Class of 2026: Bertelsmann Data Science Rotational Program 
Apply from February 02 to March 08, 2026

Are you a passionate techie looking to use your personal strengths to help shape the future of an international media group? As a Data Science Trainee in the Bertelsmann Future Leaders Graduate Program, you will work with and learn from the best. As part of the trainee community, you will constantly advance in an innovative environment. For 18 months, you will be assigned to diverse teams on data projects across various business divisions and make a meaningful contribution to the company's success. For the most part, you will work independently, while we will support you to the best of our ability.
 

What you’ll need to bring

• An M.Sc. or Ph.D. in data science, computer science, artificial intelligence, statistics, engineering, applied mathematics, physics or a related field
• Advanced knowledge of machine learning methods, database concepts, prompting and generative AI
• Solid coding skills in Python and SQL (R, Scala, Spark and other programming languages are a plus), as well as good experience using GitHub
• Experience working with data science through internships or research projects
• Problem-solving mindset with strong collaboration and communication skills
• Fluency in English (additional languages are a plus)
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis both for the duration of the Future Leaders program and thereafter - the company is unable to sponsor or support employment-based visas (including H-1B) for these roles, now or in the future
   

How you will grow as a Future Leader

• Rotate through Bertelsmann divisions in New York City such as Penguin Random House, BMG, Bertelsmann Education Group etc. (in certain cases, rotations in other US and/or European cities may also be possible)
• Be mentored by renowned data scientists 
• Work in interdisciplinary teams 
• Network with Bertelsmann tech & data experts at cross-divisional trainings and conferences, including events that take place at Bertelsmann’s offices in Germany and/or internationally
• Design new data products and solve complex data challenges 
• Identify new use cases for machine learning and AI
• Leverage new data sources and integrate traditional structured data with raw data
• Annual salary range: $80,000–90,000 
   

Selection process

• US-based recruiting begins during the 2026 spring semester
• 1st round of virtual interviews will be conducted from March 23 to March 31
• Candidates who make it to the final round will be invited to in-person interviews at our offices in New York City during the week of April 13-17
• Offers will be extended after final interviews
• The program will start in September 2026 

Let your insights speak – and the world will listen.
Take the Data Science Track. Become a Future Leader.

Create work that carries your mark
If you have any questions about the graduate program or the application process, please contact us.
Lisa-Marie Elpers (l.elpers@bertelsmann.de) will be happy to help.
Learn more: www.futureleaders-data.com

Your future employer

Bertelsmann is a media, services and education company that operates in about 50 countries around the world. It includes the entertainment group RTL Group, the trade book publisher Penguin Random House, the music company BMG, the service provider Arvato, the Bertelsmann Printing Group, the Bertelsmann Education Group and Bertelsmann Investments, an international network of funds. The company generated revenues of €19 billion in the 2024 financial year. Bertelsmann stands for creativity and entrepreneurship. This combination promotes first-class media content and innovative service solutions that inspire customers around the world. Bertelsmann stands for creativity and entrepreneurship. This combination promotes first-class media content and innovative service solutions that inspire customers around the world. 

We strive to be an equitable and inclusive workplace for everyone, and we value the spectrum of perspectives a diverse workforce brings with it. Therefore, we are actively seeking candidates who bring their unique identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences - with or without disabilities - to our organization.

Disclosure requirements pertaining to the collection of your personal data:
Responsible for processing the information provided in your application: Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, Carl-Bertelsmann-Str. 270, 33311 Gütersloh (“Bertelsmann”), who may also assign this task to third-party service providers. Bertelsmann will process your data as provided for by Section 26(1) sentence 1 of the German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG-new) for the purpose of conducting the application and selection process for the Bertelsmann Future Leaders Program – based on reviewing your curriculum vitae, a position-based selection test and several interview rounds. Following from your declaration of consent pursuant to Section 26(2) of the German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG new), selected representatives of other group alliance members will take part in the staffing decision and interviews. Based on Article 49(1) a of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), your personal data will be transmitted to recipients in third countries (non-EU member states). In the a sence of an adequacy decision or suitable guarantees for ensuring an appropriate level of data protection for the processing of your data by these countries and their service providers the respective companies will treat your data confidentially. At the above address you can revoke your authorization for the use of your data at any time with immediate effect, contact Bertelsmann’s data protection officer, or request a copy of these undertakings. For further information on data protection for the Bertelsmann Future Leaders Program, see www.bertelsmann-futureleaders.com

Company: Bertelsmann, Inc. 
Country: United States of America
State/Region: New York
City: New York City
Postal Code: 10019
Job ID: 286222
Salary Range: $80,000-90,000
Application Deadline: March 08, 2026