How SONA’s Experiential Learning Transforms MBA Students: In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business world, traditional education is no longer enough. MBA students need more than theory—they need to be prepared to solve real business problems, lead teams, and adapt to change.
At SONA School of Management, the focus on experiential learning has completely redefined how business education is delivered. Here, students don’t just study business—they live it.
How SONA’s Experiential Learning Transforms MBA Students
SONA’s Experiential Learning Transforms MBA Students by giving them hands-on exposure through live corporate projects, immersive internships, and real-world business challenges. The curriculum is built to bridge classroom concepts with workplace expectations. Whether students are developing marketing strategies for local brands or conducting financial audits for partner firms, they are actively learning to lead, analyse, and innovate. This method enhances their ability to collaborate, think critically, and make data-driven decisions. By focusing on action-based education, SONA equips its MBA graduates with practical skills, confidence, and the industry insights required to thrive in a competitive global economy.
Overview Table: Key Elements of Experiential Learning at SONA
| Component | Details |
| Live Projects | Real-time consulting assignments with local and national businesses |
| Internships | 8-12 week placements at firms like Infosys, Amazon, HDFC, and Capgemini |
| Industry Exposure | Regular company visits, factory tours, and guest lectures from CXOs |
| Corporate Mentoring | One-on-one guidance from professionals in marketing, finance, and operations |
| Skill Development Modules | Leadership, data analytics, communication, and personal branding workshops |
Live Projects: Solving Real Business Problems
Live projects at SONA allow students to apply academic concepts to actual industry challenges. These projects are not simulations—they involve active partnerships with businesses that trust students with critical aspects of their operations.
Some recent examples include:
- Designing a market entry strategy for a regional FMCG brand
- Conducting financial feasibility reports for expanding retail chains
- Auditing customer service processes for improvement in satisfaction scores
- Creating digital marketing campaigns for emerging startups
Each project helps students develop business acumen, learn stakeholder communication, and think strategically. By the end, they gain not only technical skills but also a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
Internships: Immersing in the Corporate Ecosystem
One of the most transformational aspects of SONA’s MBA is the mandatory summer internship. These aren’t just CV fillers—they’re deep, experiential journeys into the heart of professional industries.
During their 8-12 week internship, students:
- Work on department-specific projects under the guidance of senior managers
- Participate in team meetings, strategy sessions, and daily operations
- Receive structured feedback to refine their analytical and interpersonal skills
- Understand the cultural and performance expectations of different sectors
SONA students intern with companies like Infosys, Amazon, Axis Bank, and TCS—experiences that often lead to full-time job offers or extended consulting roles post-graduation.
Industry Visits and Corporate Mentorship
SONA believes that exposure to different business environments is critical for shaping well-rounded leaders. That’s why students regularly visit manufacturing facilities, IT hubs, logistics centers, and financial institutions.
These visits help them:
- Understand operations, supply chain logistics, and process workflows
- Interact with frontline managers and get a feel for workplace dynamics
- Relate classroom theories to on-ground practices
Additionally, every MBA student is paired with a corporate mentor—a working professional who offers career guidance, industry insights, and soft skills training. These mentors become long-term resources, helping students make smarter career choices.
Skill Development That Goes Beyond Academics
SONA’s approach goes deeper than just business tools. It nurtures the whole student, focusing on the mindset and behaviours needed to succeed long-term.
Key skill-building areas include:
- Leadership development through role-plays, group projects, and public speaking
- Data analysis and decision-making with tools like Excel, Power BI, and Tableau
- Communication and collaboration via peer reviews, debates, and group reflections
- Mindset engineering, which includes yoga, self-awareness exercises, and stress management workshops
This comprehensive development plan ensures that graduates leave not only with knowledge, but with the clarity and presence needed to lead with confidence.
Student Testimonials and Real-World Impact
SONA students frequently share how these experiences have transformed them. One MBA graduate noted, “Working on a live digital strategy project helped me realise my passion for branding—and I’m now leading campaigns for a leading e-commerce firm.” Another shared that mentorship from an Axis Bank manager helped him refine his financial analysis skills, eventually leading to a job offer.
These real-life outcomes underline the program’s effectiveness. It’s not just about theory—it’s about preparing for the next boardroom meeting or strategic review.
FAQs
1. Is experiential learning a core part of every MBA specialization at SONA?
Yes, whether you’re focused on marketing, finance, HR, or analytics, every stream includes live projects, internships, and mentorship.
2. Can students choose their live project topics?
Often, yes. SONA matches students with projects based on interest and specialization, ensuring relevance and engagement.
3. Are internships paid?
While some internships are paid, the primary value lies in the experience, networking, and future job opportunities they offer.
4. How often do industry visits happen?
Industry visits are scheduled every semester, covering sectors like manufacturing, banking, logistics, and IT.
5. What kind of companies recruit from SONA?
Firms across sectors—Infosys, HDFC Bank, Capgemini, TCS, Amazon, Zoho—regularly recruit from SONA’s MBA pool.
Final Thought
How SONA’s Experiential Learning Transforms MBA Students is not a marketing phrase—it’s a promise that gets fulfilled. Through immersive projects, real-time feedback, internships, mentorship, and a forward-thinking curriculum, students at SONA graduate with much more than a degree. They emerge as agile, competent, and job-ready professionals equipped to lead and innovate from day one.
Ready to move from classroom to boardroom?
Explore how SONA’s MBA program can transform your potential into performance. Visit SONA School of Management’s official site to view program details, meet faculty, or register for the next info session.
