International study trip to Mannheim and Frankfurt

Day 1: Discovering the unique business ethos for Mittelstand

Embarking on our journey towards Mannheim Business School filled me with a mix of excitement and anticipation. Despite all the preparation leading up to this "never-before" inaugural Sheffield MBA trip, nothing quite prepared me for the actual experience.

The School's location within a historical palace already added to the uniqueness of the school, but it was the amazing and innovative use of the space below ground where the main Business School lecture halls are located that captured my attention. Despite being below ground, the space was surrounded by so much natural light.

Our first day was a whirlwind of exploration and learning, starting with Professor Alexander Pfisterer’s dynamic lecture on German culture, history and the unique business ethos of Mittelstand. Interacting with the Mannheim Business School’s current student cohort further enriched our understanding as we enjoyed a networking lunch alongside the cohort. As we got to know the Mannheim students, a recurring question throughout the day that revolved around navigating language barriers while adding value to organizations, kept coming up during many of our conversations with the students, especially as we inquired about post-graduate plans. We wrapped up the day with a stroll through Mannheim's historic streets, indulged in delicious Turkish cuisine, and headed back to the hotel to prepare for day two!

Day 2: Visiting BASF and exploring brand identity

The day began with a captivating lecture by Dr Marcel Crisand, delving into the intricacies of German business culture and branding. In teams, we were tasked with applying his teachings to repositioning two beer brands, offering insights into the intersection of brand identity and cultural nuances.

Our excursion to BASF, a massive chemical plant, was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Navigating its microcosm-like complexities, from extensive employee facilities to round-the-clock services, underscored the scale and efficiency of German industry. After our visit to BASF, we embarked on a walking tour of Mannheim's rich history and its unique quadrant layout. Upon our arrival in Mannheim, the city's vibrant diversity immediately struck me. It went beyond the student population typically associated with university cities. Professor Alexander's lecture on German migration history contextualized this diversity, shedding light on the influx of individuals drawn by better employment prospects. This city’s cultures and businesses, nestled within the community’s historical core, challenged my preconceptions of Germany's industrial landscape. Contrary to the stereotype of large automobile and pharmaceutical corporations, Mannheim boasted a thriving ecosystem of small businesses, or Mittelstand, spanning various industries. Our visit to BASF illuminated the pivotal role these enterprises play, supplying essential components that permeate our daily lives. Even within a corporate giant like BASF, the ethos of Mittelstand, characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence and reliability, remained palpable. This paradigm of prioritizing quality over scale left me pondering its potential applicability beyond German borders, sparking curiosity about its adaptability in diverse global contexts.

Day 3: Exploring Germany's startup ecosystem at Mafinex and Annimally

Our excursion to Mafinex provided an immersive glimpse into Germany's startup ecosystem, courtesy of Dr Denis Steininger and guest entrepreneurs. Their candid accounts of entrepreneurial challenges, particularly in the realm of startups like the leather bag company, resonated deeply with many of us from Sheffield. Embracing uncertainty and leveraging collective expertise emerged as top lessons the startup guest speakers shared, reaffirming the value of resilience and collaborative learning. Our visit to Annimally, one of many SMEs, underscored the dedication and precision inherent in every aspect of their operations.

Before heading back to the hotel, many of us took the local train to Heidelberg to explore the beautiful city against the mountains with an old castle snuggled at the top overlooking a cute historic landscape.

Day 4 and 5: Wrapping up our learning with a visit to Deutsche Börse

The culmination of our week-long immersion, punctuated by Professor Alexander's insightful lectures and a visit to the Deutsche Börse stock exchange, marked the end of our learning journey. Beyond gaining amazing insights into Germany's economic, cultural, and business landscape, the trip fostered deep bonds within our cohort. We all engaged in enriching conversations and enjoyed shared experiences. As I reflect on the myriad lessons I gained and the indelible memories I forged, I am filled with gratitude for this transformative experience. From cultural revelations to gastronomic delights and architectural wonders, this journey has left an indelible imprint on my professional and personal growth.

My top takeaways

• I learned many lessons from the entrepreneurship session about navigating uncertainty, leveraging collective expertise, and embracing resilience in pursuit of entrepreneurial endeavors.
• I gained a deeper understanding of the German business culture, particularly the significance of Mittelstand enterprises in fostering innovation, reliability, and excellence across various industries.
• I gained a profound appreciation for being challenged to deepen my perspective and understand the interconnectedness of culture and history embedded in German business values and culture.