WELCOME TO BASF
Within the TOP START International Business Leadership Program – our advanced and well-established graduate program – you will be on the right track towards a challenging and promising career in international leadership at BASF. During your TOP START experience, you will take on demanding positions and drive transformation by empowering and inspiring others. Bring your creativity, empathy, passion, and pioneering spirit, and join our Future Leaders Summit from May 5th to 6th, 2026, in Ludwigshafen.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Are you eager to make an impact and shape the future of a global player? Do you want to enhance your leadership skills in a unique leadership trainee program? Then take the chance to show us why you should become a future leader at BASF and apply for our two-day Future Leaders Summit at our headquarters in Ludwigshafen from May 5th to 6th, 2026
#behind the scenes Dive deep into the world of BASF and let our current TOP START Trainees provide you with exciting insights from their personal experiences.
#use your voice Share your ideas on leadership with other participants, as well as with board members and senior executives.
#the stage is yours Prove yourself in a business game and show everyone what makes you the next future leader at BASF.
#final act The last step before joining the TOP START Program is an interview day for the best-qualified participants.
#have fun Enjoy your time at BASF and look forward to two days of inspiring exchanges and networking with potential leaders from all over the world.
Would you like to gain more insights? Join our TOP START live stream on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026, to find out more. Click here to register for the presentation.
WHAT YOU OFFER
We can't wait to meet you Here's what you should bring to the table:
#outstanding performance You have an excellent degree in the field of business/economics (Master, PhD, MBA) with no more than 3 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.
#experiences out of your comfort zone You have first practical experiences in top companies, e.g., through demanding internships.
#global citizen Your international experiences have strengthened your communication skills and your fluency in English and another language.
#think and act like a leader Your analytical mindset helps you to quickly grasp complex topics and situations and you enjoy taking an innovative and sustainable approach.
#inspiration and openness Your future-oriented actions and implementation of ideas are characterized by your entrepreneurial drive, empathy, and a strong sense of collaboration.
WHAT WE OFFER
#meet up Connect with up to 30 peers from top business schools at this exciting two-day event at our headquarters in Ludwigshafen.
#dive in Get to know BASF as an employer and explore the many opportunities our organization offers.
#drive change Make an impact by working on case studies and connecting with our top management.
Want to find out more? Go to
Interested? Apply by March 15th, 2026, to be part of our Future Leaders Summit in Ludwigshafen.
HOW TO REACH US
Do you have questions about the application process or the event?
Anna Remberg (Talent Acquisition)
Phone:
E-Mail:
Future Leaders Summit Team
E-Mail: future-leaders-
1. You can also reach our recruiting team here.
2. First information about our application process can be found here.
3. The selection process includes a background check of the last diploma obtained and criminal record certificate.
ABOUT US
BASF SE, located in Ludwigshafen am Rhein, is the corporate headquarters of the BASF Group and part of the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region. BASF stands for competence in chemistry since 1865 and is represented today in the world's major consumer markets, with a wide range of products. As the largest employer in the region, BASF SE offers multiple career opportunities for students, university graduates and professionals providing also training in over 30 professions. Leisure, sports, culture and a good infrastructure characterize the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region, in which BASF is also involved with numerous activities. Learn more about BASF SE at
Diversity is our greatest strength
Become a part of our winning formula for success and develop the future with us - in a global team that embraces inclusion and equal opportunities irrespective of gender, age, origin, sexual orientation, disability or belief.