Beiersdorf „International Internship Challenge“Successful Conclusion to the Recruiting Event for International Interns

• First international competition for an internships abroad at Beiersdorf
• Three students set themselves apart among a pool of about 380 applicants
• Beiersdorf promotes internationalization in junior staff development  

October 22, 2014, Hamburg – With the announcement of the winners and an informal get together last night the first Beiersdorf “International Internship Challenge” (IIC) came to an end. Marketing student Eva Manzano (23) from Spain, who was able to make it through the selection process to get one of the three international internships at Beiersdorf, was visibly excited. “I am looking forward to the internship – most of all because I was able to experience the team spirit at Beiersdorf for myself during the competition. Now I’m excited to see how it feels during day to day life in the internship – perhaps in an affiliate in one of the emerging markets.” In the Supply Chain division Christina Merz (22) from Stuttgart won and in Finance the winner was Sara Montonen (23) from Finland. 

With the International Internship Challenge Beiersdorf created an event that allows it to appeal to top talents with its inspiring international job environment, family-oriented HR policy and exciting work with brand icons like NIVEA, Eucerin and Labello. For two days the 30 finalists were shown how skin care innovations come about and how the departments of Marketing, Finance and Supply Chain work together. The participants then were able to show their potential by taking part in a challenging case study. “The winners were consciously chosen not just for their experience and knowledge, but based on their personalities and the potential that we saw,” says Christoph Fellinger, responsible for HR Marketing at Beiersdorf and IIC Project Leader. “That’s one of the most important principles in recruiting students: At this age, it’s more about potential than experience.” 

During the teamwork sessions of the competition, the contestants had to manage a fictional market introduction for NIVEA and to present the results in the form of analyses and approaches for improvement before a jury of experts from various professional fields at Beiersdorf. Additional highlights included a rally through the company, presentations from speakers from the world of skin care and an active break during which relaxation and concentration exercises were conducted together with Beiersdorf’s Health Promotion department.
Christoph Fellinger is very satisfied with the results: “We met a lot of highly qualified and above all, motivated, talent and were able to awaken their enthusiasm about our special work world with an innovative format.” International experience is an important part of a resume for top students and at globally active companies says Fellinger. That’s why Beiersdorf offers young potential staff these opportunities right during their first experience with the company.

The IIC was advertised at select European partner universities and on student platforms. 30 finalists were preselected from about 380 applicants through online tests and video interviews. The three winners receive a fully sponsored three-month international internship in one of the Beiersdorf affiliates around the world. With the new format, the skin care company aims to further distinguish itself from other companies in order to persuade well-educated young graduates and win them over to it for the long term. The trainee program “BEYOND BORDERS,” which has existed for over 30 years, is also a part of this active engagement.