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Studentische Aushilfe Nachhaltigkeit / Sustainability / ESG

Aareal Bank AG • Germany • Added on Jun 25, 2026
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In this role, you actively support Aareal Bank’s central ESG team in rolling out the group-wide sustainability strategy. You take independent ownership of smaller project packages, prepare data for sustainability reporting, and support the process behind various ESG ratings. Along the way, you get a first-hand look at how an international bank builds environmental and social criteria into its core business.

The mandate is especially exciting because real estate financing carries real leverage for global climate action. By contributing to sustainable finance products and supporting reporting standards, you help drive transparency and change across the real estate and financial industry. It’s a chance to apply what you’ve learned in your studies to a sector facing a major environmental transformation.

This suits someone studying economics or sustainability management who combines a structured way of working with strong motivation for ESG topics and wants to gain first practical experience in a professional banking environment.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The successful student assistant will be deeply involved in the ESG management cycle, supporting the team in cross-departmental projects that aim to integrate sustainability into the bank's core operations. This includes operational support for corporate and sustainability reporting, ensuring that disclosure requirements are met and data is accurately presented. You will also take ownership of small work packages independently, ranging from research tasks to the preparation of materials for ESG ratings. Furthermore, you will contribute your academic knowledge to the development of new ESG-linked products and the refinement of the overall sustainability strategy.

Key learning opportunities for this job

This role offers a unique window into the world of Sustainable Finance, providing hands-on experience with the regulatory frameworks and reporting standards (such as CSRD or EU Taxonomy) that are currently reshaping the financial sector. You will learn how a major bank manages its environmental and social footprint through data-driven decisions. Beyond technical knowledge, you will develop professional skills in a corporate banking environment, learning how to communicate complex sustainability topics to various internal stakeholders. The mentorship from the ESG team will provide insights into the practical challenges of transforming a traditional business model toward long-term sustainability.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate is currently enrolled in a degree program related to Economics, Business Administration, or Sustainability Management. A strong foundational understanding of ESG principles and a genuine interest in the future of the real estate and financial markets are essential for this role. We look for individuals who are communicative and team-oriented, with the ability to work reliably and with a high degree of initiative. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for data tasks and PowerPoint for presentations, is required, alongside professional-level fluency in both German and English.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate your specific interest in the intersection of real estate and finance. Mention any coursework or personal projects that highlight your understanding of how ESG factors impact financial risk or investment opportunities. Since this is a student role, emphasize your structured way of working and your ability to learn quickly. Showing that you are familiar with the current reporting landscape or the specific challenges facing the banking sector in terms of decarbonization will show the hiring team that you are ready to add value from day one.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on ESG Reporting and Transparency, helping the bank maintain its credibility with investors and regulators through accurate data. This involves working on international ratings that assess the bank's sustainability performance. Additionally, there is a strong focus on Strategy and Product Development. You will likely assist in defining criteria for 'green' loans or other financial instruments that encourage clients in the property sector to improve their own environmental performance.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges will be navigating the complex regulatory environment of the banking industry, where rules and standards are constantly evolving. Translating these technical requirements into actionable data or clear communications can be demanding for someone new to the field. Furthermore, as you will be working on cross-departmental topics, balancing the diverse interests of different business units while maintaining a strict focus on ESG goals requires diplomacy and a high level of organizational skill.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a team meeting to discuss progress on ongoing ESG ratings or reporting deadlines. You might then spend a few hours analyzing sustainability data in Excel or drafting a briefing note on new regulatory developments in the EU. In the afternoon, you could be involved in a brainstorming session for a new sustainability initiative or preparing slides for a presentation to another department. The tasks are varied, ranging from deep-dive research to administrative support, ensuring no two days are exactly the same.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

As a student assistant, this role serves as an excellent entry point into a career in ESG within the financial services industry. Successful performance could lead to opportunities for a thesis collaboration or potential entry-level roles within the bank after graduation. You will build a professional network within a leading bank, gaining visibility that is invaluable for future career steps. The exposure to high-level ESG strategy and the operational reality of sustainability management provides a competitive edge in a rapidly growing job market.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Your primary interaction will be with the central ESG team, who will provide guidance and support. However, because sustainability is an interdisciplinary topic, you may also interact with colleagues from Risk Management, Communications, or the lending departments. Externally, your work indirectly impacts investors and rating agencies who rely on the data you help prepare. Understanding these different perspectives is key to successfully supporting the bank's ESG goals.

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