Forging ahead with Intelligence and Innovation

Handelsblatt, Düsseldorf, 30th May 2005

Mannheim University ranks number one nationwide in economic and social sciences

Elite universities, tuition fees, new degrees, international competitiveness – seldom have German universities been the topic of so much discussion as has been the case in recent months. One thing is certain, the only way to remain competitive in the worldwide market for higher education is to create a distinct image and provide top-quality course offerings. Bright prospects for the institutes of higher education in the Rhine-Neckar region as they forge ahead with intelligence and imagination and draw “high potentials” to their lecture halls.

Let’s take Mannheim University as an example:

Last year the magazine “karriere” (careers) interviewed 600 HR Managers from German companies. When asked to name the best German university, the majority chose Mannheim University as number one. And they’re not the only ones to place Mannheim at the top of the list. The university ranks at the top in the eyes of both professors and managers, whether asked about its research reputation or about the practical applications of its courses.

For its tri-national, full-time MBA program, “The European MBA”, there were almost 200 applications from all continents last year alone for the 17 available places. The one-year course which began in 2002 is for young professionals with a university degree and an average of four years work experience. The second MBA program to be offered in Mannheim, the “ESSEC & Mannheim Modular Executive MBA” which began in September 2004 has also made a successful entry into the university landscape, with 44 participants from 10 nations. The part-time course addresses managers with an average of 10 years work experience. Their managerial skills are honed in ten course modules held in Mannheim and Paris, and in study visits to Madrid, Brussels, Budapest and one country outside of Europe.