Leading the cheers: creating a community within the Full-time MBA

For Scott Davis, being part of the Full-time MBA Class of 2027 means being part of a supportive, close community. And two recent sporting events have emphasized this point.

A small cohort with big heart: Scott’s story

In this blog, Scott shows us why being part of the Full-time MBA (FTMBA) at ESMT is such a special experience. He explains what it is like to compete in the MBA Tournament (MBAT) and gives us an insider look at the annual ESMT Olympics.  

Scott’s story is also a reminder of why a smaller cohort can lead to bigger bonds – and how you can help create the community you want to be a part of. From mutually supporting his cohort at the MBAT, to helping them scream themselves hoarse at the ESMT Olympics, Scott proves that powerful leaders are also powerful cheerleaders.  

Hi Scott, please introduce yourself 

Hi, I'm Scott Davis, originally from the United States. My path to business school has been a little unconventional. I studied music, spent time working in advertising, stocked shelves in grocery stores, managed restaurants, and eventually worked my way up to become a Director of Sales and Marketing in the FMCG industry. Along the way, I've learned that I love building teams, solving problems, and helping people grow. 

Outside of work, you'll usually find me trying new food, exploring a new city, watching sports, or convincing my classmates to participate in some ridiculous MBA activity.

Your musical arts bachelor’s degree is a less ‘traditional’ path to an MBA. Why did you decide to go to business school? 

My background is actually one of the main reasons I decided to pursue an MBA. I often joke that I've spent most of my career proving that a music degree doesn't prevent you from succeeding in business. I worked my way up from stocking shelves in grocery stores to leading sales and marketing teams, but eventually I realized I had reached a point where experience alone wasn't enough. 

I wanted to challenge myself, strengthen my business foundation, and open doors that might otherwise stay closed. The MBA felt like an opportunity to match formal education with the practical experience I'd spent years building.

What drew you to the Full-time MBA program at ESMT Berlin?

For me, choosing ESMT wasn't really about choosing a school; it was about choosing a future. I knew I wanted to build a life in Europe, and I spent months researching countries, cities, and programs. I wasn't just asking, "Where can I get an MBA?" I was asking, "Where do I want to wake up ten years from now?" Berlin and ESMT kept rising to the top of the list.

You are from the USA. How are you finding life in Berlin? Any big changes or surprises?

I’m thoroughly enjoying life in Berlin. Spring and summer bring an energy to the city that almost feels tangible. The sense of community here is very different from what I experienced in many major cities in the United States. When the sun comes out, the entire city seems to come alive. People fill the parks, cafés, and public spaces, and there is always something happening. I’ve also been surprised by how much nature exists within and around the city. 

One surprise has been how quickly Berlin started to feel like home. Moving continents at 35 is exciting, but it's also intimidating. There are moments where you're figuring out German paperwork, struggling through language lessons, or trying to understand why every store is closed on Sunday. But those moments are outweighed by the feeling that I made the right decision.

You’ve joined a very global cohort: 91% have an international background. What is it like to be part of such a diverse group?

“The diversity of perspectives, experiences, and cultures creates an incredible learning environment.”

It’s been amazing. I genuinely cannot say enough good things about my cohort. The diversity of perspectives, experiences, and cultures creates an incredible learning environment. Every discussion brings new viewpoints, and people are comfortable challenging ideas while remaining respectful and supportive. Our cohort has created a space where people feel safe asking questions, learning from one another, and growing together. 

The learning happens in the classroom, but some of my favorite moments happen over lunch or after class.  The FOOD. Everyone knows the best places to experience their culture’s cuisine, so every meal can turn into a new adventure.

You and much of your cohort went to HEC Paris for the MBA Tournament (MBAT). What happens there?

MBAT is essentially the Olympics of European business schools. Students from more than 15 MBA programs come together for a weekend of competition, networking, and celebration. The events range from traditional sports like volleyball, football, and rugby to activities such as poker, mahjong, and even cultural competitions like Battle of the Bands and dance performances. It’s an incredibly unique experience because it combines athletic competition, school pride, and community building all in one event. 

