How staying curious can help you make the most of your time at ESMT

For Master’s in Global Management student Morade Adeniji (Class of 2027), the past 10 months have been about growth. From a microbiology background in Nigeria, to business school in Berlin, she has made big life changes – and seen even bigger results. Here, she shares some of her favorite moments and explains how ESMT can help expand your mindset.

Practicing purpose-driven leadership: Morade’s story

In this blog, Morade shows us what it is like to do a Master in Global Management (MGM) at ESMT. From the day she learned she received a scholarship, to what it was like to volunteer for the TEDxESMT Berlin event, to the (delicious) benefits of an international cohort, Morade shares the highlights of her “remarkable time” in the MGM so far.

Morade also explains how seizing the opportunities from this remarkable time have led to her securing an ESMT-exclusive internship at Allianz – and offers her tips for students seeking a similar position.

Hi Morade, please introduce yourself  

Hello! I am Moradebuewaoluwa Adeniji, and I am currently pursuing a Master in Global Management at ESMT Berlin. I am originally from Lagos, Nigeria where I studied Microbiology and developed a passion for improving lives and creating meaningful social impact. 

Thereafter, I realized that many challenges I cared about went deeper than just health problems, they were also leadership, management, and innovation problems. That curiosity eventually led me to ESMT. 

With this health background, what made you decide to widen your scope and attend a business school?  

My decision came from a simple question: How does one translate great ideas into impactful business solutions? 

While studying microbiology and working across other sectors, I realized that real results are shaped not only by clinical expertise but also by leadership, strategy, operations, and resource allocation. I wanted to understand those broader drivers of change rather than just one part of the system. Business school felt like the ideal place to develop that perspective and challenge my previous ideologies. 

What drew you to the Master in Global Management (MGM) program at ESMT?

I was drawn to its strong international environment, where I could learn alongside students from diverse countries, industries, and academic levels. The dynamic curriculum was also a major factor, particularly international opportunities such as the Social Impact Project (SIP), the exchange semester, and the Responsible Leaders Fellowship, which offer learning experiences beyond the classroom.  

Furthermore, ESMT's strong industrial connections and excellent reputation as the one of the best German business schools stood out to me. I believed it was a place I could achieve my personal and professional goals. 

You received a scholarship to help support your studies. What was the application process like and how did it feel to know you were chosen?  

Knowing that others believed in my potential motivated me to approach the program with even greater dedication and a strong sense of responsibility to make the most of the opportunity. 

The scholarship application process encouraged me to reflect deeply on my journey, achievements, and future goals. It had about three essays that required me to clearly articulate the impact I hope to create and why pursuing the MGM was an important step toward that vision. 

I felt really grateful and excited when I learned I had been chosen. I believe scholarships are a vote of confidence and a steppingstone towards a bigger lifetime assignment, not merely about financial support. Knowing that others believed in my potential motivated me to approach the program with even greater dedication and a strong sense of responsibility to make the most of the opportunity. 

Why did you pick Berlin for your degree? What has it been like to move to Germany? 

I wouldn’t be wrong to say the city chose me. 

In comparison to other German cities, Berlin has a unique appeal because of its fascinating history, bustling corporate life, and international outlook. It also offers adequate opportunity to test your creativity, challenge conventional systems, and create fun memories.  

One of my favorite parts of living in Germany has been realizing how much growth happens when you consistently expose yourself to new experiences. 

How about your cohort – what is it like to have so many international classmates? 

I think one of the most valuable things about ESMT Berlin is its diversity itself.  

Every discussion brings new perspectives because people approach challenges through distinct cultural, professional, and personal lenses. It has taught me the importance of collaboration and helped me develop a more global mindset. Also, in the past year alone, I have had the opportunity to enjoy interesting cuisine from diverse cultures, including Asian and Italian specialties. 

Your extracurricular activities include joining the TEDxESMT Berlin team and the Net Impact Club. Can you tell us about these experiences?

Both experiences have been fulfilling in different ways and personally emphasize my belief that academic learning should be complemented by extracurricular involvement, because that is where real leadership development and social impact start.

Through TEDxESMT Berlin, I have had the opportunity to contribute to a platform that amplifies ideas and conversations that inspire change. Being a part of the marketing team enabled me to collaborate with other talented students while learning more about event organization, communications, and community engagement.

The ESMT Net Impact Club aligns closely with my interest in purpose-driven leadership. It brings together people who care about using business as a force for positive social and environmental impact. One of the most insightful moments there for me was participating in the CISCO Challenge with Net Impact in October 2025, and the Climate Hackathon in February 2026, where my team and I worked on creating feasible and cost-effective solutions to solve relatable problems like retrofitting and environmental challenges.

Beyond these clubs, I have also attended enriching events hosted by the Women in Leadership (WIL) Club and the Tech and Innovation Club. Overall, these student organizations have been a space for me to grow and contribute to a tangible cause beyond the classroom

What are your other favorite memories from the MGM so far? 

For me, the people have been the biggest highlight of the experience.  

From the group projects and simulations to class hangouts, to last year’s Christmas greeting video shoot, and conversations with other cohorts, staff, and alumni, it has been a remarkable time for me. Big shout-out to everyone.  

It has also been especially memorable sharing this journey with my friend and classmate, Christabel Okoye.  

You are doing your MGM internship as a Project Management Excellence Intern at Allianz. How did you find out about and secure the opportunity?  

The opportunity came through the ESMT Career Development Center's strong relationship with its corporate partners. The recruitment process required detailed preparation with my career advisor, Andreza, and a clear understanding of how my previous experiences could add value. I focused on communicating my transferable skills, willingness to learn, and ability to work effectively in diverse environments. I felt graced to receive the offer because Allianz offers an excellent and unique environment for professional growth with a great workplace culture.  

Your internship is with Allianz, one of ESMT's founding companies. What is that like? 

It has been exciting and humbling. Being part of an internship opportunity connected to one of ESMT's renowned founding companies highlights the strength of the school's network and industry relationships. 

Allianz is a large organization with an incredible range of global activities, and being part of this complex setting has definitely expanded my mindset. In this short time, I've learned a great deal about organizational effectiveness from my experienced colleagues, contributed to project operations in the Global People and Culture Team, and gained strategic insights that complement what I'm learning at ESMT. 

My experience truly reinforces the value of being part of the ESMT ecosystem. 

Are you able to leverage any MGM learnings in your internship? Are any classes, skills seminars, or professors sticking with you? 

I would say that almost every class has proven useful in one way or another. However, the courses that have had the greatest impact on my internship experience have been the Introduction to AI, Data Visualization, Operations & Supply Chain Management, and Financial Accounting Classes.

The skills seminars have also been particularly useful, as they focus on relevant soft skills that prepare students for workplace challenges. 

In many ways, an internship is one of the best ways to discover both your strengths, weaknesses, and the competencies you need to continue developing.

Do you have any tips for future students applying for internships?  

Do not underestimate the power of Faith, perseverance, and meaningful relationships. Many opportunities come not just from applications, but from genuine connections. Start early, ask questions, and attend career events even when you're tired. This way, you are putting yourself in rooms where opportunities can find you.

Secondly, don't reject yourself before someone else does. Apply even if you don't meet every requirement.

Finally, the future of work is no longer linear. Stay curious, keep expanding your technical skills, and invest in strengthening your German language proficiency. 

Often, you may discover that your greatest opportunities lie where you least expected them. 

Thank you for having me! 

Thank you, Morade!

If you are inspired by this piece, and you would like to read more insights from Morade about her time at ESMT, Allianz, and beyond, you can follow her on LinkedIn.