Bachelor Studierende HSBA

The 'Summer Academy' @ HSBA

Pre-College Programme

Your future in one week: Experience business. Develop skills. Start your career.

'Summer Academy' – Step into the Business World!

The one-week intensive course for young talents who want to learn more about business and dual study programmes.

The summer holidays are coming up and you want to make the most of them? Are you still unsure about what to do after school and what you really want to do? Then take part in our one-week Summer Academy @ HSBA and lay the foundation for your career. During this week, you will learn more about business, leadership, finance, marketing and artificial intelligence in a practical setting at HSBA Hamburg School of Business Administration. We will connect you directly with our dual students and take you on company visits to businesses in Hamburg. With interactive workshops, real-life examples and experts from the business world, you will get the perfect start to your career!

Highlights of the 'Summer Academy'

Your Benefits

  • Expand your knowledge of business and economical topics

  • Get an in-depth insight into a dual study programme at HSBA

  • Network with students and companies in Hamburg

  • Earn 2 ECTS directly applicable to your studies at HSBA

  • Get a first insight into a dual study programme at HSBA

  • Improve your chances of securing a place on a dual study programme

  • Funding through scholarships available

Start:
6 July 2026
Duration:
One week (40h)
Tuition Fee:
490 euros (scholarships available)

Content of the Programme

Topics of the 'Summer Academy'

Between Monday and Friday, ten different economic topics will be presented to you in 40 lessons on the HSBA campus, and current trends will be discussed. In addition, the Summer Academy offers you the unique opportunity to meet HSBA students during lunch breaks, visit two Hamburg-based companies and make initial contacts. Of course, you will also be given a detailed introduction to HSBA and an explanation of our degree programmes.

Your Timetable

Welcome & Introduction to HSBA Monday, 6 July 2026, 9:00–10:30 a.m.

Welcome to HSBA! In this module, you will get to know our university and learn what makes it special. We will introduce you to our degree programmes, campus highlights and exciting career prospects. You will also get an overview of the Summer Academy and get to know the other participants – the perfect start to a week full of business, networking and fun!

Business & Management Monday, 6 July 2026, 10:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

In this module, you will immerse yourself in the exciting world of management. You will learn the fundamentals that drive successful companies: from strategic thinking and efficient organisation to decision-making. With real-life case studies and practical discussions, you will discover how management is not just theory, but a tool for innovation and success.

HR & Leadership Monday, 6 July 2026, 1:15–4:30 p.m.

Discover how successful leadership works! In this module, you will learn how to attract, motivate and develop talent. We will discuss leadership skills, communication and the art of inspiring a team. Practical exercises will teach you how HR and leadership make a difference.

Marketing & Sales Tuesday, 7 July 2026, 9:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

Immerse yourself in the world of brands, trends and sales strategies! You will learn how companies successfully market their products and win customers. Through interactive case studies and creative challenges, you will experience how marketing and sales work together to create real added value.

Wirtschaftliche Trends Tuesday, 7 July 2026, 1:15–2:45 p.m.

What is driving the economy today – and tomorrow? In this module, you will discover the most important global trends, from digitalisation and sustainability to new business models. You will learn how companies respond to change and seize opportunities.

Company Visit I Tuesday, 7 July 2026, 3:00–4:30 p.m.

Get to know one of our local partner companies. Further information to follow.

Financial Markets Wednesday, 8 July 2026, 9:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

How does the world of finance work? Here you can learn what lies behind shares, bonds and markets. We discuss opportunities, risks and the role of financial markets in the global economy. Exciting examples give you a clear overview of the big picture.

Career Bites Wednesday, 8 July 2026, 12:15–1:15 p.m.

During this special lunch break, you will have the opportunity to meet dual students and learn more about HSBA.

Project Management Wednesday, 8 July 2026, 1:15–4:30 p.m.

