Imke: Language Barriers Are Not an Obstacle

Why is the combination of theory and practice in business@school particularly valuable to you?

From my perspective, the combination of theory and practical application at business@school is especially valuable because knowledge is not only taught but also made tangible through direct experience. Concepts that are often encountered in an abstract way at school or university can be applied immediately in a real-world context. This practical relevance is something that is often lacking in traditional classroom settings.

In addition, the initiative provides an important alternative, particularly for high school students who do not have easy access to internship opportunities, for example due to language barriers. business@school creates an environment where they can still understand, explore, and further develop their knowledge of economic concepts. As a result, it offers a very tangible and motivating entry point into business topics.

How is collaboration influenced by the language barrier?

Collaboration is certainly influenced by the language barrier, but not necessarily in a negative way. It encourages more conscious communication: simpler, clearer, and more structured. People take more time, explain things in a more accessible way, and pay closer attention to whether the message is truly understood.

At the same time, it is very impressive to see the level of motivation and willingness to learn among the high school students. Many of them have not been in Germany for long, yet they already speak German quite well. They deeply value the opportunity to learn. This also leads to greater self-reflection, as it encourages one to step back and reconsider own communication habits.

One key takeaway for me is how important clear and accessible language is - not only within the project, but also in everyday professional life.

Would you recommend that your colleagues get involved in business@school?

I would definitely recommend that other colleagues engage with business@school. My main advice is simple: just give it a try. It is very hard to do anything wrong. The high school students already benefit greatly from having a clear timeline and receiving feedback - it is less about delivering perfect content and more about being present and providing guidance.

Extensive preparation is not necessary. In many cases, it is sufficient to review presentations, provide feedback, and support the overall structure. This role as a sparring partner and mentor is what truly makes a difference. At the same time, you gain a lot yourself - whether through new perspectives, meaningful exchanges, or the experience of passing on your knowledge.

Evonik has been a partner of business@school, the educational initiative of The Boston Consulting Group, for many years. This educational initiative gives high school students a close-up, hands-on look at business and entrepreneurship over the course of one school year.