From Industry Insights to Meaningful Exchange
From 26–29 May 2026, the University of Cologne hosted the CEMS DACH Forum, welcoming students from across the CEMS network alongside leading Corporate Partners to explore business strategy, innovation, and career development.
The programme was deliberately designed to balance depth with variety. Three academic lectures delivered by University of Cologne faculty anchored the week intellectually, while a packed schedule of company introductions, case studies, workshops, and CV coaching sessions gave students direct access to some of the most sought-after employers in the region. Corporate Partners including Henkel, Kearney, DHL Consulting, E.ON, Simon-Kucher, Visa, McKinsey, ABInBev, and Amplifon each brought a distinct perspective, ensuring that no two sessions felt alike.
Learning That Goes Beyond the Classroom
A defining feature of the forum was the close interaction between students and Corporate Partners. Rather than traditional presentations, many sessions encouraged dialogue, collaboration, and hands-on problem-solving.
The programme began with company sessions led by Amplifon and AB InBev, followed by DHL Consulting's introduction and Q&A over a working lunch. Henkel's case study challenged students to tackle real business issues, while Thursday's programme offered parallel corporate workshops and discussions.
One of the week's highlights was the Speed Recruiting session hosted at KWB, where students and Corporate Partners met in a dynamic format to explore career opportunities and professional fit. For many participants, it provided a direct link between the skills developed through CEMS and future career possibilities.
The professional programme concluded on Friday with joint case studies and a panel discussion led by Simon-Kucher and Visa, encouraging participants to think across industries and disciplines.
“The CEMS DACH Forum struck the perfect balance between formal and informal exchange with company representatives, professors, and fellow students, combining valuable learning with fun.” — Luca Frese, University of Cologne & Bocconi
More Than A Professional Development Event
As with all CEMS Regional Events, the DACH Forum was about more than professional development, it was also an opportunity to strengthen connections across the community. The social programme began with a Dinner and Bar Sports Olympics hosted by the PIM & CEMS Club, creating an energetic start to the week. Participants later gathered at the McKinsey office for a workshop and dinner, while Thursday's activities continued with an evening social event following the Speed Recruiting session.
The forum concluded with a Closing Gala at Restaurant Belgischer Hof and an after-party at Coco Schmitz, providing a fitting celebration of a week spent learning, networking, and building friendships.
The DACH Forum perfectly combined social, academic, and corporate experiences into one unforgettable week. It was not only incredibly insightful but also a lot of fun and a great opportunity to connect with people from across the CEMS network.” — Timo Korbmacher, University of Cologne & Cornell
Cologne proved an ideal setting for the event—an international and welcoming city that reflected the collaborative spirit of the CEMS community.
“Attending the CEMS DACH Forum was a truly enriching experience, from making new friends with CEMSies across different countries to meeting various corporate partners in unique settings, we had it all. It was an intense, incredibly well-scheduled program with true variety: from lectures to case studies, business lunches or social events (including a Gala Night). Aside having had the chance to get to know our corporate partners up close, a personal highlight of mine was meeting so many interesting, ambitious and bright people across countries — in true CEMS spirit.” — Ladina Neubert, Universität St. Gallen & Cornell University
