2027 Graduate P.A.C.E. Program - Corporate Strategy M&A - Frankfurt

Apply by:
November 8, 2026

Description

Please note that you may only apply for one 2027 DWS Early Careers opportunity. Please review all DWS Early Careers roles carefully before applying

Start Date                        
6. September 2027

About DWS
At DWS we’re capturing the opportunities of tomorrow. Join our leading global asset management firm and make an impact on individuals, communities and the world. Whether collaborating to discover innovative solutions, exploring your curiosity or developing new skills – at DWS, we support you in achieving your goals. Invest in your future!

About the DWS P.A.C.E. Graduate Program
Our 2-year P.A.C.E. Graduate Program begins with an intensive onsite onboarding program with all global P.A.C.E. participants in Frankfurt, Germany. You will then join your assigned division and complete four six-month rotations there. Throughout the program you will have the opportunity to implement your technical training in a practical setting with expert guidance and to grow your network within DWS.  

As a P.A.C.E. participant you will:

  • Work with diverse teams across departments and countries to support and enable the success of DWS
  • Share your ideas, think creatively and help shape the world of asset management
  • Take ownership, make decisions and grow through hands-on learning
  • Become an integral part of the global P.A.C.E. community and DWS network

About Corporate Strategy

The Corporate Strategy Team, which is part of the Executive Division, manages the full corporate strategy process – from analysis to strategy formulation, execution and implementation. It is organized along three teams: Strategy Development, Strategy Implementation and M&A.

About the M&A Team

The M&A Team oversees, evaluates and executes all inorganic strategic activities of DWS including acquisitions, divestments, strategic partnerships, and other key corporate transactions.

Its mandate includes:

  • Identifying and evaluating potential M&A transactions that are aligned with DWS’ strategic priorities
  • Leading and managing transaction preparation, due diligence, strategic, financial and risk assessment, structuring, negotiation, and closing of transactions
  • Managing transaction approval processes
  • Coordinating internal and external stakeholders, including external advisors
  • Representing DWS as principal in negotiating transactions with external counterparties

As our DWS Graduate in our team, you will:

  • Support M&A projects in connection with DWS’s global business activities
  • Be involved in identifying and evaluating potential M&A transactions
  • Conduct financial analysis, including building business cases and valuation models
  • Participate in various stages of the M&A process including transaction preparation, due diligence, strategic, financial and risk assessment
  • Coordinate internal and external stakeholders
  • Prepare decision papers for DWS senior management and for the relevant committees

The Team is looking for:

  • Intermediate German (B1/B2) and advanced English language skills
  • Advanced skills in MS Excel, PowerPoint and Word
  • Strong analytical skills and intellectual curiosity around the key trends driving the asset management industry
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills
  • Already graduated or on track to graduate from a bachelor’s or master’s degree in either 2026 or 2027
  • Less than 12 months of full-time relevant work experience (excluding internships)

AI & Future Skills

The future of asset management will be shaped by people who can combine curiosity, critical thinking and technology.

At DWS, interns and graduates are encouraged to explore how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, can support research, analysis, productivity and innovation.

Through our learning ecosystem, you'll develop the skills needed to work effectively in a rapidly evolving industry while understanding the importance of responsible and ethical use of technology.

We welcome candidates from all degree disciplines who demonstrate:

  • Curiosity and a willingness to learn
  • Critical thinking and sound judgement
  • Strong collaboration skills
  • An enthusiasm to using technology and AI-enabled tools to improve outcomes

Our Application Process

  • Step 1 – Online Application
  • Step 2 - Online Tests
  • Step 3 - Video Interview (in English)
  • Step 4 - Final Interview Day (likely in English and German)  

Our commitment to equal employment opportunity

Our values define the working environment we strive to create – diverse, supportive and welcoming of different views. We embrace a culture reflecting a variety of perspectives, insights and backgrounds to drive innovation. We build talented and diverse teams to drive business results and encourage our people to develop to their full potential. Talk to us about flexible work arrangements and other initiatives we offer.

We promote good working relationships and encourage high standards of conduct and work performance. DWS is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from talented people from all cultures, countries, races, genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, beliefs and generations. We are committed to providing a working environment free from harassment, discrimination and retaliation.

If you have any questions about this program or need us to make any adjustments to help you complete any stage of your application, let us know at dws.ECrecruitment@db.com. Someone from our Early Careers team will get in touch.

Eligibility

  • Intermediate German (B1/B2) and advanced English language skills
  • Already graduated or on track to graduate from a bachelor’s or master’s degree in either 2026 or 2027
  • Less than 12 months of full-time relevant work experience (excluding internships)