The BASF Communications Traineeship (Volontariat)

Journalists and PR experts work in a complex field. This is why our communications trainees receive comprehensive training in both the basics of journalism and corporate communications. At BASF, we create chemistry.

In which areas does a communications trainee work at BASF?

Communications trainees get an in-depth look into the world’s leading chemical company through a modern and multi-faceted program that trains them to become communications experts and journalists. The two-year communications traineeship consists of internal and external work stations:

From employee publications to marketing communications

During their internal stations, communications trainees work in different communications units for three months at a time. This includes time in one of BASF’s press offices as well as working on the editorial team of an employee publication. The program also includes stations at a German subsidiary and at one of BASF’s corporate divisions.

From radio to PR strategies

The external part of the program acquaints communications trainees with journalistic practice, including a four-week course at the Akademie für Publizistik in Hamburg or the Haus Busch journalism center in Hagen. Communications trainees also work for three months at external media, such as newspapers, radio stations, television, or agencies.

Individual emphases

Each communications trainee has different expectations, and brings his or her own skills, previous experience, and interests to the program. After one year, communications trainees and supervisors jointly determine which of two directions the remaining program should take, namely public relations (PR) or marketing communications.

For some communications trainees this may mean marketing a new BASF product, while for others it may mean organizing events. 

What else can you expect?

• Active participation in all work processes
• Support from experienced supervisors
• Rapid integration into the communications trainees’ network

What do we expect from you?

• University/college degree with above-average grades
• Experience in journalism and/or public relations
• Experience abroad as part of your studies, such as internships or similar programs
• Strong English and German skills
• Very good Microsoft Office skills
• The ability to present complex subject matter in easily understandable terms
• Clear, correct writing style
• Confidence and interest in working with new people and different cultures
• Creativity, and the ability to communicate well
• Teamwork and organizational skills
• Performance orientation  

What payment will I receive?

Financial remuneration is based on the normal market remuneration for trainees: €1,853 monthly salary in the first year of the program, and €2,149 monthly salary in the second year. Additionally, BASF SE offers further attractive benefits during the traineeship.

Interested?

Send us the following documents for your application:

• An essay on your reasons for entering a communications profession and why you would like to work in the chemical industry (maximum one DIN A4 page)
• Your résumé (CV)
• Copies of your transcripts (including Abitur or secondary school transcript)
• Samples of your journalistic work

When can you apply?

You can send your application to meet deadlines for current communications traineeship openings or at any other time for consideration.

More questions?

For questions on the content of the communications traineeship, call Claudia Kaempfer at the following number: + 49 621 60-99186.

For questions on the application process, please contact Recruiting Services Europe.