Different perspectives side by side: a master’s with global impact

Can Mert Basdere is a Berlin local. Yet, despite attending a university based in his hometown, Can’s master’s experience has been truly global.  

In this blog, Can (Class of 2027), explains what it is like to study alongside classmates from all over the world, and how he has embraced the international aspects of the Master in Global Management (MGM) with both hands.  

Can reflects on his time in Austria, where he interned in Strategy & Operations for Trench, a leading manufacturer of high-voltage components. 

He also reports directly from Charlottesville, Virginia, USA, where he is currently taking part in the Global Impact Program (GIP), a months-long exchange that ESMT runs in conjunction with the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce. Can shares what it is like to study in the USA, how he is immersing himself in American college culture, and why having “American and European perspectives side by side” is so valuable. 

Hi Can, can you please introduce yourself? 

I'm Can, 21, from Berlin. I studied Automation Engineering in a dual program at Tesla and am now doing the Master in Global Management (MGM) at ESMT. Most recently I interned at Trench in Austria, and I'm currently on exchange at University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce (UVA). 

As someone who grew up in in Germany, what drew you to ESMT Berlin: an international, English-speaking business school? 

I knew ESMT early on because a family friend completed the Executive MBA there in 2016. For me it was the top choice in Berlin and in Germany. 

Why did you choose the Master in Global Management in particular? 

After my technical bachelor's degree, I wanted to add strategy, finance and a global perspective. The MGM combines that with my technology background. 

You are part of a diverse cohort where around 80% of students are from outside Germany. Does this shape class discussions and socialization?  

I have classmates from all kinds of countries and have made friends from Italy, Latin America, and the Middle East.  

In every discussion and group project, the different perspectives are what matters most, and that's the best part. 

"I also had the privilege of working directly with senior management and supporting them with analyses and decision preparation, which gave me a very real picture of how strategic decisions are made at a global industrial company." 

At Trench, a leading manufacturer of high-voltage components, I worked in Strategy & Operations. My highlight was Project Olympus, integrating a humanoid robot into the high-voltage test field for onboarding training and acoustic monitoring. It was a really exciting project. 

Alongside it, I contributed to a joint venture evaluation and designed a logistics KPI dashboard to give management a clearer, data-driven view of operations.  

I also had the privilege of working directly with senior management and supporting them with analyses and decision preparation, which gave me a very real picture of how strategic decisions are made at a global industrial company. I learned an enormous amount in a short time, both professionally and personally. 

During the internship, were you able to draw on any of the seminars, lectures, or other learnings from the MGM? 

Yes, mainly corporate finance and strategic management. The courses prepared me well for the practical work. 

Your international exposure continues with the Global Impact Program (GIP) at the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce. What is the GIP? 

The GIP is a program where you study at UVA McIntire for three and a half months. The courses are similar to ESMT's: also taught in English, and very discussion based. 

What was the application process like for the GIP? How did it feel when you found out you had been accepted? 

The application process was separate from the MGM application and ran in the same timeframe as the regular exchange applications. It went smoothly, and I was very happy to be accepted. 

What are some of the biggest differences between studying at ESMT Berlin and studying at University of Virginia (UVA)? Are the campuses different? 

“The [UVA] campus is very historic: it was designed the way Thomas Jefferson imagined it.” 

ESMT is smaller, very international, and in the middle of Berlin. 

UVA is a classic American campus with a strong campus life, and Americans are very open. The campus is very historic: it was designed the way Thomas Jefferson imagined it. My favorite spot is "The Corner", a street right next to campus with lots of restaurants and bars. The Rotunda with the library and downtown Charlottesville are also great. Teaching is very discussion-based. 

How about life in Berlin vs life in Charlottesville, VA? What are some of the biggest differences ESMT students might experience? 

Berlin is a big city with lots of variety. Charlottesville is a small college town where life revolves much more around the campus. 

Beyond the classroom, what is your favorite memory from your time in the United States so far? Have you had any interesting cultural experiences? 

“Through the GIP, you hear American and European perspectives side by side, so the same topic is often seen from very different angles.” 

My favorite experience so far is simply campus life in Charlottesville. Sports are a huge part of American college culture, and I really enjoy the balance between an intense study program and being active in sports and going to games. 

What also stands out is how encouraging the discussions in class are: everyone is invited to contribute, and every opinion is taken seriously.  

Through the GIP, you hear American and European perspectives side by side, so the same topic is often seen from very different angles. That makes the conversations more interesting, and I learn as much from my classmates as from the lecture itself. During fall break we also went to the Outer Banks. The seafood was amazing, and we went wave chasing and fishing. 

Can you share any application tips or overall advice for potential students thinking about the MGM and especially the GIP program at ESMT? 

Be clear about why you're applying, and apply early. Stay open to new perspectives, because that's what the program thrives on. 

Thank you, Can! 

If you would like to connect with Can, you can follow him on LinkedIn.