People are the key to success: a master's internship at Mercedes-Benz Group AG

For Master in Global Management (MGM) student Johanna Schulze Thier, Class of 2027, opportunities for growth have come from staying curious, taking initiative, and exchanging perspectives with others. This mindset has led to a year of opportunity, including her “pinch me moment” of interning for the CEO & Corporate Office at Mercedes-Benz Group AG. 

Initiative and insight: Johanna's story

In this blog, Johanna shares what it is like to be "working right at the heart of one of the most iconic brands in the world," and how this experience has created opportunities to think, contribute, and grow during her time at ESMT so far.

She also takes us inside other highlights of her ESMT experience, from receiving a merit-based scholarship, to joining student clubs and initiatives, to acting as Head of Events & Operations at Generations Talk, ESMT’s annual, student-run event for intergenerational dialogue and exchange.

Hi Johanna, please introduce yourself

I’m Johanna, a Master in Global Management student at ESMT Berlin. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, good coffee, running, and exploring new places around the world. Professionally, I have gained experience in several fast-paced environments, from the startup ecosystem to M&A, and now in the CEO and Corporate Office at Mercedes-Benz Group AG.  

While these roles differ in focus, they all sit at the intersection of strategy, people, and execution. I enjoy this combination because it means translating strategic goals into concrete actions, aligning people with different perspectives, and working in environments that are constantly evolving. 

Why did you choose the MGM program at ESMT?

I was looking for a program that combines academic rigor and strategic thinking with real-world relevance. ESMT is particularly strong in these areas.  

The MGM program also felt like the right bridge between my previous experience and the direction I want to take: roles that combine analytical thinking, close interaction with people, responsibility, and impact in international settings. At ESMT, I found a program that sets high standards while also supporting me in meeting them.

You received an ESMT scholarship. What was the application process like and how did it feel when you were successful?

"Besides the financial aspect of it, the scholarship also is a signal of trust, which I want to honor through how I show up every day and by creating impact beyond my own CV."

The scholarship application process was intense in a productive way. It required me to reflect on who I am in practice, why the things I have done mattered, and how my academic choices, leadership experiences, and career direction connect. 

When I found out I had received the scholarship, I felt both gratitude and responsibility. To me, besides the financial aspect of it, the scholarship is also a signal of trust, which I want to honor through how I show up every day and by creating impact beyond my own CV. 

As a German citizen, what drew you to an English-speaking program in Berlin with a highly international cohort? 

I wanted to challenge myself beyond what felt familiar. The ESMT environment makes perspective-taking and personal growth a constant part of the experience, as we are constantly surrounded by different cultures, backgrounds, areas of interest, and communication styles. Berlin reinforces that every day. It is a vibrant city that encourages students to stay open, curious, and adaptable. 

You are part of student clubs, like the Consulting Club and the Net Impact club. What are those experiences like?

"Engaging with people who share similar values and interests helped me grow in the best possible way."

I have always enjoyed taking on roles outside the classroom because they allow me to broaden my skill set and turn my interests into real actions and experiences.  

The Consulting Club sharpens practical and analytical skills that matter in any high-performance environment. Net Impact adds another important dimension to it: It connects strategy with responsibility and contribution to the community.  

What I appreciate most is the people side of it. Engaging with people who share similar values and interests helped me grow in the best possible way. 

You are also the Events & Operations Head for the Generations Talk event. What is Generations Talk and what does your position involve?

Generations Talk is built around dialogue. It aims to create a space where people from different generations and backgrounds exchange perspectives and share ideas on topics that truly matter. 

As Head of Events & Operations, my role is to make that idea executable. This includes coordinating stakeholders, managing timelines and logistics, co-leading the team, and ensuring a high-quality experience for speakers and participants. I really enjoy this kind of work because it combines what I like most: people, structure, and a variety of tasks, topics, and stakeholders. 

Alongside all this, you are completing your MGM internship as a Corporate Office Intern at Mercedes-Benz Group AG. How did you get this opportunity?

