Careers
Kick-start your career: TOP START International Business Leader Program
Are you ready to accelerate your career as a leader? Then apply now for our TOP START International Business Leader Program.
BASF’s international junior management program offers top talents the opportunity to accelerate their career development and take on a leadership position in General Management.
Ready for your career boost?
Apply for TOP START (Germany)
You can apply here now.
Candidates for the TOP START program in Germany are encouraged to attend the Future Leaders Summit.
Future Leaders Summit
You can apply here now.
The Future Leaders Summit is an exclusive career event for the TOP START International Business Leader Trainee Program.
Apply for TOP START (China)
You can apply here now.
Candidates for the TOP START program in China are free to participate in the Future Leaders Summit.
The program highlights at a glance
What we expect
We are looking for exceptional business graduates and young professionals with a global mindset, leadership potential and a passion for shaping the future.
You hold an excellent degree in a business-related field (Master’s, PhD, or MBA) and have no more than three years of work experience. On top of your strong management expertise, you ideally bring a general technical curiosity or even have a background that combines management and technology to quickly understand and navigate complex innovation-driven environments. Initial practical experience through demanding internships with leading employers is expected.
As an international company, we value a strong global perspective shaped by international study and work experiences. Fluent English, along with at least one additional language, is essential (additional languages are a plus). We also appreciate your social engagement.
Excellent communication skills, empathy, and a genuine enjoyment of working in teams should be integral to your personality. Additionally, curiosity, flexibility, and a solution-oriented mindset, along with a desire to drive change and tackle challenges, are essential qualities needed for the unique career opportunity offered by the TOP START International Business Leader Program.
About the program
The program offers an excellent start to a successful career in General Management. Over a three-year period, you will complete three rotations, with at least one being international. The program can be started either in Germany or China. Unlike many other trainee programs, we offer roles with a high responsibility where you can make a real impact from day one by driving business-critical projects and initiatives.
A special feature of the program is its flexible structure. You have the opportunity to shape your program experience based on your background and interests. BASF provides a wide range of opportunities across various industries, countries, and functions, making the program unique for each participant.
Your opportunities to development
The program is designed to maximize your potential to become a future leader. Learn and grow in an international and inspiring environment where your unique ideas and perspectives are valued. Receive regular and open feedback to support your development. In regular workshops with your TOP START colleagues, you will learn key leadership skills from top coaches and reflect on your behavior in individual coaching sessions. A personal bond with a Senior Executive Mentor, along with regular interactions with top managers, will support your development beyond the rotation program. Additionally, the TOP START Alumni Network offers a strong community and global connections.
How to apply
Application process
Application
There are two ways to apply for the TOP START International Business Leader program:
Option 1: Apply for the Future Leaders Summit (recommended for candidates applying for the TOP START program in Germany).
Option 2: Apply directly for the program without attending the Future Leaders Summit (recommended for candidates applying for the TOP START program in China).
The recruitment for TOP START (Germany) is open.
Please apply here.
The recruitment for Future Leaders Summit is open.
Please apply here.
The recruitment for TOP START (China) is open.
Please apply here.
Initial Matching
A recruiter specialized in TOP START will thoroughly and objectively review your resume and documents based on the program criteria. You will receive initial feedback from our Recruiting Center within five business days.
Online Assessment
If your profile meets our program criteria, we will invite you to an online assessment. The 90-minute test evaluates your leadership potential through various personality traits, verbal, and cognitive abilities. Your results will be compared with the best candidates in your field. After completing the test, you will receive a personalized feedback report outlining your strengths and areas for development.
Phone Interview
In a personal phone interview, our TOP START recruiter will ask about your interest and motivation for BASF and the program. You will have the opportunity to discuss your career goals, general experiences and skills with us. Additionally, we encourage you to ask any questions you may have.
Video Interview
You will meet with the Program Manager, who is eager to get to know you better and understand why you are the right fit for this unique opportunity. During this conversation we will discuss a possible program structure based on your background and interests. You will also have the chance to ask any questions you may have about the program and our company.
Optional: Future Leaders Summit
If you applied to the Future Leaders Summit and successfully completed all previous steps, you will be invited to join the event. The summit offers an exceptional chance to get to know BASF in depth, meet our senior management up to board level and exchange with the existing TOP START community.
Interview Day
On this day you will have interviews with 4-5 individuals, including a member of the BASF Board and other senior leadership team members. Interviews will be conducted either online or in person, as agreed upon beforehand. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the big picture and your ability to take a broad perspective. You will also discuss bold ideas for addressing current and future challenges in global business. Within two days you will receive your final feedback from the Program Manager.
Final Offer
After successfully completing the interview day, we will contact you to discuss contract details and explore ideas for how the program can be tailored to you, including possible rotations. We will also discuss a flexible start date, which is not predetermined for all candidates.
Future Leaders Summit
The Future Leaders Summit is an exclusive career event for the TOP START International Business Leader Trainee Program. During the event, participants will get a glimpse into what a career at BASF can look like as well as the opportunity to network with diverse and ambitious young leaders within our company and with members of the board.
The Future Leaders Summit is an optional offer. You can apply for the TOP START International Business Leader Program without attending the Future Leaders Summit. Please see the different postings available.
FAQ
When is the application deadline for the TOP START program?
There is no application deadline. However, we recommend applying at least 4 months prior to the preferred entry date to have sufficient time to complete the recruiting process. Some of our TOP START participants have also highlighted that applying more than 4 months prior to the preferred entry date is recommended. It offers you the possibility to sign your contract early and write your master thesis or to travel after graduation without worrying about job applications.
Which documents are required to apply?
Please attach the following documents with your application: motivation letter, CV (please add your final/current average grade in your CV). High school diploma, Bachelor’s degree with grades, Master’s degree with grades or current transcript pf grades, work references (letter or person of contact), GMAT Test Score (if available), and certificates.
What is the maximun file size I can upload?
Files such as scanned certificates must be no larger than 5 MB each. Please try to use PDF formats.
In which language do I apply?
English is the preferred language, but applications in German are also accepted.
Can I apply for both, the Future Leaders Summit and the Program in parallel?
Please only apply to either one of the two. If you wish to attend the Future Leaders Summit, please apply for the event. If you do not wish to attend the Future Leaders Summit, apply directly for the program.
I don’t have a business background. Can I still apply for the program?
While we primarily seek candidates with a business background, we are also open to exciting profiles looking to transition into business. However, you should have already gained some experience in a business context, for example, through internships or professional positions.
What is the privacy policy regarding the online application system?
All data provided to BASF is handled strictly in accordance with German data protection legislation. HR details, including candidate information obtained via our online application system, are treated in the strictest confidence and are used exclusively for application purposes.
How long does the recruiting process take from application to the final feedback?
The end-to-end recruiting process takes on average 3 to 4 months.
When will I receive feedback after the final interview day?
Typically, you will receive feedback within a few days after your final interviews.
If you participate in the Future Leaders Summit, which usually takes place in May each year, interviews will take place the week following the summit, and you will receive final feedback within a few days.
Is there a fixed date upon which I have to start my first rotation?
The TOP START Program offers you flexibility to start all year round, there are no fixed entry dates.
What is the start location and where will I get a contract?
The program starts either in Germany (Ludwigshafen) or China (Shanghai). We will align with you on the location at the beginning of the recruiting process. Please also see the different postings for the locations when applying.