Even during her school years, Milena Müller was committed to helping others and taking on responsibility. Today, the 20-year-old is studying business administration at LMU, serves as a mentor to an elementary school student, and promotes dialogue among students. The Deutschlandstipendium provides her with financial relief while also fulfilling her desire to connect with other scholarship recipients.
Milena Müller learned early on how to navigate different environments. Born in Shanghai, the now 20-year-old grew up in Baden-Württemberg. She is currently studying business administration at LMU and is also actively involved in a wide variety of initiatives. Her main focus is on one thing: connecting people and sharing her knowledge with others.
Her father worked for Bosch for many years and was frequently stationed abroad as a result, including five years in China. Her mother accompanied him. As a result, Milena attended an international preschool in Shanghai. Shortly before her fifth birthday, the family moved back to Germany, to her parents’ hometown of Murrhardt. There she attended school and earned her high school diploma.
Even while in school, Müller was active in the student council. Among other things, she organized a cell phone recycling drive, Valentine’s Day events, project days, and school festivals. At the same time, she began working at a bakery alongside her studies at age 17. “What I take away most from this job is the interaction with people,” says the 20-year-old.
Her childhood experiences sparked an early interest in international relations and economics. Müller ultimately chose LMU for her business administration studies. The deciding factors for her were the high-quality academic education, the many international connections, and the opportunities that Munich offers as a business hub.
© jan greune
Later, the business administration student got to know other aspects of the working world. After her second semester, she completed internships at RAW Partner and Deloitte, both of which are auditing firms. “These professional experiences helped me gain deeper insights into the working world, broaden my previously purely academic perspective, and get involved myself,” explains Müller. In the process, she was also able to apply the knowledge she had acquired at LMU in a practical setting. Once again, she was particularly shaped by her interactions with a diverse range of people.
In addition to her studies and career, one thing is especially important to her: helping others. As a mentor in the Münchner Kindl Scholarship program, Müller provides long-term support to an elementary school child in their academic and personal development. It’s not just about learning; the program also includes shared educational and recreational activities. The mentors are tasked with helping the children develop motivation, self-confidence, and a love of learning.
The student is also actively involved in the Munich university chapter of the Federal Association of German Business and Political Economists. As a board member and head of the Projects division, she organizes workshops and field trips, facilitates connections between students and companies, and organizes social events. For her, it’s not just about career guidance; she also wants to strengthen communication and a sense of community among the students.
Müller explains why this commitment is important to her, drawing on her own experiences: “Through my various volunteer activities, I’ve realized how valuable support can be for everyone—whether a child, a school student, or a college student.” A point of contact or a network of people with similar interests can make a big difference. “This experience gives me personal strength, because it shows that everyone can contribute something.” For the business administration student, this is a cornerstone of community.
She has since taken on responsibility for other students at LMU as well. After successfully completing the “Internal Accounting” course, the 20-year-old was selected as a teaching assistant based on her performance. Last semester, she supported students in deepening their understanding of the course material and helped them grasp complex subject-specific concepts.
The Deutschlandstipendium gives Müller additional leeway to do so. In addition to the financial support, the scholarship recipient is particularly grateful for the moral support and the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of people here as well. “This networking offers the chance to make new connections, receive valuable advice, and in some cases, even form friendships,” she explains.
© jan greune
After completing her bachelor’s degree, Müller plans to pursue a master’s in Strategic Management and Artificial Intelligence. She then hopes to enter the management consulting field. The student is already gaining initial insights into this career path through her participation in the “Future Shapers Class of 2026” development program offered by the management consulting firm BCG. This program provides students with knowledge about the company and what it’s like to work as a consultant.
For Müller, one thing is clear: support can make a big difference. And it all starts with someone taking the time to help.