Getting Into ESMT Business School

ESMT Full-time MBA

For MBA applicants seeking business schools in Europe, many are turning to ESMT European School of Management and Technology, located in Berlin, Germany. With the largest economy in Europe, Germany provides an ideal setting for students to become familiar with successful international companies. Such companies founded ESMT in 2002, which accounts for the institution's motto, "the business school founded by business." Set in the historic former building of East Berlin's state council, the one-year, intensive MBA program features a global environment of international students and professors. Jörg Rocholl, President of ESMT, explains the advantages of ESMT’s MBA program. Current ESMT student and host, Gizem Baskocagil, shows us around and introduces us to the program director, Nick Barniville. Our guests discuss the nature of the ESMT program, scholarships available, international faculty, and how the business school may be your perfect fit.

“I feel very fortunate to have my family with me”

Youssef B’lal, MBA student 2012

Coming from the US with a career spanning 20 years, Youssef is one of the more experienced full-time MBA students at ESMT. He has been sent to do an MBA by his employer Allianz. Most important for Youssef is the support of his family. His wife and his three-year-old son followed him to Berlin and help him to relax after lectures. Youssef uses his spare time outside playing with his son in the park or at the zoo, his favorite places in Berlin. The year has challenged him with demanding lectures, but it has also offered interesting insights and a network of great new people. His advice for future students? Enjoy, experiment, and manage your time properly.

“Berlin – I love it!“

Malati Khadka, MBA student 2012

What can you do in one year? Malati changed her whole life by coming to Berlin, a city she loves. With four years of business practice Malati is one of the lesser experienced students in ESMT’s full-time MBA program. Originally from Nepal, she has discovered a whole new self while studying at ESMT in Berlin and she now sees herself as a richer and more open person. Her favorite place in Berlin is Kreuzberg, where she can relax and reflect together with her friends. Her special day of the week is Friday. Then she has time to go out and explore Berlin by night.

“Time is passing so quickly – I don’t want it to finish”

Gizem Baskocagil, MBA student 2012

Coming from Turkey Gizem was looking for broader international knowledge. She decided to do an MBA at ESMT where she found an international faculty and student body. Here she has met good friends, discovered a vibrant city, and learned a lot about herself. While exploring Friedrichstraße, Hackescher Markt, and Kreuzberg, Gizem has been able to reflect on her own strengths and opportunities. She has made her personal journey through Berlin and acknowledged her own capabilities. Finally she is going to graduate with people she has got to know as close friends. With five years of experience in marketing, her plan is to stay in Berlin.

“I was no longer able to learn from the ones around me”

Samantha Obrey, MBA student 2012

It took her three years to choose an MBA program and organize her future career prospects. As a shareholder of a restaurant group, Samantha considered the decision for an MBA very carefully. Samantha sees her MBA as an investment in her future and plans to get the most out of it. Now she has the time to evaluate possibilities, find new ways, build a broader network, and decide on further development. Originally from South Africa, she has taken one year off to move forward in her career. She is still in contact with her former business partners and has already received the feedback that her skills have improved. Her favorite place in Berlin is Tiergarten; there she spends time in self-reflection after a challenging day in class.

“Welcome to Berlin! Welcome to ESMT!”

Mithun Sridharan, MBA student 2012

Living in Germany for nine years Mithun did not necessarily come to ESMT because of Germany but because of Berlin. He was searching for new opportunities and decided to study for an MBA. Berlin is a good place for him as he finds here a rich entrepreneurial landscape. Since he started studying, he feels his future development has been formed. He previously thought about going back into consulting but has now decided to start a career as an entrepreneur. In his opinion Germany, and especially Berlin, offers the right background for this decision. Additionally, he enjoys the rich culture of the city which combines both tradition and history, yet reflects a sense of modernism and opportunity. In his spare time he attends tango lessons held by one of ESMT’s professors.

“I came here for the woman I love”

Javier Vallaure, MBA student 2012

Following a German girl from Mexico to Germany is the main reason for Javier came to Berlin. Born in Spain, he has travelled a lot and worked for several years in Mexico until he met his future girlfriend. Impressed by living in Germany and indeed with ESMT, he decided to stay in Berlin. He took the courage to take one year off after six years of project management experience in the real estate sector. Now he is taking the career options which Berlin has now offered him. For him the decision for ESMT was like a flirt: You get to know each other, learn more about yourself, and finally you fall in love.

