Discovering Your Entrepreneurial Voice at ESMT Berlin

Italian student Anita Garbin chose ESMT Berlin’s Master in Innovation & Entrepreneurship (MIE) program for a myriad of reasons. Most notably, the program stood out for its structured focus on entrepreneurship, its hands-on curriculum, and its direct access to Berlin’s vibrant startup ecosystem. Anita, part of the Class of 2026, spoke with MASTERGRADSCHOOLS about her unique student journey and all that she has already learned from the MIE program.

At the Heart of Berlin’s Startup Scene

ESMT Berlin’s MIE program takes place in person on its Berlin campus. Germany is a global hub of creative and innovative startups, making it an excellent study location for future entrepreneurs. The program acts as a bridge, matching strong industry players directly with master’s program students.

Students have various opportunities to meet with companies and startups. Moreover, they speak with local industry leaders and learn about innovations as they happen in real time. Anita notes, “We have several opportunities within the MIE program to be connected with the startups in Berlin.” (00:23)

Anita highlights the core course ‘Foundations of Entrepreneurship’ with Professor Angeliki Papachroni in the first term as particularly impactful. Within the class, study groups transform into consulting teams who advise established startups on real-world business challenges. Students gained valuable insights and hands-on experience during this project.

Throughout the full-time, two-year program, students complete courses on corporate innovation, strategy, entrepreneurship, and finance. This ensures a strong foundational business understanding. Furthermore, Skills Seminars teach students about communication, negotiation, and intercultural collaboration within business contexts.

What’s the Best Way To Learn? By Doing

MIE students also complete practice immersion opportunities. These include an internship, the Sustainability Bootcamp (SB), Summer Entrepreneurship Program (SEP), Corporate Innovation Project (CIP), Social Impact Project (SIP), and the DEEP Tech Innovation Program (DTIP). Each program offers a unique, hands-on element. For example, in the DTIP program, students gain hands-on experience in evaluating and supporting deep-tech startups from across Europe.

In the summer months, students can choose between completing an internship at an existing startup or completing the Summer Entrepreneurship Program. If they choose the second option, they build their own startup over the summer.

Anita adds, “I would say most of the classes are quite practical. It’s not just theoretical learning.” (01:58) The MIE approach prioritizes applied learning, collaborative projects, and experiential methods. 

Furthermore, the program regularly invites guest lecturers and industry experts to the classroom. Anita reflects, “We have several networking activities, but also we’ve had the opportunity of being put in contact with startups… and investors, and founders.” (01:00) This way, students learn from a wider network and various communities, both within and outside of the academic sphere.

Networking in the Classroom and Beyond

Additionally, students at ESMT Berlin participate on campus through clubs and initiatives. These spaces give students the chance to build leadership skills, collaborate with like-minded peers, and grow personally. Some examples of student-led clubs include the Vali Venture Club (a community for aspiring founders), Tech & Innovation Club (a community of tech-enthusiasts), the Women in Leadership Club, and the TEDxESMT Berlin club (student-led TED events that spark impactful conversations and empower action). 

For those interested in the TEDxESMT Berlin club, their 2026 TEDxESMT Berlin Conference will take place on campus on February 28th. The conference’s theme will be “Unseen Currents: Stories that Shape Us”. The event will feature insightful talks from notable speakers. Speakers will include the former CEO of Amazon Germany, as well as innovators, leaders, athletes, and changemakers. The conference offers a full day of inspiring talks, networking, and creative engagement. Tickets are now live.

Found Your Own Startup Over the Summer

Anita chose the Summer Entrepreneurship Program (SEP) rather than a traditional internship. Vali Berlin organizes the SEP program from April to July. Vali Berlin is the entrepreneurship hub at ESMT Berlin.

During the program, students develop their startup ideas. They find co-founders, identify trends and problems, and research viable solutions. Not to mention, they pitch their business idea to Venture Capitalists (VCs) and potential investors. During the program, students benefit from expert mentoring, networking, and workshops given by entrepreneurs and industry experts.

Anita shares, “During the summer, [I] had the opportunity of going through the incubation process, and founding my own startup. That was a very relevant experience as an MIE student, because I had the opportunity of bringing to life what I’ve learned during the semester.” (02:50) 

During the SEP program, students also have weekly one-to-one meetings with personal mentors, organized through Vali Berlin. This individualized attention allows students to integrate personalized feedback directly into their startups.

Drawing on the available resources and leveraging her new knowledge and skills, she put everything to work for her.

Your Studies, Your Way: Customizing Your Learning Experience

In the second year, in terms four and five, MIE students have the opportunity to customize their learning experience through electives. There are over 35 electives available to choose from. This way, students can tailor their education to match their personal career aspirations. 

Anita highlights, “We can really choose what best fits our preferences.” (05:19) The available electives include International Finance, Doing Business Sustainably, Innovating with AI: Large Language Models in Business, and Social Entrepreneurship, among many others.

After participating in the SEP, Anita wanted to gain deeper insights into the theory of entrepreneurship. She chose to complete the electives Entrepreneurship with Large Language Models, Entrepreneurial Sales & Marketing, and Social Entrepreneurship.

She shares, “I had the practical experience, and I wanted to also deepen my knowledge on the more theoretical parts.” (01:37) This customization ensures each student’s journey aligns with their individual career goals.

Entering the German Job Market with Confidence

ESMT Berlin’s location in Europe‘s startup capital provides unmatched networking opportunities. The school regularly brings founders, venture capitalists, and corporate innovators to campus to meet with students. This way, students can ask questions, gain useful feedback, and start their network in Berlin for life after graduation.

Anita concludes, “I believe as MIE students we have the competitive advantage of bringing our creativity and problem-solving to the business world… [in the MIE program] you really learn to get outside [of your comfort zone], talk to people, get feedback, and put everything into practice.” (06:35)

These connections prove to be essential for international students wanting to study and work in Germany. Germany’s 18-month post-graduation residence permit extension gives students time to leverage these connections to find job opportunities.

ESMT Berlin MIE graduates leave the program fortified by strong support systems, an extensive network, and hands-on experiences. Beyond that, the ESMT innovation entrepreneurship master’s journey equips graduates with a toolkit of hard and soft skills. These skills embolden them to confidently blend academia and industry in the business world as entrepreneurs.

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