package News and information about Bertelsmann
Group Perks
Bi-annual networking events as a group and with relevant Bertelsmann executives from the Corporate Center and divisions Integration of Student Challenge participants at employer branding events Trainings, workshops
Student Challenge Selection Criteria Team Player Builds social network, is highly regarded among colleagues, superiors and subordinates while establishing him-/herself in a leading position in own peer group. Leadership Qualities Ability to merge individuals into a team and facilitate productivity from that team; fosters potential in team members; he/she is proactive and inspires others. Solid Education Excellent performance in chosen discipline, among the top 5% of fellow students. Ability to work in an international setting with a high level of flexibility. Goal oriented and creative Able to prioritize, structures work process accordingly and makes pragmatic decisions when necessary; allows self and others to think outside the box. Passion for Media CV demonstrates passion for media, communications, technology ‌ Communication Skills Articulates clearly, remains focused and structured in order to achieve goals while at the same time highly empathetic, likeable and well respected.
Recruiting Process The intern is widely recognized for his/her excellent professional performance and outstanding interpersonal skills. Upon completion of the internship, both supervisor and intern agree that they would like to see the intern join Bertelsmann after completing his or her studies. The supervisor or the intern contact Corporate Management Development for a Student Challenge Evaluation Form. The supervisor completes the form and sends it back to Corporate Management Development. The intern submits his/her CV. If the information provided on the form and the CV qualify the intern for the program, he/she will be invited to an interview with one or two colleagues. Corporate Management Development accepts or rejects the candidate and offers feedback to the applicant and his/her supervisor.
Meet Our Students Our students are our best ambassadors; they know what it takes to be a part of an international media company, and they are not shy about letting the world know.
What really makes up our success? Yes, forward-thinking, entrepreneurial drive, and hard work are all part of the formula, but here’s the truth: We have fun and we enjoy our work. Our interns come in with big dreams, and they are given the tools to make them happen. As the clichÊ goes, the world is your oyster. It will take hard work, perseverance, and teamwork, but at the end, when you finally achieve success and open that oyster, the pearl is waiting for you. But don’t believe what we have to say; hear it directly from our interns. See if you have what it takes to create your own career at Bertelsmann.
Events Student Challenge Meetings We offer several events for interns and students of Student Challenge. In 2008, two Student Challenge meetings took place. These events are a great opportunity for Student Challengers to meet and exchange experience and knowledge.
Read more about our Student Challenge Events! New York, March 2008 G端tersloh, December 2008
Contact Student Challenge If you want to learn more about St. Challenge, please feel free to get in contact with us.
Dr. Nanne von Hahn Director Corporate Management Development Email: Nanne.von.Hahn@bertelsmann.de Telephone: +49 (0) 5241 - 80 – 89113
Ulrike Bollweg Assistant Corporate Management Development Email: Ulrike.Bollweg@Bertelsmann.de Telephone: +49 (0) 5241 - 80 - 42257