Through immersive experiences, business schools give students a unique opportunity to practically apply the in-depth business knowledge they gain in class, whether it's through case studies, internships, or global immersion trips.
At emlyon business school, the International MBA (IMBA) program prioritzes building students’ real world business sense through unique immersive learning experiences.
These projects, along with robust industry connections and hands-on experiences, equip students with the necessary skills and networks to thrive in their careers.
The Power of Challenge Learning Projects
A hallmark of the emlyon IMBA program is its Challenge Learning Projects, initiatives that enable students to apply classroom theory to real-world business challenges.
IMBA alumna and Indian native, Varsha Kalanja (pictured), took part in the three-month New Venture Project, where teams are tasked with creating a business from the ground up. Participating elevated her business skills–both soft and hard–while also developing her business understanding and communication skills.
"The goal was to start our own ventures from conception to creation, going through the same steps as a founder would. This was incredibly insightful as it helped us understand the intricacies of launching a business, including the potential pitfalls," she says.
Before emlyon, Varsha was an iOS developer and IT project manager at Microsoft. This provided a strong foundation in business, but she sought a deeper understanding of the business world.
“I was working at Microsoft for a little over three and a half years. I really loved what I was doing. I had amazing projects, but I knew that there was something missing. I wanted a very formal education in terms of business and that's when I decided to do my MBA,” she explains.
During the New Venture Project, Varsha and her team worked to create an environmental waste solution, conducting hands-on research while speaking with local florists, shopkeepers, and residents about their waste segregation practices.
“This hands-on research was invaluable," she says.
Through such projects, emlyon students like Varsha learn to navigate the complexities of team dynamics, market research, and problem-solving.
“There’s a bit of diplomacy involved as you need to consider everyone’s opinions equally. That was challenging at first but as the class went on we adjusted and our teamwork flowed smoother.”
Leveraging Industry Connections
One of the standout features of the emlyon IMBA program is its extensive network of industry connections, who offer students access to top professionals and companies across various sectors.
"It's much easier to connect with people from emlyon because of its well-established reputation. The alumni network spans industries such as finance, construction, and tech, making it a powerful resource for networking and career advancement," Varsha says.
The program also provides various networking events where students can engage with industry leaders and alumni. These events offer opportunities to ask questions, gain insights, and build relationships which can be instrumental in future career paths.
“It's pretty easy to connect with people from emlyon. It was great to have people from the same community that you could connect to, and we had networking events where you could speak to people and they would share experiences," says Varsha.
The Interactive Learning Trip
A unique aspect of the emlyon IMBA is the Learning Trip, which offers students the chance to visit different companies and gain insights into various industries. During the trip, Varsha and her cohort visited several startups focused on sustainability and green initiatives.
This gave her a new perspective on business: “It was a great experience for us to see what they do, and how businesses vary depending on countries and different cultures.”
The Learning Trip is designed to complement the Challenge Learning Projects by exposing students to real-world business environments. This immersive experience enhances their learning and provides a significant return on investment (ROI) by broadening their perspectives and expanding their professional networks.
The ROI of the emlyon IMBA
Investing in an MBA is a significant decision and ROI is a critical factor for prospective students that involves more than just finances–knowledge, connections, and experiences gained are also crucial.
Now graduated from emlyon, Varsha is working in the IT industry in France. She feels the IMBA has given her an understanding of business and the ability to future-proof her projects and career.
"Something I learned from my MBA is to think ahead, and not just focus on the current work that you're implementing. I specialized in product management and I now have a strong view about implementing projects and how to predict how it's going to evolve in the future.”
The MBA curriculum offers a unique blend of innovative thinking, practical experience, and valuable networking opportunities. This prepares students to excel in their careers by providing the tools and connections they need to succeed in the global business landscape.
Providing strong industry ties and hands-on learning, the emlyon IMBA’s immersive projects ensure graduates are well-equipped to navigate and excel in their chosen careers.
Varsha has found this particularly true in her new career in France.
“The MBA experience taught me to be accommodating towards people, their experiences, and their background. I work with a lot of international clients, and I am able to be much more open and understanding of people and their experiences because of the MBA.”
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