The Responsible Leaders Fellowship (RLF) is a unique post-graduation experience open to MBA and master's graduates from ESMT. The fellowship offers an opportunity to take the business and management knowledge that you have acquired over the course of your time at ESMT and apply it at an institution at the forefront of social challenges in developing countries.
ESMT covers your travel expenses and will pay you a stipend for the 6-month duration of the fellowship, so that you can focus on putting your skills to use and making a positive impact.
Become a Responsible Leaders Fellow
The RLF is a great way to put newly acquired skills and management knowledge into practice, while making a positive social impact. If you’re interested in becoming a Responsible Leaders Fellow, you can find out more about the fellowship on this page.
Who can join the RLF?
Master's and Full-time MBA graduates can volunteer for up to 6 months of service in a developing country, acting as a solo consultant at an institution that addresses social challenges.
For those on student visas, the RLF is included as part of your studies, meaning that your status as a student will be extended before your 18-month work visa in Germany commences.
What are the benefits of the RLF?
Fellows get the opportunity to share their freshly acquired business school knowledge with partners in developing countries, while creating value for their client organizations by paying-it-forward and igniting opportunities.
The RLF allows you to invest in your own understanding of responsible leadership, and act as a role model for future students at ESMT Berlin.
Where can I offer my services as part of the RLF?
Responsible Leaders Fellows can work for a variety of organization types in developing countries, especially:
- Social entrepreneurs
- NGOs
- Social impact organizations
Of all my time at ESMT, the RLF is probably where I grew the most, both personally and professionally.
As my time at ESMT was coming to an end, I felt that I still had the time and energy to move out of Europe and experience a different working environment and cultural setting. I looked through the list of RLF projects and found Relevant Ventures.
In short, Relevant in Uganda invests in small, growing businesses (SGBs) at better interest rates and more advantageous loan terms than banks and other local financial institutions. We provide something called "investment readiness" before disbursing the loan. We meet with the business owners, learn about their businesses and the communities in which they operate, and use the tight-knit Ugandan community culture to our advantage to de-risk the loans.
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. I enjoyed my time there so much that I talked to my boss about staying longer and was hired full time.
Read more of Elise's story
Without a doubt, I can say it has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.
From the moment I learned about the ESMT program, I was very interested in the Responsible Leadership Fellowship (RLF). Without a doubt, I can say it has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.
The RLF is a voluntary opportunity that all Master's and MBA students can apply for. And for me, applying was an easy decision. I have always been passionate about learning from other cultures and exploring the diversity of the world, which led me to choose one of the places farthest from home: Indonesia.
There, I worked as a strategic consultant for the INDIKA Foundation, an organization focused on peacebuilding education for Indonesian youth. I collaborated closely with the Managing Director and the Board to define the organization’s strategic roadmap through 2030. Beyond the professional experience, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the Indonesian culture, learn some words in Bahasa, and travel across the beautiful country.
Past RLF projects
- Ampion, South Africa, Linking European entrepreneurs with African entrepreneurs
- Barefoot College, Belize, India, Bringing solar energy to rural areas by empowering the local communities
- German Doctors, Kenya, Providing medical services to the slums of Nairobi
- TSiBA Education, South Africa, Teaching business and entrepreneurship courses in TSiBa, a business school focusing on graduating entrepreneurial leaders who ignite opportunity and social change in Cape Town
- Curafa, Kenya, Supporting local entrepreneurs with their strategy, marketing activities and business partnerships
