Graduating with an MBA used to mean one thing: classroom theory, case studies, and a summer internship somewhere — hope it pays off. But the management world has evolved. Today’s recruiters want practical skills from day one, not just a diploma. That’s exactly where an MBA with On-Job Training (OJT) — like the one at RT-MSSU (Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University)— shines. Combines Industry Participation and Academic Performance – Provides a Unique Competitive Advantage to Help You Succeed Faster Than Any Other Program.

Skill-Based Learning vs. Theory-Based Learning: There’s a New Way to Look At MBA Programs

In general, traditional MBA programs consist entirely of classroom instruction. However, studies and surveys of employers show that they are now looking for applicants who possess both theoretical knowledge and real-life experience. Recent statistics from international MBA research show 80% of MBA graduates obtain a job within three months of graduation and 70% of these students will receive higher salaries if they have an internship or on-the-job training (OJT) component in their degree program.

RT-MSSU’s postgraduate degree programs including the MBA program are specifically designed to take advantage of the current trend toward on-the-job and hands-on experience by incorporating a minimum of 60% of the program as experience-based skills and a maximum of 40% of the program as classroom instruction. This approach to educating MBA applicants is a direct response to the modern employment environment in which the majority of prospective employers have requested that MBA graduates possess both theoretical and practical experiences.

At a Glance: MBA with On-Job Training (RT-MSSU)

Feature	What It Means
Institution	Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University (RT-MSSU), skill university backed by state government.
Program Type	MBA program consisting of integrated on-job training – real-world experience, must attend classes.
Industry-Aligned Curriculum	Business Analytics; Digital Marketing; Innovation and New Venture; International Business
Learning Mix	60% of work experience (on the job) and ~40% of theory classes.
Placement & Career Support	Will have a dedicated career cell with an actual connection to the industry.
Outcome Focus	Gain skills through certification, real-world project exposure and will improve your ability to find jobs, thereby making you a better candidate for employment.

What the Data Says: MBA + Practical Training = Career Momentum

Here’s where the MBA + On-Job Training combo scores big on outcomes — backed by recent data and employment trends:

Employment and Earnings

• Across global MBA studies, about 80% of MBA graduates find jobs within 3 months of graduation, often with solid compensation boosts compared to bachelor’s degree holders.
  
• Many graduates report salary jumps of ~30-40% post-MBA, especially when practical experience is part of the degree package.

Changing Markets but Steady Demand

• In 2024, there was an increase of 13.2% globally for MBA applications from the previous year, while some sectors are seeing a slowdown in hiring. This shows that management education remains in high demand.

• Employers are increasingly valuing skills more than just degrees, with experiential training, internships, and on-the-job training being key to successful candidates.

Skill Gap & Industry Expectations

• Surveys show that traditional academic credentials often lack direct alignment with industry needs — which is exactly why “skills-first” learning models like OJT are gaining ground.

All of this points to a simple truth: MBA graduates with real work experience are better positioned for hiring, performance, and long-term career growth than those with purely classroom degrees.

Core Benefits You Can’t Ignore

1. You Build Work-Ready Skills (Not Just Theory)

On-job training means daily immersion in business operations — so you learn:

• Strategic problem-solving
  
• Data-driven decision-making
  
• Real financial modeling and analysis
  
• Digital marketing & analytics
  
• Project leadership

This isn’t a theoretical scenario, these are skills that will be used on a daily basis in an actual job. According to studies, experiential learning (i.e., learning through actual work experiences) closes the gap between what people learn in school versus how they actually apply their knowledge in the workplace, leading to greater levels of both confidence and ability.

2. You Get Real Industry Tools and Networks

Programs with OJT expose you to real business tools (Power BI, analytics platforms, marketing tech) and corporate environments. The RT-MSSU MBA, for instance, integrates industry tools and live projects across trimesters before the final-year OJT.

That gives you two invaluable assets:

• Skills recruiters actually want
  
• Professional networks before you graduate

3. Better Placement Support & Career Outcomes

RT-MSSU goes beyond coursework. The Placement Cell at RT-MSSU will provide assistance throughout the entire journey to becoming job ready through services such as: developing resumes; improving LinkedIn profiles; conducting mock interviews; and facilitating connections with business networks.

As a result, many of RT-MSSU’s graduates will have a smoother transition into jobs like these:

• Business Analyst
  
• Digital Marketing Specialist
  
• Operations Manager
  
• Product Strategist
  
• International Business Executive

4. Reduced Risk, More Career Flexibility

MBA with on-job experience lowers the uncertainty in hiring. Instead of entering the marketplace with a résumé only, you walk in with real projects in your portfolio, often making you a stronger candidate and sometimes even leading to post-OJT job offers.

Skills Gained – By Design

Unlike programs offering internships as add-ons, structured OJT builds competencies by design. You’re not an observer — you’re a participant. Here’s the practical skills deck you can expect:

Category	Skills You Gain
Analytical	Business analytics, data interpretation, strategic business decisions.
Tech Tools	Excel, digital marketing tools, analytics dashboards, specialty platforms.
Leadership	Team management, project leadership, communication confidence.
Real World Application	Operational problem solving, client interaction, business process improvement.
Entrepreneurial Insight	Innovation principles & venture mindset.

This mix isn’t random. Graduates of RT-MSSU embody exactly what businesses are looking for – strategic thinkers, technology savvy, leaders who can start making contributions from the minute they walk in the door.

Career Acceleration: What This Means for You

What does career acceleration look like for non-MBA degree holders?

• The numbers show that practical experience (i.e., job experience during your degree program) gives MBA graduates a high probability of being employed within 3 months following graduation (~80% employment rate). 
• With the skills gained during the program and industry related training, graduates typically earn higher starting salaries than other job-seekers with similar levels of education, increasing both their sense of confidence and satisfaction with their career choice.
• A strong network is a critical part of getting ahead in your career. The network you develop while at RT-MSSU will provide you with valuable connections (i.e., classmates, supervisors) that can help you achieve your career goals and connect you with potential employers.

However, not every MBA program is created equal, and only those programs that are able to connect classroom theory with actual job-related experiences and the business community will provide you with a competitive advantage in the rapidly changing job market.

Final Take: MBA with On-Job Training Isn’t Just Smart — It’s Strategic

The truth is this: a management degree without real work experience is like learning to swim without water — you might understand the theory, but you won’t be ready when you jump in. MBA programs today must be nimble, industry-connected, and skills-focused. That’s precisely the shift RT-MSSU embodies with its MBA + OJT model.

If you want an MBA that makes you job-ready, connects you with employers, and brings modern, in-demand skills to your toolkit, this approach is a smart investment — not just for employability, but for real career acceleration.