We explore the perks of a small cohort and get Amber Willems firsthand experience at ESMT Berlin. Let’s uncover the MiM program’s distinctive features and delve into the profound impact of a small student community.
In a small cohort setting, ESMT Berlin students enjoy perks that go beyond the traditional academic experience.
Imagine a master’s program where personal attention from faculty is the norm. Where collaboration and networking opportunities foster real, one-to-one connections. Where diverse perspectives enrich classroom discussions and participation. And where a strong sense of community binds students together.
Master in Management (MiM) graduate Amber Willems says, “What’s unique about ESMT is how small the school is. It’s very interactive, and you know the professors, you know all the students, so it’s very good for networking.” (02:42)
A small cohort stimulates participation and interaction. There’s time for every student’s voice to be heard and for students to receive tailored feedback. Besides teachers’ ability to work closely with each student, a small cohort enhances networking opportunities with prospective employers visiting the campus.
However, it was the program’s duration and curriculum, which seamlessly integrates cutting-edge theories with practical immersion, that drew Amber Willems to ESMT Berlin’s MiM in the first place.
“I really wanted to get this curriculum, where you have hands-on experience, we have internships, we also have a Social Impact Project, and we have the possibility to customize our whole program. And I felt like that was the most suitable for me at the time,” Amber shares. (02:13)
Next is a quick overview of what you can expect from ESMT Berlin MiM’s curriculum.
ESMT Berlin’s MiM program is the top in Germany and is among the top ten programs in the world. The flexible nature of the program allows students to cultivate hands-on skills and knowledge, required from future leaders. For instance, Amber was able to bring the knowledge acquired in class to challenges that came up in her job at Adobe, and vice-versa.
“They (Adobe) are making personas like this, and we (at ESMT Berlin) are doing it like this. So I was able to combine both, and make a hybrid on how I would see it and propose it at work,” Amber explains. (08:24)
Recently the official name was updated to Master’s in Global Management to reflect its global focus. Students can gain global immersion through an exchange term abroad and study at other renowned business schools like Yale. Students also get practical experience through a Social Impact Project where they can tackle programs anywhere in the world.
“As I mentioned, the curriculum is very intense… There are so many components that you really feel like you need to prioritize, and manage your time effectively because otherwise, it’s very difficult,” Amber reflects. (04:35)
In such an environment, the presence of a small cohort becomes invaluable. Building personal connections with professors and faculty members ready to offer support, becomes essential on this challenging journey.
Amber emphasizes the first-class support that she received through ESMT’s Career Services. They frequently organize networking events where prominent companies engage with their small cohort. She tells us she was able to land her internship at EY thanks to one of these intimate affairs.
“ESMT has the best career services I’ve ever seen, and I can vouch for that. They organized so many networking events. All the big companies came at different moments, we did case studies for them or had network events. We’re such a small group, so we are really able to get this exposure and talk with them directly,” Amber explains. (06:11)
Additionally, the Belgian native highlights the continuous assistance provided. The school has been a reliable resource for career guidance.
Lastly, Amber emphasizes that “At ESMT, you are not really a number, everybody knows each other.” (06:58) This helps create a less intimidating environment despite the rigorous curriculum and encourages collaboration between students.
The diverse backgrounds of students provide a rich tapestry of perspectives, nurturing a global mindset and a welcoming environment. Berlin’s dynamic and cosmopolitan nature serves as an ideal backdrop for students to expand their horizons, academically and culturally.
“It’s amazing and it’s a great student experience as well. Especially because we have such a small cohort, everybody knows each other … So we always hang out, especially when the weather is better. It’s really, really, fun. I would do it again in a heartbeat.” (04:04)
ESMT provides an ideal framework for students to thrive and grow in their pursuit of becoming global leaders. It shows that sometimes it’s good to start small before you go big.
If you’d like to learn directly from the experience of ESMT Berlin MiM graduates, contact an ESMT student ambassador.
