Programme Highlight
Gateway to Germany: ESCP MBA Students Get Industry Insights in Düsseldorf and Frankfurt
When navigating a new career change, access and exposure are king. It’s not only about making professional connections; it’s also about discovering new ideas and opportunities for yourself that you’ve never considered before. This approach is embedded in ESCP’s Career Development offerings and was recently brought to life for MBA in International Management students through a 4-day trip to Düsseldorf and Frankfurt, two of Germany’s leading business hubs.
Students spending their second term at the Berlin Campus followed a dynamic schedule of company visits, a stop at the German Stock Exchange, and opportunities to connect with MBA alumni.
An added focus supported those considering a career in Germany. “A trip like this is meant to open doors,” shared Professor Markus Bick, Berlin Campus Academic Director of the MBA programme. “Beyond creating space for direct conversations with industry leaders, potential employers, and local experts, it helps students better understand the differences that come with a new country or industry.”
What’s expected in a new country or industry? What’s valued? Where do their skills transfer easily - and where might they need to adapt? These insights are invaluable.
Berlin Campus Academic Director
Düsseldorf: First Stop on the Corporate Map
The trip kicked off in Düsseldorf with a visit to Henkel, a global leader in consumer goods and chemicals and one of Germany’s most well-known multinational companies. The visit offered a multifaceted look at its portfolio of renowned brands like Persil, Schwarzkopf, and Loctite.
The MBA students visited Henkel’s impressive Inspiration Center, a hub designed to promote collaboration on high-impact innovations. They explored potential career paths at the company, pitched their ideas, and engaged in discussions on relevant MBA topics. The visit concluded with insights into Henkel's data science initiatives and AI applications. “Getting first-hand insights from industry professionals has been incredibly valuable,” shared MBA student Marco Da Rodda.
The evening was reserved for the first “Alum'night” of the trip, a networking event that brought together the MBA students and ESCP alumni from the Düsseldorf area. Hosted in an informal setting, local ESCP graduates offered career advice and shared insights into their post-graduation careers. These conversations created enriching connections between current students and established professionals, demonstrating the enduring value of the ESCP network.
Frankfurt: Diving into Finance, Tech and Digital Transformation
The second leg of the journey took the group to Frankfurt am Main, where the focus shifted toward financial markets and technology innovation. On the first day in Frankfurt, the students visited the Deutsche Börse (German Stock Exchange) to get insights into the heart of Germany's financial system. The evening brought another fruitful networking opportunity with ESCP alumni, this time against the backdrop of Frankfurt's iconic skyline.
The final day featured two company visits that highlighted the future of business technology. At Nexi, the group explored the digital payment space, getting an introduction to the company’s product portfolio and strategy. The students came away with new perspectives about broader current trends and strategic directions in the evolving landscape of FinTech innovation.
This was one of my favorite parts of the schedule — visiting the financial institutions and engaging in discussions with industry professionals. It brought real-world context to everything we’ve been learning.
ESCP MBA student
The trip concluded at Cognizant, a global tech consulting firm that helps companies digitally modernise. With concrete application examples, the group heard about the technical evolution of business processes and customer experiences, and learned about the Cognizant recruitment process.
Building Community and Looking Ahead
While career development stood at the forefront of the trip's objectives, the experience offered much more. Students explored two distinctive German cities and strengthened bonds with fellow MBA participants along the way.
Outside of the academic components, student Pranay Walmiky shared that he “particularly enjoyed exploring the vibrant culture and architecture of both cities, which added a refreshing dimension to the experience.”
I feel more familiar with Germany, which helps me to adapt to this country and develop. I also feel more connected with our MBA cohort.
ESCP MBA student
For the MBA Berlin participants, this journey through Germany’s business landscape met them where they are in their career transition. For some, it brought clarity on their next steps; for others, it sparked entirely new possibilities. “That’s the magic of this kind of experience: it doesn’t just inform career choices — it can transform them,” shares Professor Markus Bick. Whether deepening industry knowledge, expanding their professional network, or gaining new or closer friendships, every student took something unique away. As they return to campus, they do so with fresh insights, stronger connections, and renewed confidence for what lies ahead.
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