CEMS Students Get a Behind-the-Scenes Look at Centrum Černý Most with URW

On Thursday, April 24, a group of enthusiastic first-year CEMS students had the opportunity to go behind the scenes at Centrum Černý Most, thanks to an exclusive event organized by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW).

The visit began with an insightful presentation highlighting the inner workings of URW and the ways its core departments — Shopping Center Management, Development, Leasing, and Westfield Rise — collaborate to bring large-scale retail projects to life. The session focused particularly on the upcoming mall extension, providing students with a detailed overview of the project’s origins, strategic goals, and long-term vision.

Following the presentation, students engaged in a lively Q&A session, where they had the chance to interact with URW professionals and ask questions about the company’s operations, challenges, and future plans. The discussion was accompanied by light refreshments, creating a relaxed and open atmosphere.

The highlight of the event was a guided tour of the construction site, giving students a rare first-hand look at the development in progress. This exclusive opportunity allowed them to see how theory meets practice in one of Prague’s most significant retail centers.

Bridging the Gap Between Business Education and Real-World Experience

This event provided CEMS students with valuable insights into real estate development, strategic planning, and retail operations, while also illustrating how interdisciplinary teams contribute to complex projects.

We thank URW for opening their doors and giving our students a closer look at the real-world applications of their studies — and a glimpse into what might be their future careers.