CEMS / Master's in International Management

Study environment

As a CEMS MIM student, you will experience at least 2 different study environments: one at CBS and one at the university where you study your term abroad.
The study environment within CEMS is highly international. The people involved in CEMS represent a mix of different cultures given the many nationalities represented at the business schools in general and in the CEMS programme in particular, both among faculty members as well as students. As a CEMS student, you are closely connected to the CEMS environment at CBS and you are also part of the entire international CEMS community. This community consists of about 1300 new students every year across the various partner universities; over 20,000 alumni; corporate partners and dedicated and experienced CEMS faculty members.  

The programme gives you the opportunity to study and network with fellow CEMS students from other MSc programmes at CBS and with students from other universities around the world. This enables you to learn from and network with students with different academic backgrounds and a variety of interests. At CBS, the relatively small group of CEMS students (typically about 50 students each year) results in an intimate study environment in which there is a great social life among the students as well as personal contact between the faculty and the students.

In general, CEMS students are open-minded, curious and very ambitious regarding their studies and future careers. To get accepted into CEMS, students put in an extra effort and they are highly motivated throughout the programme. In general, there is approximately the same amount of male and female students. The study environment is supportive, but some might also find it competitive.

What to consider?

Generally CEMS students are comfortable in a multicultural environment where academic challenges are part of their daily studies. They are ambitious and like the close contact to corporate partners and the possibilities for networking. The international and advanced nature of the programme challenges students to adapt quickly to new teaching and working styles, as well as to spend a semester abroad.   

An 8-week internship is required for the programme. It is your responsibility to find the internship. Therefore, it is a good idea to be proactive in the search for an internship. While it is your responsibility to find and select a relevant internship, the CEMS network and the CEMS programme elements expose you to our corporate partners and CEMS alumni at CBS as well as abroad in multiple ways. For example, the central CEMS organisation continuously publishes internships offered by corporate partners or the organisations where CEMS alumni work. Many CEMS students find their internships through these networks.
 
If you are considering applying to CEMS, you may wish to work on your language skills already as an undergraduate (depending on your language capabilities), since proficiency in two languages besides English is an assest when working or studying internationally. CBS does not offer language courses with the exception of Danish for CEMS exchange students.

Teaching

In general, teaching is developed and delivered  in close collaboration with the corporate partners, which makes the programme practice-oriented, emphasising the link between theory and practice.  

Within CEMS, there is a large variety of course and seminar types. Skills seminars are oriented towards providing students with practical skills in small groups with approximately 20 students. Courses are built on lectures combined with case study discussions, role plays or simulations.

Since most courses in CEMS are selected by the individual student from a list of CEMS courses, the teaching styles may vary. Teaching may also vary depending on where you study your semester abroad. Generally, CEMS classes are very interactive and engaging, and the courses encourage active participation.

Given the close study environment at CEMS, the students often experience close interaction with professors and the programme administration.

Exams

At CBS each course is concluded with an examination. Depending on the course you take, you will have examinations in October (first quarter courses), December/January and April (third quarter courses) and May/June respectively.

Similar to the courses and teaching styles in CEMS, the exam types vary greatly depending on the choice of electives and the semester abroad.
 

Work/life/study balance

The CEMS MIM programme is very demanding and ambitious. Many students take advantage of the many opportunities for extra-curricular work in the CEMS Club organising professional or social events, or they enrol in an extra skill seminar. Furthermore, many students are able to have a student job. The extra activities result in an increased workload as compared to a standard MSc degree.

Studying in English

Before studying a programme taught in English you might want to consider the following:

• All literature, lectures, exams, projects and group work are in English.
• Academic English differs from the English used in everyday language – so it might be a challenge even if you are used to speaking English in other situations.
• You may have to spend more time on reading and understanding the material in English.
• You may find it challenging to express yourself with the same ease as you would in your mother tongue.
• Some will feel uncomfortable and shy when speaking English – especially when in a crowd or among native speakers.

Practice makes perfect
There is a big difference between reading and understanding texts and expressing yourself in English both orally and in writing. This is a challenge for some students. Even if you are used to reading English texts on your bachelor programme, it is still a good idea to practice your English. Try to speak it on a regular basis, watch the news, movies and TV series in English. You should also read books and newspapers in English, as this will help you read faster and increase your vocabulary. A good command of English is essential for getting the maximum learning outcome of your programme.

Community/network

The CEMS MIM is characterised by several intertwined networks and communities that provide a foundation for networking and a start of your professional life. The most important elements that represent these communities are the current CEMS MIM student organisation, the CEMS MIM Alumni organisation, as well as the CEMS Corporate Partners.


CEMS Club Copenhagen (CCC)
CEMS MIM students are organised in the CEMS Club Copenhagen (CCC). The CCC arranges a range of different social events and activities throughout the year including a humanitarian project. To boost your career and internship possibilities you can attend the yearly Career Forum, which is an exclusive event for CEMS students and Corporate Partners. You can also attend the Nordic Forum, a large 3-day event of interactive skills seminars and social events with corporate partners and fellow students. Several other regional events are also arranged annually.

CEMS Alumni Organisation
CEMS Alumni are also an important element within CEMS. As of 2023, there are more than 20,000 CEMS Alumni representing over 100 nationalities, working in over 70 countries. Many of them regularly participate in CEMS activities such as delivering skill seminars, or they participate in business projects as they work for CEMS corporate partners. Furthermore, the local CEMS Alumni organisation organises events such as competency days or visits to firms. Therefore, alumni often represent an important link between current CEMS students and potential employers.

CEMS Corporate and Social Partners
CEMS Corporate and Social Partners represent a highly diverse network in terms of sector of activity, company culture, and size. They all recognise the important competitive advantage of having access to a pool of internationally-minded business students. Therefore, they participate in CEMS courses, host events, and sponsor some activities.

There are also a number of associations and organisations for students at CBS.