Students on the International Taxation and Law (BA) degree programme at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences were once again given the opportunity this year to gain practical insights into current issues in international taxation. Under the guidance of Prof. Dr. habil. Ute Merbecks, the group once again collaborated with Henkel on an interdisciplinary project addressing exciting challenges from the business world.
On Tuesday 10 June 2025, the students were welcomed at Henkel’s headquarters in Düsseldorf. The project day centred on in-depth workshops on three topics of future relevance:
- Greening the Tax System
- Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Tax
- Transfer Pricing
These tasks offered the students the opportunity to apply the knowledge they had gained during their studies to real-world business issues. The case studies were tackled in mixed small groups and supervised by experts from Henkel’s tax department.
Following the intensive working phase, the students presented their findings to a panel of experts comprising representatives from Henkel and the university. The presentations impressed the panel with their depth of expertise, innovative approaches and a high degree of professionalism – a testament to the successful integration of theory and practice.
A particular highlight of the day was the visit to the Henkel Archive as part of the Heritage & History Tour. The students gained a unique insight into the company’s history – from its early days, with handwritten accounts, right through to historical minutes of Executive Board meetings. This journey through time impressively illustrated the Henkel Group’s rich heritage whilst also highlighting its capacity for continuous innovation.
The programme concluded with a focus on personal interaction: in discussions with Henkel employees, the students learnt about career prospects and entry-level opportunities within the company. Not only were specific job roles presented, but individual questions regarding work placements, trainee programmes and career development were also answered.
The project once again highlights just how valuable the close integration of higher education and industrial practice is for training future skilled workers – practical, forward-looking and mutually inspiring.
