Public relations traineeship

Are you enthusiastic about communications and international cooperation? Then you will be pleased to hear that the public relations traineeship offered by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH combines the best of both worlds – to optimum effect. Read on to find out what a traineeship involves and how to apply. 

Thorough training and the tools for innovative communications: our two-year traineeship covers all aspects of corporate communications. GIZ’s Corporate Communications Unit informs the company and the general public about GIZ services and results, as well as its corporate principles and values. The unit’s communications strategy is based on GIZ’s corporate strategy but also leverages internal and external instruments, such as press relations and staff communications, to target specific stakeholders. We also provide training and advice to communicators based in our partner countries.

During your traineeship, you will support the different sections within the unit. Here you will be required to write press releases and texts for online media, organise internal and external events and develop communications strategies. You will also learn about the importance of a uniform corporate media presence, moderate social media communities and advise communicators worldwide. A mentor will be assigned to support you throughout your training. 

You will attend off-site training that will qualify you for PR consultancy. This includes taking part in preparatory seminars run by an institution approved for PR sector training. PR traineeship leads to a certified qualification in communications, whereby GIZ covers the cost of the course and the examination. A temporary placement at a media company will give you a deeper insight into how the industry works. GIZ’s Press Office will assist you in selecting a suitable editorial team. 
Most of your training will be carried out in Eschborn near Frankfurt am Main but you will also take a look behind the scenes at GIZ’s offices in Bonn, Berlin, Brussels and on site in a partner country. 
Trainees currently receive a monthly salary of EUR 2,200. GIZ pays for all travel expenses and provides an accommodation subsidy as well as a JobTicket for commuters.

Frequently Asked Questions about internships

What are the application criteria? 
You need a degree-level qualification in the humanities, social science or economics. An M.A. is not a prerequisite, but would be an advantage. You are keen to embrace developments in the communications sector. You have acquired initial experience in PR work in an agency, company or in the media and are interested in development cooperation. Ideally, you have already gained some hands-on insights into this field. You have a good command of language, a talent for writing and editing texts and are keen to explore new topics. A very high level of English proficiency is required; knowledge of other foreign languages would be an advantage.

How and when can I apply?
You can apply online. PR traineeships are advertised on GIZ’s Jobs and Careers portal. Unfortunately, we are unable to process unsolicited applications. Candidates who have applied in previous years may apply again – perhaps you have expanded your profile by acquiring additional personal and other skills since your last application.
We expect to advertise another vacancy around mid-2019.

What will happen to my application?
The process starts with you uploading your cover letter, CV and sample texts to GIZ’s Jobs and Careers portal. Please ensure that your application does not exceed 2 MB. Our HR Department reviews applications once the submission deadline has expired and then invites suitable candidates to attend the group selection procedure, which comprises discussions and tasks to assess your level of skill and aptitude. We will contact you promptly following this one-day event to let you know whether or not you have been successful.

How is the PR traineeship structured? 
During your traineeship, you will be assigned to a new section every three months. These include Communications Strategy, Internal Communications, Media and Public Relations and Communications Advisory Services. You will also learn about location-based communications in Berlin and Brussels. 

The order of your placements will be adapted to suit your previous experience. Traineeships usually start in Eschborn or Bonn. We try to structure assignments so that you spend six months in Bonn and Eschborn. The length of time you spend in Berlin and Brussels can vary. You will also gain three month’s experience in a GIZ partner country. Personal preferences can be taken into account. Your mentor will advise you on a suitable country of assignment.  

What is the likelihood of obtaining a position after the traineeship? 
The Corporate Communications Unit sees the traineeship as an investment in its future and is therefore interested in hiring successful graduates. Further details and opportunities are discussed well in advance.