The ESMT team is one of the smaller groups at the MBAT. How did this impact the experience?

“The size of our cohort creates a level of closeness that is difficult to replicate, and MBAT really highlighted that strength.”

While being a smaller team may affect the medal count, I think it actually benefits us in many more meaningful ways. One thing MBAT reinforced for all of us was how special our cohort is. Many schools arrived as classmates who happened to attend the same program. ESMT arrived as friends and teammates. 

We know each other well, we genuinely care about one another, and that showed throughout the weekend. I saw classmates cheering each other on, helping teammates recover from losses, sharing food and supplies, and making sure nobody was left behind. The size of our cohort creates a level of closeness that is difficult to replicate, and MBAT really highlighted that strength. 

We got to realize how special this group really is and how rare it is to find a team like this. I’m incredibly thankful to spend this MBA journey surrounded by people who are fun, funny, supportive, and far better than anything I imagined a business school cohort could be.

Do you have a top MBAT moment you can share?

Cultural Parade! The pride, creativity, energy, and enthusiasm on display were incredible. Up until that point, MBAT felt like a collection of events. The Cultural Parade was the first moment where it felt like we were one team. Everyone was fully invested, fully present, and proud to represent ESMT. Looking around and seeing that energy from our entire group is something I'll remember for a long time. It showed the aspects we encapsulate to the entire MBAT student group (1500+ students). 

MBAT cemented how lucky we are to be part of this cohort and this school. “Stay Connected” ended up being the perfect phrase for the back of our jerseys. We played hard, partied hard, and supported each other the entire way through.

Your cohort kept the MBAT energy going at the recent ESMT Olympics. What was that like? How did it feel to hear the cheers of MBA! MBA! on our campus? 

“I think the admissions team did an incredible job of building a cohort that maximizes both learning and community.”

Our class is full of leaders, but it is also full of cheerleaders. One of the things I appreciate most about this cohort is that people genuinely celebrate each other’s success. It doesn’t matter whether someone is your close friend, a teammate, or someone you have only met once – people show up for one another. 

The chants and energy during the ESMT Olympics were fun, but they were also a reflection of something deeper. That level of support exists every day in our program. The openness, encouragement, and constant feedback make this a special learning environment. I think the admissions team did an incredible job of building a cohort that maximizes both learning and community.

Do you have any other favorite memories from the Full-time MBA so far?

“Moments like that remind me that this experience is about much more than academics.”

One memory that stands out isn't actually a classroom moment. During MBAT, I remember stopping for a moment in Paris and realizing how lucky I was. Never in a million years did I imagine I'd be living in Berlin, studying for an MBA, and spending a weekend in Paris surrounded by people who had become close friends in such a short period of time.

Moments like that remind me that this experience is about much more than academics. It's about personal growth, new perspectives, and building relationships that I hope will last long after graduation.

Let's talk about the program: which Full-time MBA track have you chosen and why?

I’ve chosen the Data Analytics track because I came to ESMT to learn new skills and push myself outside of my comfort zone. Throughout my career, I’ve relied heavily on data to make business decisions, develop strategies, and drive growth. 

However, I have very little formal experience with coding and the technical side of analytics. I want to bridge that gap. With the growing importance of AI, data science, and analytics across every industry, I see this as an opportunity to combine my business experience with new technical capabilities. My goal is to leave ESMT with an entirely new set of tools that will help me navigate the increasingly data-driven future of business.

Do you have any tips for someone considering the Full-time MBA at ESMT?

Be honest with yourself about why you're doing it. An MBA is a major investment of time, money, and energy. For me, it wasn't just about career advancement. It was about building a new life. I wanted to immigrate to a new country, expand my opportunities, and challenge myself in ways I hadn't before. The clearer you are about your reasons, the more you'll get out of the experience. 

I still don’t know where I’ll end at the end of this journey but I do know I’ve made a great choice being here.

Thank you, Scott!

If you want to hear more inspiring content from Scott, including insights into business and MBA life, you can follow him on LinkedIn