ESMT Berlin

From fellowship to full-time career. What if six months could change the direction of your career? When Elise Most (Master in Global Management, Class of 2025) joined the Responsible Leaders Fellowship (RLF), she was looking for an opportunity to apply her business education in a meaningful way before entering the workforce.

Six months later, she was still there.

Through the RLF, Elise traveled to Uganda to support Relevant, an organization that helps in small, growing businesses (SGBs) access financing and build investment readiness. Working directly with entrepreneurs, she applied the knowledge she gained at ESMT Berlin to real-world challenges while gaining invaluable international experience.
The experience proved so impactful that what began as a fellowship turned into a full-time role. Today, Elise works as a financial analyst in Kampala.

Reflecting on her experience, Elise says:
"Of all my time at ESMT, the RLF is probably where I grew the most, both personally and professionally. It is as challenging as it is rewarding."

The Responsible Leaders Fellowship offers ESMT master's and Full-time MBA graduates the opportunity to spend up to six months supporting social enterprises, NGOs, and impact-driven organizations in developing countries. ESMT covers travel expenses and provides a stipend, allowing fellows to focus on creating value while developing their leadership skills.

If you just graduated or if you are graduating soon and looking for an experience that combines professional growth, international exposure, and positive impact, the RLF could be your next step.
📅 Applications close July 2, 2026. Learn more: https://swll.to/zfCrMt

Read about Elise's full journey at ESMT, Uganda, and beyond: https://swll.to/zbLxYhs

From classroom to Mercedes-Benz. What does it take to turn analytics skills into real-world impact at one of Germany’s most famous companies?

For Khanh Nam Lai, a student in the Master in Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) program at ESMT Berlin, that journey led to an internship at Mercedes-Benz. 👇

Originally from Vietnam and with a background in communication and media, Nam took an unconventional path into analytics and AI. Through determination, preparation, and a willingness to embrace new challenges, he built the skills and confidence needed to secure a Business Analyst Product Management internship at Mercedes-Benz, one of ESMT Berlin’s founding companies.

What stands out most is how closely the MAAI curriculum connects to industry practice.
"As close as it gets" is how Nam describes the link between what he learned in class and the work he does every day at Mercedes-Benz. "Actually, what I learned in the MAAI curriculum is as close as it gets at what I do in my internship. All the data end-to-end treatment processes, methods, caveats – that is what I use daily at Mercedes-Benz," he shared.

His advice to future students?
"Start early, stay steadfast, and the doors will be open. Believe in yourself."

Read Nam's full story and discover how ESMT Berlin helps students bridge the gap between learning and industry impact: https://swll.to/H4lTHD

🌍 One in a million. One student story. One milestone that reflects the impact of international learning across Europe. Christoph, a Master in Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) student, was selected to represent ESMT Berlin in the DAAD campaign.

Since the launch of Erasmus in 1987, German higher education institutions have enabled one million international mobilities. Christoph's exchange semester at Università Bocconi in Milan is one of the many experiences behind this remarkable achievement.

Reflecting on his time abroad, Christoph highlights the friendships, cultural experiences, and academic challenges that shaped his semester:
"You get to experience a new culture, meet people from all over the world, and build friendships that you would never have made otherwise."

His experience also reflects ESMT's growing commitment to international mobility. Since the 2021/22 academic year, ESMT students have completed more than 100 Erasmus+ mobilities through study exchanges and traineeships.

What began five academic years ago with ESMT's first Erasmus agreement with Copenhagen Business School has grown into a network spanning 11 European countries, from Finland and Sweden in the north to Spain, Italy, and Portugal in the south.

For Christoph, the exchange offered more than academic learning. It was an opportunity to challenge himself, broaden his perspective, and build connections across cultures—experiences that will continue to shape his personal and professional journey.

👏 Congratulations, Christoph, on being selected as ESMT Berlin's representative for this milestone campaign.

👉 Read more about Christoph's Erasmus experience and his journey in the Master in Analytics and Artificial Intelligence program: https://swll.to/StNyI1

Celebrating innovation at INNOVA Europe 2026 🌍 Last week, Team Lunara represented ESMT Berlin at the INNOVA Europe Summit 2026, presenting their venture in front of fellow student entrepreneurs, academics, investors, and innovation experts from across Europe at Aalto University.

Founded by Master in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE) students Jasmin, Laura, and Gwyneth-Tyger, Lunara is building an AI-powered companion to help women better understand and manage hormonal acne through personalized, evidence-based guidance.

After winning the Sustainability Bootcamp organized by Vali - Entrepreneurship Hub at ESMT, the team earned the opportunity to represent ESMT Berlin at the summit alongside student and alumni-led ventures from 11 leading European universities.

Over two inspiring days, participants exchanged ideas, explored the future of entrepreneurship in Europe, and showcased innovative solutions addressing some of society's most pressing challenges.

For Team Lunara, the experience was about more than pitching. It was an opportunity to gain new perspectives, build meaningful connections, and continue raising awareness for women's health.

Congratulations to this year's winners from London Business School, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, and the Universität Wien . We are inspired by the creativity, ambition, and impact demonstrated by every team throughout the competition.

A big thank you to Aalto University and all INNOVA Europe partners for bringing together such a vibrant community of entrepreneurial talent.

