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M.S. in Global Commerce

Social Impact Project

During the capstone social impact project, you’ll step into the role of a management consultant for an organization committed to creating positive change. 

This exciting, immersive five-week experience takes place in an international setting of your choice, where you’ll address real-world challenges, engage in hands-on fieldwork, and manage projects that aim to solve pressing societal issues. As you hone your skills and develop solutions, you’ll have the chance to implement them, helping an organization achieve outcomes that directly benefit society and make a meaningful impact on the world.

Choose to support an organization whose mission speaks to you or work with one of more than 20 ESMT Berlin partner organizations around the world, including CSR departments in for-profit companies, NGOs, local nonprofit organizations, social entrepreneurship ventures, and a host of innovation companies launching products or services to support the neediest members of society, such as microfinance initiatives. 

Students work in blended teams and can source and select their own project or work with established clients. Teams are supported by a SIP coordinator and alumni mentors. Following the five-week intensive field project, students present the outcomes and impact of their consulting efforts during SIP Days in Berlin. 

Examples of Past Projects 

  • Allianz SE | Group Sustainability, Munich, Germany - Researching and setting up suitable models for further enhancing global partnerships
  • Beca a un Pana, Venezuela - Creating a sustainable business plan for a student scholarship fund NGO
  • COVID-DATA, Berlin, Germany - Creating publicity strategy for different COVID-19 vaccines in the market
  • Freundeskreis Nepal e.V., Nepal - Developing a fundraising strategy for an education and inclusion NGO that addresses disability discrimination
  • GIZ, Cambodia - Assessing the opportunity for decentralized smart grids solutions for the food and agricultural sector
  • SINA, Uganda - Encouraging plastic upcycling in a Ugandan refugee camp
  • UNDP, Uganda - Finding innovative solutions to make the Uganda Tourism Ecosystem Platform (UTEP) financially sustainable in the mid- and long term
Learn More

BMW Group: A Strong Support for Social Impact Projects

Connect With Us

We look forward to connecting with you about your interest in our Graduate Programs and encourage you to be in touch with any questions you may have.

Contact Information
msglobal@virginia.edu
+1 434-982-6800