The Gap Year in Business Studies (BWL)
For students, the transition from a Bachelor's to a Master's degree is an ideal time to gain practical experience and to orientate themselves professionally. Thus, we offer both a structured and individually tailored gap year in business studies (BWL) for students, including several different internships with various companies. During the gap year students will complete three internships. Each internship will span a period over four months. Students can complete them with a different focus in Accounting & Taxation, Finance & Controlling, Management or Operations Management. Our aim is that students get to know different aspects of the field of business studies, such as consulting, management, controlling etc. In addition to that, the gap year is complemented by a varied academic program which takes place at the University of Mannheim.
Application process
One Application – Three Internships
By submitting a single application to the program coordinator, you will apply for three internships each with a period of four months. You will indicate your preferences regarding companies and locations which will be considered for a first matching process. During your last semester of your bachelor’s degree, there will be an introductory day with representatives of companies and the university. After successfully completing the introductory day, we will present you the final matching process and the internships you are offered for the coming year. Throughout the year, we will stay in touch with you. We will also invite you to the University of Mannheim regularly in order to benefit from your experiences.
For further information about the acadamic program see this site.
More Information for Download
Die study regulations for the gap year can be found in the examination regulations for the Bachelor's degree program in Business Studies. Feel welcome to have a look in this flyer (PDF) with all the important information about the gap year.
The internships were all very instructive, and each position was different, allowing me to fully achieve my goal of gaining broad insights into tax consulting.
I can already say that I have learned an incredible amount, both professionally and personally. The teamwork and spirit within the company are truly amazing, and I can already see how much these practical experiences are helping me gain clarity about my future career path. The exchange with my colleagues is both exciting and enriching, and I am grateful for the opportunity provided to me through the Gap Year program!
During the Gap Year, I learned a lot of new things and gained exciting experience in the working world. I can highly recommend the Gap Year to my friends!
As an intern at some of the world’s leading auditing firms, I had the opportunity to closely observe the ongoing consulting of both national and international clients on all matters related to today’s business environment, which enabled me to develop significantly both professionally and personally.
The organization was consistently positive, even during two such uncertain and unpredictable years as 2020 and 2021. I am very pleased to know that my professional and academic interests are so excellently represented at the University of Mannheim.
The Gap Year was a great experience that really helped me move forward in my decision-making process (and I can highly recommend it to everyone)!
The Gap Year has fully strengthened my academic interests, and I am very grateful for all the insights, experiences, and connections I was able to gain during this time.
I thoroughly enjoyed the internship program, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this educational and interesting experience!
Truly outstanding! Even during the COVID period, communication with students was excellent, and even before that, the support provided by the coordinators was really exceptional, with quick responses to any inquiries. The overall organization of the Gap Year was extremely efficient and incomparable to other programs.
The opportunity to gain insights into different areas of tax and accounting in such a short time is fantastic. At the same time, you make new friends and contacts at every station.
The support was excellent. I was met with a lot of understanding, and even unusual requests were always taken seriously and handled in the best possible way, which I do not take for granted.
I found the organization of the program to be very good—especially considering that we were the first cohort. I also really appreciated that the organizing team always made me feel that participants’ concerns were taken seriously and addressed, especially during the pandemic.
Communication was excellent; there was always someone available to answer questions or help with problems, and solutions were found together.
Save the dates
- 28.6. und 5.7.2025: GMAT-Workshop (online)
- 01.09.2025: Start of the Gap Year 2025/
26
Gap Year participants report
The Gap Year in the Press:
- “Mannheimer Forum Accounting & Taxation e. V. | Ein Herz für Steuern und Rechnungslegung”in “Stadt im Quadrat”
- Personal: “Auf die Plätze, fertig … los” in “JUVE Steuermarkt”
Your contact for the gap year program
Sarah Kempe, M.A.
Mannheim Business School
Schloss, Ostflügel
68161 Mannheim