Careers

Commercial Graduate Programme

We are a major global agri-business with a clear vision: to be a world leader in providing the food the world needs in a responsible way.

In this crucial role, we need to have the most talented individuals working with us. Which is why we want to attract the world’s very best graduates – and give them unrivalled opportunities to become truly outstanding commercial professionals.

Our Commercial Graduate Programme is designed to help us find and develop these remarkable people. Are you one of them? And do you share our commitment to making a positive impact on the planet and its population? If so, our programme is for you. This is your first step in a brilliant career, in a vital industry.

Exciting opportunities you will not find elsewhere

This programme opens up a range of valuable experiences:

  • Opportunities to gain a deep understanding of how our business operates, defined by strong values and beliefs and a culture of collaboration.
  • The chance to gather insights on the latest commercial thinking, explore new ways of working and contribute to COFCO International’s sustainability mission.
  • Coaching from a dedicated technical expert, with impressive experience and knowledge.
  • The opportunity to attend global learning events and virtual workshops to enable you to learn from leaders.
  • You will also be part of a small global team to complete a challenging project. This will be sponsored by a senior business leader and will help you to build a network of contacts and gain a deeper understanding of the organisations commercial activities.

The greatest opportunity comes when you have completed the programme and proven your abilities – the opportunity to embark on a rewarding commercial career with a world-leading agri-business.

Next intake: Summer 2023

Applications are no longer being accepted. We will open the selection process again in Summer 2023 for the next intake of commercial graduates.

The Commercial Graduate Programme in more detail

We have opportunities in our core business locations

Including Argentina, Brazil, India, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Ukraine and the United States. The programme has been designed to give you the organisational knowledge and operational expertise you will need to begin your commercial career with us. The full rotational programme takes a minimum of 18 months to complete.

The programme aligns to our Grains and Oilseeds product line, providing an opportunity for participants to continually develop their strategic thinking and global mindset associated to these commodities.

Opportunities available worldwide

Click on the map locations below for more details about graduate positions in Argentina, Brazil, India, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, USA and Ukraine.

Brazil

We have graduate positions available in Rondonópolis and São Paulo, Brazil

Ukraine

We have graduate positions available in Kyiv, Ukraine

South Africa

We have graduate positions available in Stellenbosch, South Africa

Argentina

We have graduate positions available in Buenos Aires and Rosario, Argentina

Chicago

We have graduate positions available in Chicago, USA

Singapore

We have graduate positions available in Singapore

India

We have graduate positions available in Gurugram, India

Romania

We have graduate positions available in Bucharest, Romania

Italy

We have graduate positions available in Ravenna, Italy

Netherlands

We have graduate positions available in Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Spain

We have graduate positions available in Madrid, Spain

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Our vision, mission and values

To achieve our ambition on becoming the world leader in agriculture supply, we will harness the power of our people by embedding a culture of positivity - our Sunshine Culture.

More about our Vision and Culture

What you will need to join the programme

To succeed on our Commercial Graduate Programme, you will need a keen interest in the commodity markets – especially relating to agricultural products. You will also recognise the value of honesty and integrity, and of an inclusive, diverse workplace – and be keen to bring food security to where it is needed.

As this is a graduate programme, you will need a university degree in business administration, economics, agricultural sciences or similar. You do not need post-graduate working experience, but we will consider your application if you have worked for up to three years after finishing your degree.

The selection process will be in English, so you will need to be fluent. You will also need to speak the language of the country where you are applying and be a citizen there or have a work permit.

“This experience has not only helped me to improve my understanding of the business, but also my critical thinking and analytical skills. During the programme, I had exposure to COFCO’s assets operations and different professional teams. This also promoted complex and integrated thinking, which allowed me to achieve a more holistic and interdependent mindset about the many different variables behind the decision making process within this business.”

– Emanuel Gomez - Commercial assistant, Argentina

“The programme has definitely expanded my mindset. After having exposure and being able to learn from many different areas, sectors and people, my mind today is able to think faster, connect the dots between different subjects and think from micro to macro.”

– Vanessa Heringer - Trader assistant, Brazil

“As a result of completing the programme I am now able to think and behave in a global way. The journey has allowed me to fully understand and adopt the COFCO culture. I have the tools to improve my proactivity and have a network of experts from all over the world that I can contact.”

– Matias Ferreccio - Soybean Meal trader, Argentina

“I've had the chance to work with people I wouldn't get the chance to work with so it has really pushed me to a new level. I got to see a how the company works from all the departments. The programme has given me the essential tools to allow me to continue to grow.”

– Siyasanga Nqeketo - Junior trade accountant, South Africa

“Being a part of the Commercial Graduate Programme has given me a wide view of the company and has made my network much bigger, helping me to connect to a global chain of people. With the tools the programme gave me I felt more confident to contribute with projects and decision making.”

– Camila Lima – Commercial analyst, Brazil

“The skills learnt while rotating through the various departments, did not only build my technical skills to equip me for my current position, but aided in my personal development to help build confidence and professionalism in the workplace.”

– Nic Labuschagne – Junior Trader, South Africa

The selection process

  1. Screening — When we receive your online application, we first check your CV, if you meet the requirements, we will ask you to take an online aptitude test.
  2. First-stage interview — If you pass the aptitude test, you will be invited to attend a first-round online interview.
  3. Assessment centre day — All those who meet the requirements we are looking for will be Invited to join one of our online assessment centers. Here you can show us your skills and abilities through a range of exercises. You will also learn more about our culture, people and the programme.

Programme structure

 For any questions, please contact us: graduaterecruitment@cofcointernational.com