The importance of MBA internships in India

One debate in management pedagogy is recurrent. Whether MBAs should focus on practical or theoretical training in management skills.

The champions of skill development often suggest hands-on learning is the best way to learn skills. They argue that skills can only be acquired through real-life experiences. Those who support the other view believe classroom knowledge and case studies are the best way to learn and understand critical business scenarios. Furthermore, this theoretical knowledge will empower students to handle similar situations.

As part of the MBA training, internships allow students to bridge the gap between the camps. Internships help students discover and test their aptitude, practice what they learn, and expose them to business experience.

Ritika Devnani chose the Athena School of Management for its internship opportunities because she joined the PGPM program with no work experience. She is learning to apply what she has learned in various courses at Athena in her digital marketing internship with the Taj Group of Hotels.(00:30)

Internship opportunities aren’t generally available all year round. The most common internship programs are summer internships for full-time MBAs. But at Athena School of Management, they offer internships almost every semester.

Apart from gaining experience, joining internship programs during the MBA also open up diverse opportunities for students.

 

Self-exploration

Although many enroll in an MBA program wanting to specialize in a particular domain, internships can define their future path. That’s because interns get experience in jobs in their chosen fields and unknown territories.

Ritika’s internship has helped her to decide on her dream job in the field of digital marketing. Like her, many students who enter internship programs can narrow their focus to see the bigger picture.

Internships thus become the most conducive way to understand what one likes, is good at, and, most importantly, what one is not so good at. These subtle elements of an internship experience make management training more worthwhile.

Network-Building at MBA internships in India

Interning offers more than work experience. It’s a chance to mingle with diverse professionals and develop critical networking skills, which an MBA program emphasizes. Moreover, building solid relationships with other interns and seasoned experts can unlock exclusive job opportunities. 

Pre-graduation offers

Companies also often look for interns who have the potential to turn into full-time employees. If students can live up to the performance expectations of the organization where they intern, then they have a high chance of getting absorbed into the company. 

For employers, internships are a less risky approach before committing fully to the candidate. Employers can select interns who meet their standards and demonstrate qualities aligning with the organization’s culture and values. By choosing interns who are a good fit, companies can create a more cohesive and productive work environment.

Internships are preparation for the modern world of work

In India, most students join an MBA program directly after college. Due to this, they lack the skills to implement the conceptual knowledge gained in class.

Internships can solve this problem. 

At Athena, the internship programs enhance the students’’ experience. According to Ritika, the program teaches students how to become leaders rather than simply managers.  (5:03)

Moreover, for students at Athena, this is the gateway to trying out possible future careers and getting an idea of the corporate environment without the commitment of a full-time job. “The MBA program at Athena offers students opportunities for individual growth” Ritika shares. (6:44)  

If you want to know more about the Athena School of Management and its MBA program, don’t hesitate to contact past students directly through MBAGRADSCHOOLS Ambassador Page.