Program for business-oriented scientists
Start at KWS - Growing with Innovation
Together we address the growing global food demand.
The Growing with Innovation program is an entry door for ambitious scientists (all gender) who want to be part of KWS and have a vision on how innovation based on modern research and technologies could pave the way towards a world with more sustainable agriculture.
Population growth, climate change and shrinking per-capita acreage.
Join in and solve these challenges with us. KWS spends a large portion of its revenue on research. Cutting-edge technology such as drones, robotics and satellite pictures increase our efficiency. “Smart or Digital farming” enables tailored cultivation of the field based on data analysis and digitally controlled machines. The future of agriculture is already here. Come and be a part of it.
What should you expect during the 2-year program?
Stretch Rotations
You will join dynamic teams to tackle 4 exciting and diverse projects throughout the 2 years. You will further your strategic thinking and influencing skills and have the sole responsibility of planning, overseeing and executing a project in a timely fashion. Having the chance to participate in diverse projects will allow you to get to know different aspects of KWS and further your understanding on how the business operates. We would like one of your projects to be an international project and we would like you to be based in a different country office if the conditions allow.
Mentors
You will be matched with an senior KWS employee who will act as your personal mentor and will support your personal and professional growth.
Training & Development
You will join an initial 4 week onboarding training where you will learn about how to think strategically, display leadership qualities, self-brand and integrate design-thinking into your work. During the initial onboarding you will also visit the KWS headquarter as well as our renowned R&D center, and state-of-the-art breeding stations and have a front line experience by taking part in field work. You will also take part in Franklin Covey’s coveted training “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. This important training will lay strong foundations in your life journey and support you in adapting to change and taking full advantage of opportunities coming your way. To ensure your continuous learning throughout the program, you will have the chance to attend additional program-sponsored trainings on a periodic basis. Lastly, you will receive an individual training budget and you will be free to spend it on trainings internal or external.
KWS Graduate Community
Every 6 months during project intervals, you will get together with your fellow graduates and spend time sharing trainings, best-practices, meeting KWS leaders, engaging in alumni events and social responsibility projects.
Why are you a good fit for our Growing with Innovation program?
- You hold a Master’s in Agricultural Sciences, Plant Sciences, Biology, Plant Biology, Bio Chemistry, Bio Informatics, Biotechnology, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Molecular Breeding supported by a very strong interest in business/leadership topics.
- You have couple of years of experience where you showcased reseach skills and leadership potential. Limited direct leadership experience is also OK if you have demonstrated your leadership potential via your academic or extracurricular activities.
- You are a highly engaged individual. You bring people together for ideas. Not only that, but you persuade people to follow value generating opportunities with you. You are more a “driver” than a "joiner". You show passion and have demonstrated to deliver results.
- You are keen on joining a career in the agricultural industry and you are passionate about the future of agriculture.
- You spent some time overseas doing study abroad, working abroad, internships, work & travel.
- You are highly engaged in extracurricular activities and in addition, you had leadership experience within a political or non-profit organization, a student club, university/community/work setting and/or leadership engagement in a project.
- You possess strong intercultural skills. We are present in 70 countries around the globe, so working in multicultural teams and diverse environments is a key to your success.
- We are a global company, being fluent in English is mandatory, any additional languages would be an asset.
- You should be available for full-time work from October 2024 and be available for assessments January-April 2024.
This is what you can lo