"The internship came to my attention through the collaboration with ESMT, but the process itself was competitive and based on motivation, fit, and the ability to contribute."

Supporting young talent is something that is very important to both Mercedes-Benz and Ola Källenius (Chairman of the Board of Management and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG).

The internship came to my attention through the collaboration with ESMT, but the process itself was competitive and based on motivation, fit, and the ability to contribute. What I tried to demonstrate throughout the application process was a genuine interest not only in Mercedes-Benz as a brand, but also in the governance, structures, people, and processes behind leadership at the top of the company.  

How does it feel to have an internship at such an interesting company? Is this something you think will help in your future career?

"Working right at the heart of one of the most iconic brands in the world feels like a real privilege and I definitely had a “pinch me” moment on my first day in the HQ."

Working right at the heart of one of the most iconic brands in the world feels like a real privilege and I definitely had a “pinch me” moment on my first day in the HQ.

As mentioned, what makes this role so special is the proximity to real decision-making. Moreover, the automotive industry is in the midst of a major transformation that is bringing new opportunities on many fronts. I highly believe that gaining insight into how priorities are set and decisions are made in such a demanding environment is one of the most formative experiences I could get at this stage of my career.

On a broad level, what are your internship tasks and are you able to leverage any MGM learnings?

My work at Mercedes-Benz Group AG mainly focuses on CEO Office topics and committee management for Board of Management meetings. This includes preparing documents, coordinating with various stakeholders and divisions, and driving automation and tool improvements within the CEO Office. My role sits at the intersection of all divisions in the organization, giving me exposure to a broad range of company topics and the opportunity to collaborate with many different colleagues.

My MGM learnings show up in several ways, but especially in relation to team dynamics and leadership. One concept from class that has stayed with me and that I see in practice every day is the importance of making oneself a “valuable asset.” In my view, people become highly valuable to an organization by combining expertise, trust, and a strong track record of results. The Corporate Office at Mercedes-Benz brings together many people with exactly these qualities, which makes my experience here even more insightful and enriching.

Do you get to meet interesting people in the CEO and Corporate Office? How is it expanding your knowledge and network?

"Expanding my knowledge and network was one of my main goals when I started looking for an internship, and it is great to have found a place that offers both."

Yes, absolutely. In the CEO and Corporate Office, I work alongside impressive people every day, and I have also had the chance to meet interesting people in person during events. Expanding my knowledge and network was one of my main goals when I started looking for an internship, and it is great to have found a place that offers both.

However, I believe that in an environment like this, a strong network is also a by-product of being reliable, approachable, and committed to delivering impactful results. So, instead of simply collecting contacts, that is how I try to build my relationships. Openness, curiosity, and showing initiative have helped me a great deal in that regard.

What advice do you have for future students applying for internships?

First, I recommend being specific about your why and showing real evidence for why you are the right candidate. Concrete examples with real outcomes and responsibility are much stronger than broad adjectives. It is also important to show professionalism in small things, such as preparation and the way you respond to feedback, because these often reveal how you will perform once you are in the role.

Most importantly, aim for “approachable confidence:” Show that you are ambitious, while being eager to learn and grow. 

Finally, what are your favorite MGM memories so far?

"My favorite MGM memories revolve around smaller moments in the classroom where I could feel my thinking expand."

Besides highlight events such as the first day at ESMT and this year’s Generations Talk event, my favorite MGM memories revolve around smaller moments in the classroom where I could feel my thinking expand. Many times, a class discussion shifted because someone brought in a perspective others had not considered before. These moments show that the cohort’s diversity enriches our learning experiences in the best way possible.

To me, the MGM program perfectly combines ambition with substance. Looking back, my first year at ESMT has helped me grow beyond my expectations, both personally and academically.

Thank you, Johanna!

If you feel inspired by Johanna's story, and you would like to hear more updates about life at ESMT and life at Mercedes-Benz Group AG, you can follow her on LinkedIn.