Meet Philipp B....

Student Challenger since… January 2009

Describe your educational background. Where did / do you study, what degrees did / will you receive?

Since 2005, I have been studying Media Sciences at the University of Cologne with majors in Media Management and Media Law. I expect to receive the Diploma in Summer 2009.

Describe your career history. What have been your professional experiences?

Prior to my internship at Bertelsmann AG, I worked as an intern in the field of marketing and event-management at a marketing agency in Zurich. Before I started my studies, I worked for nine months in a psychiatric hospital, where I completed my civilian service.

What attracted you to Bertelsmann and your internships? What is / was your favorite aspect about your job?

Bertelsmann is the leading European Media Company and I am studying Media Management, so the opportunity to work as an intern at Bertelsmann´s corporate development department really attracted me. I was fascinated by the idea to work for a company consisting of so many different Media and services businesses. My favorite aspect about the job was, that I had the opportunity to work on several very interesting and diverse projects and gained deep knowledge about Bertelsmann and the divisions.

What has been your most memorable moment (so far) during your internship?

A very memorable moment during my internship was the company Christmas celebration for all employees at the Corporate Center, there was a really familiar atmosphere. However there had been many great moments during the 4 months of my internship. Especially the conversations with the team members had been very enriching.

What has been your most rewarding task or project thus far?

In Summer 2008 I participated as a volunteer at a social project for handicapped people in Lebanon. It was amazing to see which impact little gestures, like just spending some time for someone and caring for someone, can have.

What qualities do you feel are necessary to be a successful employee at Bertelsmann?

Media businesses are constantly changing, so I think it is very important to be up-to-date and open-minded for new ideas and technologies. Being creative, entrepreneurial and innovative is very beneficial for a successful career at Bertelsmann, because the company gives its employees the freedom and encourages them to develop and initiate their own ideas.

Have you had the opportunity to travel as part of your job?

I worked on one project with external partners and had the opportunity to participate in the meetings. Therefore I had to travel sometimes from Gutersloh to Hamburg.

What was / is a typical day during your internship like?

Actually, there was no “typical day”, as any day was somehow different.

What are your professional goals? Any others ;-) ?

My professional goal is to progress constantly without losing sight of what is really important in life.

If you had one word to describe Bertelsmann – what would it be?

Multitude of Opportunities (sorry, I can´t count;-)