Photo: Makoto Chiba Photography

For one afternoon, strangers became neighbors. Families, students, visitors, longtime Berliners, and first-time guests came together at the Neighborhood Festival 2026 to enjoy music, food, and meaningful moments on the banks of the Spree.

Under blue skies and among the trees of the ESMT Berlin garden, guests enjoyed music, food, sports, conversations, and moments of relaxation by the Spree. Children bounced between activities in the kids' area, visitors explored the stands of our partner institutions, and people of all ages gathered to discover, learn, and celebrate together.

🎶 From children's entertainment and live performances to classical music, jazz, and soul, the festival soundtrack reflected the diversity and energy of the community gathered on the island.

🍴 Delicious food and refreshments from Lebenswelten Catering kept everyone energized throughout the day.

⚽ Sports activities, games, and open spaces invited visitors to move, play, or simply unwind in the sunshine.

🏛️ Our partner institutions welcomed hundreds of curious guests and showcased the many ways they contribute to life on Museuminsel and beyond.

Events like these remind us that a campus can be more than a place of learning. It can be a place where communities meet.

A heartfelt thank you to our partners:
Humboldt Forum, Bertelsmann Stiftung, Bundesstiftung Bauakademie, Fluss Bad Berlin, Füchse Berlin, Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin, Lebenswelten Catering, WBM Wohnungsbaugesellschaft Berlin-Mitte mbH, and PETRI Berlin.

And most importantly, thank you to everyone who joined us and helped create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

📸 Photos by Ana Torres

💙 This is what the ESMT community looks like. A huge congratulations to the members of the ESMT Running Club and all volunteers who represented ESMT Berlin at this week's Berliner Wasserbetriebe 5×5km TEAM Relay Berlin (SCC EVENTS)!

Students, alumni, and faculty came together to form six ESMT teams, proudly wearing their jerseys and bringing our community spirit to one of Berlin's largest running events. And they delivered impressive results, finishing 28th, 79th, 144th, 844th, 1,334th, and 1,453rd out of 1,859 teams.

But the real highlight was the atmosphere. The strongest finish of the evening was not measured by time, but by the sense of belonging that everyone created together.

As runners tackled their 5 km legs, teammates lined the course to cheer them on. Back at the team camp, conversations flowed between people who never met before. New connections were made, old friendships were renewed, and for one evening, the ESMT community came together in a way that perfectly reflects who we are.

A huge thank you and congratulations to everyone who ran, cheered, organized, and supported the event. Special thanks to Fynn and the ESMT Running Club for making it happen and for showing what the ESMT community is all about.

What a day! 🏅 The second edition of the ESMT Olympics brought together students, alumni, and staff for an unforgettable afternoon in the ESMT garden. Across a wide range of activities—from football, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, chess, and Kubb to yoga, tug of war, ring toss, and the always entertaining three-legged and blindfolded egg races—participants competed with enthusiasm, determination, and plenty of team spirit.

More importantly, the event was a celebration of the ESMT community. It was wonderful to see members of our community connect across programs and generations, cheer each other on, and create new memories together.

Congratulations to all medal winners and a big thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and supported the event. The energy, sportsmanship, and camaraderie on display made this second edition a tremendous success.

Take a look at some of our favorite moments from the day in the photo gallery below! 📸

What does innovation really require? The latest issue of ESMT Update, our biannual magazine, explore not only the opportunities innovation creates, but also the trade-offs, tensions, and decisions that come with it. From the future of AI and biodiversity to the hidden dynamics behind market competition, from healthcare innovation to team autonomy, this edition brings together research and perspectives that challenge conventional thinking.

💡 Peek inside to discover:
• How shared medical appointments improve patient engagement
• Why some firms become dominant innovators
• When autonomy helps teams perform at their best
• How AI can support biodiversity protection

A big thank you to all contributors, researchers, speakers, and members of the ESMT community who helped bring this edition to life.

➡ Read the full magazine: https://swll.to/fypJkYd

Your weekend plans? ☀ Stay here, we have an idea. Live music, great food, family activities, and a vibrant community atmosphere. And if you are planning to spend the day on Museuminsel, there is even more to discover!

This Saturday, June 6, the Neighborhood Festival returns to the ESMT Berlin Campus, bringing together neighbors, students, families, and visitors for a free summer celebration in the heart of Berlin.

Spend the day by the Spree enjoying entertainment, activities for all ages, and opportunities to connect with some of Berlin's leading institutions.

🔔 If you are making a day of it, you will find even more happening across Museuminsel this weekend. Museuminsel Berlin (Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz) is celebrating its 200th anniversary with the Island Festival, while the Zentral- und Landesbibliothek Berlin (ZLB) is hosting a special festival to mark 125 years of serving Berlin through education and culture. Don't miss it!

One location. Three reasons to visit Museuminsel this weekend!

📅 Saturday, June 6, 2026
🎟 Free admission · No registration required

In collaboration with Humboldt Forum, Bertelsmann Stiftung, Bundesstiftung Bauakademie, Flussbad Berlin e.V., Füchse Berlin, Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin, Lebenswelten Catering, WBM Wohnungsbaugesellschaft Berlin-Mitte mbH, and PETRI Berlin.