“Of course I miss my wife but this is an opportunity”

Ernest Kwame Gyimah, MBA student 2012

Leaving his wife and his one-year-old baby behind in Ghana to study in Berlin, Ernest sees ESMT as both an opportunity and a challenge. His plan is to go back to Africa, “the next most important destination.” Although this is an emotional year for him, he knows that his family is proud of him. With five years of professional experience his plan is to continue his career in the area of development finance. He has learned a lot about German and European business styles, which he will adapt back in his home country. Ernest came to Berlin as a Kofi Annan Fellow. His favorite place in Berlin is the Weltzeituhr on Alexanderplatz. Here you’ll find Accra – and finally he feels close to home.

Deutsche Welle - Berlinda Mkanganwi

Berlinda Mkanganwi on Global 3000

To understand life on the ESMT MBA program, Deutsche Welle followed Berlinda Mkanganwi, a Kofi Annan Fellow and MBA student from Zimbabwe, on the MBA experience.

Alumni Insight with Nikolai Zaepernick

Alumni Insights

First hand ESMT experiences - hear what it's like to be part of the growing ESMT Alumni.

Alumni Insight with Iciar Vargas

Alumni Insights

First hand ESMT experiences - hear what it's like to be part of the growing ESMT Alumni.

Alumni Insight with Sandro Jordao

Alumni Insights

First hand ESMT experiences - hear what it's like to be part of the growing ESMT Alumni.

Alumni Insight with Andre Glardon

Alumni Insights

First hand ESMT experiences - hear what it's like to be part of the growing ESMT Alumni.

Alumni Insight with Michele Gaffo

Alumni Insights

First hand ESMT experiences - hear what it's like to be part of the growing ESMT Alumni.

Alumni Insight with Casey Sedgman

Alumni Insights

First hand ESMT experiences - hear what it's like to be part of the growing ESMT Alumni.

Alumni Insight with Nataliya Mylovanova

Alumni Insights

First hand ESMT experiences - hear what it's like to be part of the growing ESMT Alumni.

Alumni Insight with Simone Flesch

Alumni Insights

First hand ESMT experiences - hear what it's like to be part of the growing ESMT Alumni.

Alumni Insight with Geevarughese George

Alumni Insights

First hand ESMT experiences - hear what it's like to be part of the growing ESMT Alumni.

Alumni Insight with Oliver Engels

Alumni Insights

First hand ESMT experiences - hear what it's like to be part of the growing ESMT Alumni.

Alumni Insight with Maria Vasquez-Merchant

Alumni Insights

First hand ESMT experiences - hear what it's like to be part of the growing ESMT Alumni.

Alumni Insight with Sachin Kumar

Alumni Insights

First hand ESMT experiences - hear what it's like to be part of the growing ESMT Alumni.

Alumni Insight with Kristen Herde

Alumni Insights

First hand ESMT experiences - hear what it's like to be part of the growing ESMT Alumni.

Managers of Tomorrow: Made in Berlin

Episode Four

In part four, the students take a trip to India. After having arrived, they are confronted with extremes: on the one hand with stark poverty, and on the other hand with the splendor of globally successful companies.
At the same time in Berlin, the control committee is holding a meeting. For Lars-Hendrik Röller, President of the ESMT, this means: to demonstrate the school's performance.

Managers of Tomorrow: Made in Berlin

Episode Three

In Episode 3 of "Managers of Tomorrow," we accompany Laura to Berlin's Carnival of Cultures. For Laura from Argentina, the annual event represents what she likes best about Berlin: a big city multicultural atmosphere. After a day off, it's back to work. At the ESMT students are also assigned a coach, who analyzes their individual strengths and weaknesses.

Managers of Tomorrow: Made in Berlin

Episode Two

Following from last week, join Laura, Paul, Larissa, and Stephan on the road to become tomorrows leaders. In this episode Stephan runs the Berlin marathon as well keeping up with his classmates, while Larissa is on campus welcoming German Chancellor Angela Merkel to the ESMT. Back in the class room, all four students are put to the test.

Managers of Tomorrow: Made in Berlin

Episode One

Reporters Wolf Gebhardt and Michael Wetzel of Deutsche Welle TV have followed four Full-time MBA students from ESMT to learn how they are learning to lead for tomorrow. Episode 1 introduces the four students and shows them in and out of the classroom--with ESMT President Lars-Hendrik Röller and René Obermann, CEO of Deutsche Telekom.