TOP-BWL program

Why does the TOP-BWL Program exist?

The TOP-BWL Program at LMU Munich School of Management is aimed at particularly high-achieving and committed bachelor's students studying business administration and business education. The aim is to introduce them to practical issues at an early stage, further develop their key competencies, and prepare them for responsible roles in academia and business.

Bridging Academia and Business

In close collaboration with the LMU Management Alumni Network and selected corporate partners, the program creates a framework for academically grounded and practice-oriented exchange.The purpose of this program is to create a platform for targeted exchange between companies and academia, especially for students, as well as to promote and improve business research and teaching and to ensure that students receive business-oriented training. Participants gain access to an exclusive network of alumni, company contacts, and like-minded peers.

Benefit from Experience

The program thrives on the active involvement of its alumni. Many were once part of the program or studied at LMU themselves. Today, they contribute through mentoring, workshops, and guest lectures, offering participants valuable insights into career paths and providing practical input for their own personal and professional development.

What can students expect from the TOP-BWL Program?

Over the course of two semesters, the TOP-BWL Program offers students a wide range of practice-oriented learning opportunities designed to support their academic and personal development. Central to the program is the exchange with companies and alumni.

Networking events offering insights into corporate and leadership culture
Interactive workshops hosted by leading partner companies
Impulse talks on current economic challenges
Case studies with direct feedback from practitioners

Alumni share their personal career paths, including former TOP-BWL participants
Exchange with professionals from business, consulting, and academia
Alumni are actively involved as mentors and supporters of the program

Training in key competencies such as presentation skills and team leadership
Individual career support through application training and CV checks provided by our Career Service
Participation in exclusive Personal Development Seminars focused on self-reflection, impact, and personal growth

Early development of a professional network during undergraduate studies
Exchange with motivated peers who share similar ambitions and interests
Direct contacts with corporate partners
Company representatives are available for questions regarding internships, entry-level positions, and inform students about career opportunities

Thank you very much for the great organization of the Top-BWL program. A truly unique opportunity that has given me many exciting insights behind otherwise closed doors over the last four semesters. A program that allowed me to get to know many interesting people - both from the company side and fellow students - and that enabled me to demystify management consulting to a certain extent. With the help of the Top-BWL program, I was able to gain personal access to consulting and gather a lot of relevant insights, even though I didn't have the relevant background from my parents.

Niklas Blais, former participant in the TOP-BWL program

What are the benefits of participating in the TOP-BWL Program?

Exclusive access to practice-oriented formats: participation in contact events, workshops, the TOP-BWL networking series, and roundtables
Direct connections with alumni and corporate representatives: build strong relationships, receive individual feedback, and benefit from valuable career insights
Individual development and key skills training: workshops on presentation, project work, and application techniques support both your personal and professional growth
Career guidance: our corporate partners support you throughout the program and inform you about concrete entry-level opportunities
Recognition and visibility: upon successful completion of the two-semester TOP-BWL Program, participants receive a certificate and are honored through admission to the Dean’s List

Selection Criteria for the Dean's List and the TOP-BWL Program

Students in the Bachelor of Science programs in Business Administration and Business Education are selected 80% based on academic performance. Around 20% of participants are nominated by LMU faculty chairs.

To qualify for the Dean’s List and for participation in the program, students must meet the following criteria:

Students are among the approximately 10% best in their cohort.
The average grade on the respective cut-off date is decisive.
They have achieved at least 50 ECTS and no more than 140 ECTS and have completed an average of at least 25 ECTS per semester.

The students are invited to participate in the TOP-BWL programme for the next two semesters. However, there is a possibility that the programme participation will be extended by continued very good performance.

The invitations for participation in the TOP-BWL programme and the confirmation for admission to the Dean's List are usually sent out at the end of March/beginning of April and at the end of September/beginning of October.

Interested in engaging as a corporate partner?

For over 20 years, the TOP-BWL Program has served as a platform for companies to connect early on with outstanding undergraduate students at LMU. If your organization is interested in partnering with the LMU Munich School of Management and the LMU Management Alumni Network, we are happy to provide further information.