Kick-Start Your Career.
You determine your own direction – with ZEISS' graduate program.
Do you want to take on specialist responsibility soon after graduation and become an expert in your team? Do you want to develop an in-depth understanding of a global technology leader's markets, products and networks early in your career? With the graduate program, ZEISS sends you on your individual path to becoming a specialist. The focus is on your development as an expert – both professionally and personally. You also get the skill set to lead your own teams later on, if you want to. You will rotate through various specialist areas and build networks, so that later as a technical expert or manager you can secure ZEISS's global technology leadership role of the future.
![]({"small":"https://images.zeiss.com/corporate-new/career/images/berufseinsteiger/trainee-2.ts-1617879759542.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fm=png&ixlib=java-1.1.11&w=640&s=c2627446cfb96e83457af060bcd46f59","large":"https://images.zeiss.com/corporate-new/career/images/berufseinsteiger/trainee-2.ts-1617879759542.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fm=png&ixlib=java-1.1.11&w=1280&s=4aa85b5e8d079953686bcb9285c17855","medium":"https://images.zeiss.com/corporate-new/career/images/berufseinsteiger/trainee-2.ts-1617879759542.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fm=png&ixlib=java-1.1.11&w=832&s=e8c82a02a4c8878ed7ee4f1ed21079d3","full":"https://images.zeiss.com/corporate-new/career/images/berufseinsteiger/trainee-2.ts-1617879759542.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fm=png&ixlib=java-1.1.11&w=1920&s=a1b337acad015288f4b765a33300ffc1"})
The ZEISS graduate program: an overview
![The ZEISS graduate program: an overview]({"small":"https://images.zeiss.com/corporate-new/career/images/berufseinsteiger/prozess_en.ts-1675755576414.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fm=png&ixlib=java-1.1.11&w=640&s=7bbd37a7ff16ff1ae03d2975c59c372b","large":"https://images.zeiss.com/corporate-new/career/images/berufseinsteiger/prozess_en.ts-1675755576414.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fm=png&ixlib=java-1.1.11&w=1280&s=58fe2e1f665e1482eb5fabbfb0867a7d","medium":"https://images.zeiss.com/corporate-new/career/images/berufseinsteiger/prozess_en.ts-1675755576414.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fm=png&ixlib=java-1.1.11&w=832&s=9c8388955522c0cd947fdb65b40ff611","full":"https://images.zeiss.com/corporate-new/career/images/berufseinsteiger/prozess_en.ts-1675755576414.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fm=png&ixlib=java-1.1.11&w=1920&s=a0b7b224ba5be82a1bf642913a92087c"} "The ZEISS graduate program: an overview")
What you can expect
During the 18 months, you will rotate between three or four different ZEISS departments across the company's different business units and possibly also abroad. Which departments these are depends on your chosen focus and your future role. During the program, you will also take part in several training sessions, workshops and project work for professional and personal development. All this is aims at enabling you to hit the ground running after completing the program – and make you familiar with the basics to take on any leadership tasks.
The program begins in October and March, with new vacancies normally posted six months in advance (March or October).
Requirements
- You have a bachelor's and/or master's degree
- Initial relevant practical experience (at least six months, maximum one year of internships or work experience in the respective field)
- Fluent in English
- Extramural commitment
- You want to help shape future markets in areas such as digitalization, medical technology or Industry 4.0
- You show initiative, motivation, a desire for personal responsibility, a willingness to learn and team spirit and want to drive change forward
- You are not afraid to overcome demanding project tasks and their challenges
- Willingness to work at a ZEISS location in Germany
Selection process
The ZEISS graduate program selection process takes place in several stages:
![The ZEISS graduate program selection process takes place in several stages]({"small":"https://images.zeiss.com/corporate-new/career/images/berufseinsteiger/bewerbung_en.ts-1675755575336.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fm=png&ixlib=java-1.1.11&w=640&s=3fc472a51872e76b60cb9492fe2077eb","large":"https://images.zeiss.com/corporate-new/career/images/berufseinsteiger/bewerbung_en.ts-1675755575336.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fm=png&ixlib=java-1.1.11&w=1280&s=776c7e41bb17ec9873050910471696b9","medium":"https://images.zeiss.com/corporate-new/career/images/berufseinsteiger/bewerbung_en.ts-1675755575336.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fm=png&ixlib=java-1.1.11&w=832&s=30a9e6eb29a48e93852a05de94e734d6","full":"https://images.zeiss.com/corporate-new/career/images/berufseinsteiger/bewerbung_en.ts-1675755575336.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fm=png&ixlib=java-1.1.11&w=1920&s=b99c1f83053c6026e1b3e3e1969ec30a"} "The ZEISS graduate program selection process takes place in several stages")
Why
ZEISS is technology. ZEISS is optics and innovation. We develop, manufacture and sell highly innovative products and solutions for our customers in a variety of business fields.
What
- Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology
- Industrial Quality & Research
- Medical Technology
- Consumer Markets
Job Offers
Global Graduate Program
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Answers to the most frequently asked questions
How and when can I apply?
Our selection process starts in spring 2023. As soon as the job vacancies are posted, you can apply via our online application portal. After registration, fill in all fields completely and upload your application documents.
What documents should I include with my application?
In order for us to get a comprehensive picture, please submit a resume and, ideally, a covering letter, proof of internships and a current grade sheet or diploma.
The individual documents should not exceed a size of 5 MB.
How does the application process work?
The application process consists of three stages to allow you to best get to know us and us to get to know you. If your application has aroused our curiosity, you will receive an invitation to the online test. You then have 7 days to complete the test. This test includes logical thinking tasks and questions about your personality.
The second step involves you meeting representatives from the department and the recruiter in a video interview. If you have also successfully mastered this stage, you will be invited to an on-site application day at ZEISS.
Is it also possible to apply after already having been working?
Our program is primarily aimed at graduates, so you should have completed your degree no more than 1 year ago. Alternatively, you can take a look at our careers page to get to work straightaway.
Is there a defined progression through stations?
The stations you visit depend on the focus you have chosen. Some departments are key for your development at ZEISS, others are optional and can be determine by you and your manager. Your previous experience and current projects play a key role in that decision.