How a master's student seized the opportunity for a transformative internship

From networking with industry leaders at on-campus events, to the chance to combine studies with international exchanges, ESMT students have direct access to career-shaping moments. 

Master in Global Management (MGM) student Lucas Wall is a clear example of how making the most of these opportunities opens doors. Discover how daring to take the chance helped Lucas turn an on-campus conversation with a CEO into an internship, and an exchange semester into an international work experience. 

Creating your own opportunities: Lucas’ ESMT story 

Hi! I am Lucas, I am 25 years old, and I am currently a student in the Master in Global Management at ESMT Berlin. I grew up in a small city near Cologne, but Berlin has been my home for six years now.

A Berlin-based, yet deeply international experience 

After completing my bachelor’s degree, I was on the verge of accepting a job offer. However, I realized I was not quite finished with my education. I wanted to push myself further, studying at a high academic level while also growing my leadership vision and gaining more international exposure.  

After speaking with an ESMT MBA alumnus and attending an Open House on campus, I realized that ESMT offered exactly what I was looking for. The MGM program turned out to be the perfect middle ground: it allowed me to stay close to family and friends in Berlin, while still providing a deeply international experience. 

My fellow students come from so many different cultures and backgrounds, and I truly enjoy building international friendships and hearing their perspectives on various topics. 

Taking a bold step: securing an internship  

One of my favorite experiences so far began when METRO AG came to ESMT for a campus event. Having worked in gastronomy from high school until my bachelor’s, I was already interested in the industry. I was particularly impressed by the team and the vision of CEO Steffen Greubel.  

Instead of going through a standard application process later, I decided to walk up to him after his talk and ask him directly for an internship in the CEO office. That conversation led me to Düsseldorf, where I spent four months at the Metro headquarters.  

Gaining practical insights at METRO AG 

“A major highlight was accompanying [METRO AG CEO Steffen Greubel] on a company visit to Italy, where I witnessed firsthand what true leadership looks like in practice.” 

What I valued most from the internship was the broad range of impressions I gained. On one hand, I experienced the groundwork: working on the shop floor in a local METRO store, learning about the individual departments, and visiting customers with a customer manager to understand their daily challenges.  

On the other hand, I was able to follow Steffen in his daily life as CEO, attending high-level meetings and working on strategic projects and presentations. A major highlight was accompanying him on a company visit to Italy, where I witnessed firsthand what true leadership looks like in practice: not only behind a desk but through direct interaction with the team on the ground. 

Connecting studies and work in Portugal 

When it became clear that I would be heading to Lisbon for an exchange semester at NOVA SBE, I wanted to keep the momentum going. Again, I took the initiative and asked if I could continue working with METRO in Portugal. 

This led me to a role at Makro Portugal in supply chain and logistics, alongside my studies. Working there gave me a very authentic Portuguese experience and pushed me to step out of my comfort zone by navigating a different work culture. I am still thinking about the importance of relationships in Portuguese business and learned a lot from their local best practices.  

Visiting the logistics platforms on-site was especially impactful since it helped me understand the physical reality of moving large volumes and the satisfaction of planning and implementing real improvements.

The value of an exchange semester  

“It was not uncommon to have a challenging class in the morning and head to the beach for a surf session in the afternoon.” 

My time at NOVA School of Business & Economics (SBE) was equally rewarding. The university offers a high academic level, and I focused on subjects I was genuinely curious about, like entrepreneurial strategy and blockchain technology.  

The lifestyle in Lisbon was a great bonus; it was not uncommon to have a challenging class in the morning and head to the beach for a surf session in the afternoon. For me, this was an ideal place for a semester abroad and an important step for both my academic path and my career.  

The biggest lesson so far 

Looking back, the biggest lesson I have learned since I joined ESMT is the value of proactivity. If you see the right moment and are bold enough to take a step as simple as asking, it can open incredible doors. 

Are you ready to challenge yourself? 

“This program gives you a firm foundation for your professional life and rewards those who take responsibility for their own path.” 

If yes, ESMT is the place to be. My favorite classes are the ones that challenge the way you think, act, and interact with other people. Together with foundational business knowledge, these experiences will prepare you to become an impactful leader. 

If you are considering ESMT, my advice would be to engage with the community early on; visit an Open House, talk to current students, and do not be afraid to approach people directly. This program gives you a firm foundation for your professional life and rewards those who take responsibility for their own path. 

All the best,
Lucas 

Want to see where Lucas’ MGM journey takes him next? Connect with him on LinkedIn for the latest updates.