Business Management & Finance PDP Internship – Summer 2026: Commercial Track

Job Description

About the Company

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company, creating chemistry for a sustainable future by balancing economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. It helps customers in nearly every industry meet current and future needs through science and innovation. BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Germany. In North America, BASF has approximately 16,000 employees and achieved sales of $19.7 billion in 2024. Globally, the BASF Group has around 112,000 employees. Its portfolio includes core businesses in Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care, as well as standalone businesses in Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions.

BASF is committed to fostering an exceptional workplace that champions diversity, employee well-being, and development. This dedication has earned them several accolades: in 2024, they received Business Group on Health’s Best Employers: Excellence in Health & Well-being award and were ranked on the Top 50 Employers list by Minority Engineer Magazine. Fair360 (formerly Diversity Inc) placed BASF 22nd on their Top 50 Companies List, and Forbes and Statista named them one of America’s Best Large Employers. For the tenth consecutive year, BASF achieved a top score in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index, earning the 2023-2024 “Equality 100 Award” as a Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion.

Job Description, Detailed

The Business Management & Finance PDP Internship – Summer 2026: Commercial Track at BASF is a 10 to 12-week immersive program designed for students seeking hands-on experience in dynamic commercial functions within a leading chemical company.

Internship Focus & Experience:
Interns will be placed within one of BASF’s Inside Sales, Procurement, or Marketing teams. This program offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience by working on impactful projects that directly support business objectives. Interns will collaborate closely with seasoned professionals, gaining deep insights into various commercial functions. The role is characterized by a dynamic environment, requiring interns to tackle diverse challenges, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and adapt to rapidly changing situations, fostering innovation and real-time problem-solving. The internship aims to accelerate career growth by providing leadership opportunities and strategic insights.

Key Areas of Impact:

• Inside Sales: Focuses on lead generation, business analytics, customer engagement, sales support, product knowledge, and CRM management.
• Marketing: Involves market research, P&L management, pricing strategy, customer segmentation, product launches, business case development, brand management, marketing campaigns, digital marketing, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Procurement: Encompasses supplier management, cost analysis, sourcing strategies, contract management, and inventory management.

Professional Development Opportunities:

• Tools & Presentation: Interns will gain exposure to applications and digital tools such as PowerBI, CoPilot, and SAP. The internship culminates in a presentation of their summer project to fellow interns, BASF employees, and senior leaders, showcasing their contributions.
• Mentorship: Each intern will be assigned a peer mentor who is a full-time program participant. This mentorship provides guidance, fosters expertise development, and facilitates networking at senior levels, potentially leading to long-term mentoring relationships.
• Networking: Interns can participate in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). A week-long orientation at the New Jersey headquarters offers opportunities to engage with alumni and executive leadership. Interns will also collaborate with full-time P/LDP program participants to organize and participate in a community service volunteer day in celebration of National Intern Day.

Candidate Qualifications (Your Unique Blend):

• Education: Students majoring in Marketing, Sales, Finance, Management, a technical discipline, or other business-related disciplines are ideal.
• Graduation Date: Applicants must have a graduation date between May 2027 and July 2029.
• Work Authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without restrictions.
• Relocation: A strong willingness to relocate anywhere in the country during and after the program is crucial, as all assignments are in-person or hybrid. Potential locations include New Jersey, Michigan, North Carolina, Texas, and Louisiana.
• Experience & Skills:
• Demonstrated previous leadership experience and academic achievement.
• Active participation in extracurricular activities and on-campus organizations.
• Preferred: Previous internship/co-op experience.
• Beneficial Skills: Familiarity with tools such as PowerBI, SAP, Salesforce, and advanced Excel proficiency. Familiarity with AI tools such as CoPilot is a plus. Project management experience is also beneficial.
• A strong interest in the manufacturing or chemical industry is desired.

Future Career Path:
Interns will be assessed for a potential returning internship offer or a full-time position in BASF’s 2-year rotational Professional Development Program (PDP).

Compensation:
The competitive pay range for this role is $1,387 – $1,993 semi-monthly. Actual pay and any sign-on bonuses will be determined based on education, certifications, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

Equal Employment Opportunities & Privacy:
BASF is an equal opportunity employer committed to considering all qualified applicants without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. BASF emphasizes security and data privacy, cautioning against fraudulent requests for financial information or payments during the application process.