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Young Talents

Internships, working student roles, thesis & PhD program

At CARIAD, you’ll be part of shaping the future of mobility within the Volkswagen Group. From day one, you’ll gain practical experience by contributing to the development of software that makes cars smarter, safer, and more connected.

You’ll learn from experts, develop your skills in a supportive environment, and take your first steps towards a career in tech.

Your possible entry paths

Discover how you can join CARIAD – as an intern, working student, thesis writer, or PhD candidate. We offer a variety of opportunities across Germany that support your personal development while giving you real-world experience in automotive software.

Internships

Turn theory into practice and explore what you’re passionate about – in mandatory or voluntary internships. Gain hands-on experience, grow your skills, and build your professional profile as you kick off your career.

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Mandatory & voluntary internships

A mandatory or voluntary internship at CARIAD allows you to dive deeper into your interests beyond your curriculum. You’ll work on real projects, collaborate with our teams, and get insights into how software shapes the future of mobility.

     

Requirements
  • Active enrollment in a Bachelor's, Master's, Diploma (or similar) program
  • Good to very good academic performance (please hand in your transcript of records when applying)
  • Work permit for non-EU citizens
Framework conditions
  • Educational purpose in focus
  • Remuneration:  €13.90 per hour
  • Duration: 3 to 6 months  
  • Working hours: 35 hours per week based on a 5-day week (flexible working hours) 
  • 20 days of vacation per year based on a 5-day work week
  • Onboarding on the first of each month
  • Up to 35 hours of overtime can be accrued
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Working student

As a working student at CARIAD, you’ll combine your studies with meaningful hands-on experience. You’ll support real projects, learn from experienced CARIDIANS, and build a network that prepares you for your next career steps in tech and automotive.

    

Requirements
  • Active enrollment in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program (full-time) 
  • Good to very good academic performance (please hand in your transcript of records when applying)
  • Place of work corresponds with the supervising department
  • Work permit for non-EU citizens  
Framework conditions
  • Compensation: €17.80 per hour
  • Minimum contract length: 6 months (extensions possible)
  • Working hours: Flexible according to working time models and by agreement, up to 20 hours per week during semester, up to 35 hours per week during lecture-free periods
  • 30 days of vacation per year based on a 5-day work week
  • Onboarding on the first of the month
  • Up to 35 hours of overtime can be accrued
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Thesis writer

As a thesis writer, you’ll work on your academic research while getting practical insights from our teams. You will gain access to valuable resources, expert support, and practical insights that strengthen your thesis and allow you to contribute to innovative projects in your field of study.

     

Requirements
  • Active enrollment in a Bachelor's, Master's or Diploma program 
  • Good to very good academic performance (please hand in your transcript of records when applying)
  • Work permit for non-EU citizens
Framework conditions
  • Focus on writing the thesis
  • Remuneration: €13.90 per hour 
  • Duration: 3 to 6+ months (subject to the university’s regulations on the duration of the thesis/project)
  • Working time: 35 hours per week based on a 5-day week (flexible working hours) 
  • 20 days of vacation per year based on a 5-day work week 
  • Onboarding on the first of each month   
  • Up to 35 hours of overtime can be accrued
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PhD program

The CARIAD PhD program enables you to pursue your doctoral research while contributing to the Volkswagen Group’s path in becoming a global tech driver in automotive. As a PhD candidate, you’ll explore advanced topics in software, data, and mobility innovation – supported by experienced mentors and industry experts.

    

Requirements
  • Master's degree 
  • Confirmation of supervision by a doctoral supervisor must be available by contract start (guidance will be given by the respective department)
  • Doctorate formally takes place at the university (faculty regulations apply, acceptance lies with doctoral supervisor)
  • Working Permit for non-EU citizens
Framework conditions
  • Remuneration and benefits: 13 monthly salaries per year, salary increase after 12 and 24 months
  • Duration: 3 years (employment contract limited to this period)
  • Internal CARIAD supervisor supports you with academic and general questions 
  • Working time: 35 or 40 working hours per week; 51% of time allocated to academic work
  • 30 days of vacation per year
  • 6-month probation period

PhD paper hub

Curious about what our PhD researchers are doing at CARIAD?

Your benefits as a Young Talent at CARIAD

At CARIAD, you’ll work in a flexible, supportive, and tech-driven environment across multiple locations in Germany. Our jobs for young talent offer fair compensation, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and a strong community where you can build your future career.

Fair compensation
Flexible working hours
Hybrid working options in Germany
Locations across Germany
Skill developement
Mentorship

Tips and tricks for applying

Starting an internship, student job, thesis project, or PhD program is an exciting step toward your career in tech. To help you prepare, we’ve collected practical tips on writing a strong application, structuring your resume, and understanding our recruiting process – so you can apply with confidence.

Recruiting process
  • Send us your resume – a clear, well-structured CV. Please also include your current university transcript or grade overview. Every application is personally reviewed by one of our Recruiting Business Partners.
  • Your application is checked against the job requirements. If it’s a good match, it will be forwarded to the Hiring Manager. You’ll usually hear back within four weeks.
  • In a video or phone interview, you’ll talk with the Hiring Manager about the role, your skills, and your goals.
  • If both sides agree, we’ll arrange a call to clarify contract details and answer any remaining questions.
  • After approval by the Works Council, your contract will be prepared and sent to you.
Resume preparation
  • Professional photo (optional): If you include one, make sure it’s professional and high-quality.
  • Concise and clear: Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs to highlight your skills and experience.
  • Reverse chronological order: List your most recent experiences first.
  • Structured formatting: Use headings, bold text, or larger fonts to make your resume easy to read.
  • Length: Keep it concise – no more than 1-2 pages.
  • Relevance: Focus on positions and skills that match the role; mention unrelated experiences briefly.
  • Customization: Tailor your resume to each role to emphasize relevant skills.
  • Consistency: Use the same font, size, and style throughout all documents.
Supporting documents

Attach the following (if applicable):

  • Proof of enrollment (e.g. university registration certificate)
  • Current transcript of records
  • Work references or recommendation letters
  • Previous academic certificates and diplomas
Formatting guidelines
  • Submit all documents in PDF format
  • Clearly state dates for each role or program (month/year)
  • Ensure consistency across resume, certificates, and online profiles (e.g. LinkedIn)
Relevance and professionalism
  • Align your application with the job requirements, highlighting the most relevant skills and experiences
  • Present yourself clearly and professionally while keeping the layout simple and easy to read
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Still have questions?

For more information and help reach out to our HR team. Get in touch!

Your next chapter starts here

At CARIAD, we develop the software that drives the Volkswagen Group’s evolution into a global automotive tech leader.