From idea to result: In this module, you will learn how to plan, manage and complete projects. You will discover which methods and tools professionals use to achieve goals efficiently – and how you can successfully manage projects yourself.

Digitalisation & AI Thursday, 9 July 2026, 9:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

How are digitalisation and artificial intelligence changing our world? Here you can discover the technologies that are revolutionising businesses. You will learn how digital tools optimise processes and AI opens up new opportunities – explained in a practical and understandable way.

Sustainability Thursday, 9 July 2026, 1:15–2:45 p.m.

Sustainability is more than just a trend – it is the future. In this module, you will learn how companies operate in an environmentally, socially and economically responsible manner. We will discuss how sustainable strategies promote innovation and why they are crucial for long-term success.

Company Visit II Thursday, 9 July 2026, 3:00–4:30 p.m.

Get to know one of our local partner companies. Further information to follow.

Strategy & Innovation Friday, 10 July 2026,9:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

How do new ideas arise – and how do they become strategy? In this module, you will learn how companies develop innovations and implement them strategically. Using creative methods and real-life examples, you will experience how visions become competitive advantages.

Planning My Career Friday, 10 July 2026, 1:15–2:45 p.m.

Where do you want to go – and how will you get there? This module helps you recognise your strengths, define your goals and develop a clear career plan. With tips on job applications, networking and self-marketing, you can take the first step towards your future.

Farewell Friday, 10 July 2026, 3:00–3:30 p.m.

At the end of the Summer Academy, we will look back together: What did you learn, what did you particularly enjoy, and what can we do even better? In this module, you will have the opportunity to share your impressions, ask questions, and provide valuable feedback. We will also celebrate your success and say goodbye with an outlook on your next steps – so that you can move forward into the future feeling motivated and inspired!

Prof. Dr. Max Johns

“If you really want to understand how business works, the best way is to try it out. At our Summer Academy, you’ll explore key business topics together with other students and HSBA professors, work on practical projects and meet companies that are looking for young talents like you. It’s the perfect way to find out whether a degree in Business Administration is right for you.”

Prof. Dr. Dirk Max Johns
Vice President at HSBA, Professor of Maritime Management

Apply now

Apply Now for Summer 2026

You are...

... a pupil and aged between 15 and 19 years?
... able to speak German fluently?
... interested in economic topics?
... open for new experiences?

Then apply now for the 'Summer Academy @ HSBA' and learn in a practical, fast and uncomplicated way what really matters in business.

Application deadline: 1 June 2026

The 'Summer Academy' wants to enable participation to all students who are interested in economic topics and therefore offers some scholarships. Please add a short motivational letter to your application, detailing the reasons as to why you should receive a scholarship. Scholarships are intended for particularly committed students, but financial reasons can also be taken into account. Please keep in mind that you have to apply for a scholarship until 15 May

Apply now

Any Questions?

We are happy to help!

Annabel Baxter HSBA
Annabel Baxter

Senior Managerin Bewerberrekrutierung & Unternehmenskooperationen

jungeakademie@hsba.de

Tipp! The 'Junge Akademie' @ HSBA

Is economics your thing? Find out at our Young Academy @ HSBA and take part in economics courses over a period of four months.

Learn more

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Who can take part in the Summer Academy?

Pupils who want to kick-start their career and are interested in business and hands-on learning.

  • Age: 15–19
  • Interest in business-related topics
  • Open to new experiences and networking

➡️ No prior knowledge needed – curiosity is what matters.

What topics are covered in the Summer Academy?

You’ll get a broad overview of business topics plus current trends. Examples include:

  • Business & Management
  • HR & Leadership (in English)
  • Marketing & Sales
  • Financial Markets, Project Management
  • Digitalisation & AI, Sustainability, Strategy & Innovation (in English)

➡️ Explore different areas and quickly discover what really interests you.

Where does the Summer Academy take place?

At the HSBA campus: Willy-Brandt-Straße 75, Hamburg

➡️ Central, modern, and easy to reach.