Digital Badges for M&A Competence – Practical Knowledge That Stands Out
Digital badges are gaining traction across higher education and professional development. They offer a precise and verifiable way to showcase acquired skills and learning outcomes – in a standardized, digital format.
Unlike traditional certificates, badges document specific content, assessment types, and performance criteria – making them ideal for resumes, online profiles, and e-portfolios.
Against this backdrop, Career by mandaco has launched a modular badge system that enables students to build practical, structured knowledge in the M&A field.
Badge M&A Fundamentals I + II – A Foundation for a Career in M&A
The “M&A Fundamentals” badge is designed for students who want to gain early exposure to the key stages of a deal – from strategic planning and analysis to valuation, legal frameworks, and implementation. It also emphasizes key personal skills crucial in the M&A world – such as communication, structured thinking, and presentation techniques.
Core Skills & Valuation
This badge covers the foundational building blocks of the M&A process. Students gain insight into market dynamics and deal structures, learn how to identify and assess acquisition targets, and develop analytical capabilities through accounting fundamentals, valuation methods (DCF and multiples), and hands-on Excel modelling. Personal development modules focus on business communication, storytelling, and presentation skills.
Execution & Integration
This second badge focuses on the practical and operational aspects of M&A execution. It includes modules on due diligence (financial, ESG, and commercial), working with data rooms, legal structuring of deals (SPA mechanics, earn-outs), and the complexities of deal closing and post-merger integration. The program also explores digital and AI tools in the transaction process, preparing students for tech-driven deal environments.
Who It’s For
This program is designed for Bachelor’s and Master’s students with a strong interest in deal-making, currently studying finance, business administration, law, industrial engineering, strategy, or related fields. The badge serves as a valuable additional qualification for those aiming to enter investment banking, private equity, consulting, or corporate M&A.
How to Apply
Joining the curriculum is straightforward. The application process is managed by the Emergers Network and mandaco:
Program Format & Schedule
The curriculum is delivered in a structured, fully digital format and consists of 15 interactive online workshops held in a bi-weekly rhythm. Sessions take place every second Tuesday evening, allowing students to seamlessly combine the program with their academic schedules. Developed in close collaboration with academic and industry experts, each workshop builds on the previous one, creating a coherent learning journey that progressively deepens both technical expertise and practical understanding of M&A fundamentals and real-world deal dynamics.
Requirements to Earn the Badge
To receive the badge, participants must:
Participation & Certification
Participation in the curriculum is open to selected students of the Summer Semester 2026 cohort. Upon successful completion of all requirements, participants will be awarded the official M&A Fundamentals Badge, certifying their commitment, performance, and foundational expertise in M&A.
The badge is issued digitally and includes metadata that document the content, scope, issuer, and assessment criteria.
It can be integrated into digital CVs (e.g., Europass), platforms like LinkedIn, or university e-portfolios.
The key benefit lies in making your acquired skills visible and verifiable – a real advantage when applying for internships, trainee programs, or entry-level roles in a highly competitive market.
The “M&A Fundamentals” badge provides a strong foundation – and a springboard for further specialization in the world of M&A
