Mergers & Acquisitions move markets, transform companies – and require people who think strategically, act methodically, and read between the lines. Our M&A Curriculum prepares selected students for a successful career in this demanding field — practice-oriented, grounded in real-world experience, and shaped by insights from those who work on deals every day.
The focus of this program lies on practical relevance. Students build a solid understanding of how M&A transactions work — from the big picture down to essential building blocks like valuation, due diligence, and integration. They become familiar with the language, logic, and dynamics that shape deals, and develop the ability to follow transaction processes with confidence and clarity. Communication, presentation, and critical thinking are sharpened through hands-on input, while real-life perspectives from experienced professionals offer valuable orientation.
Instead of abstract theory, the curriculum delivers applied knowledge — grounded in current market practice and delivered by those who know the industry from the inside.
Program Format & Schedule
The curriculum consists of 15 interactive online workshops, delivered in a bi-weekly rhythm. Sessions take place every second Tuesday evening, allowing students to combine the program seamlessly with their academic schedules. Each workshop builds on the previous one, creating a coherent learning journey that gradually deepens both technical expertise and practical understanding of M&A transactions.
If you’re studying finance, business administration, law, or a related subject, and want to learn about M&A directly from active dealmakers, explore real transaction cases, and gain practical insights to prepare for your first industry role.
Apply now to join our exclusive workshop series.
If you believe in investing in future talent, this is your chance to make an impact. Share your expertise, connect with promising young professionals – and help raise the bar in education.
Become a partner and help shape the next generation of M&A professionals.
Mandaco is not a merger or an acquisition, but a venture built on years of M&A expertise and connections. Our purpose has always been to create a platform for the M&A community — a place to share knowledge, build networks, and spotlight those shaping the market. Through M&A Review, published by Prof. Christopher Schalast and Prof. Florian Bauer, we have advanced this mission with publications and events that inform and connect industry professionals.
Launching this curriculum is the next step: equipping the next generation with the knowledge, context, and practical insights to start their careers in M&A. We bring together academic insight and market reality, classroom learning and dealroom dynamics, ambition and opportunity — shaping the M&A professionals of tomorrow.
Over the course of a year, our M&A curriculum consists of a structured series of online workshops combining expert input with active participation and real-world application.
The workshops take place every two weeks, online in the evening from 6:30 to 8:00 pm (CET) and are designed to be focused, high-quality and practical. As the workshops build on one another, participation requires a commitment to the full series, ensuring continuity, a shared learning curve and a consistently high level of discussion.
Core Skills & Valuation
Execution & Integration
After successfully completing the two parts of the curriculum, participants receive an online badge for each of it – a first step toward structured M&A qualification.
As a partner, you don’t just contribute content – you shape careers and the future of M&A.
Our partners are leading players in the M&A world — firms and professionals committed to sharing their knowledge, opening new perspectives, and inspiring the next generation of dealmakers. Their mission is to connect expertise with emerging talent, bringing real market insights into the curriculum. They contribute by leading workshops, presenting real transaction cases, and engaging in live discussions that link classroom learning to the realities of the deal market.
One of our cooperation partners is The Emergers – the leading student network for M&A and Private Equity in the DACH region. The Emergers bring together young professionals and experienced market practitioners by hosting exclusive events, inspiring retreats, and high-impact learning opportunities, as well as fostering peer exchange with decision-makers and innovators from business and society.
Participants who successfully complete the M&A Curriculum will receive fast-track access to The Emergers Network, bypassing the standard application process.
Start: April 2026
Application period: until 12th April
Format: 90min online workshops every two weeks
Part I – Core Skills & Valuation: Summer semester, April to end of July
Part II – Execution & Integration: Winter semester, October to end of January
Target group: Bachelor’s and Master’s students interested in M&A, business, law, economics, engineering, or related fields
Cohort size: Max. 50 students per year
How to apply: Submit your CV through our website – or reach out directly if you have questions.
“This program offers a clear and structured overview of the entire M&A process – from strategy to closing – while developing key personal and professional skills. The content comes directly from practitioners – corporate M&A teams, advisors, and private equity professionals who work on real transactions every day."
~ Viktoria Hogeweg, Lead Learning & Development, mandaco
Get in contact!
Tel.: +49 155 6520 9290
E-Mail: viktoria.hogeweg@manda.co
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