Sona Valliappa Group Unveils SCALE

SONA Finishing School Programme

Preparing MBA Students for the Professional World

The SONA Finishing School Programme is a flagship initiative designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world corporate expectations. Tailored specifically for MBA students, the programme focuses on developing essential professional skills, industry exposure, and career readiness, ensuring graduates are confident, competent, and future-ready.

Programme Launch

The SONA Finishing School Programme was officially launched on 19th January 2026. The launch marked a significant milestone in SONA’s commitment to strengthening industry–academia integration and preparing students to meet evolving corporate demands.

Addressing the Employability Gap

While academic curricula provide strong conceptual foundations, students often require additional exposure to workplace realities. The Finishing School Programme was created to bridge this gap by focusing on:

Communication and professional presence
Aptitude and analytical thinking
Industry expectations and domain exposure
Practical application of classroom knowledge

Through structured training, industry interactions, and experiential learning, the programme transforms students into industry-ready professionals.

Industry Partnership with Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton was selected as the programme’s industry partner due to its strong global reputation in professional services, consulting, and talent development. Their expertise in business transformation and corporate training ensures:

Real-time industry insights
Practical, market-relevant skill development
High credibility and professional exposure for students

This partnership brings authentic corporate perspectives directly into the learning ecosystem.

First Cohort Details

The inaugural cohort comprises 89 MBA students from the 2024–26 batch. This optimal cohort size enables:

Close mentoring
Interactive and engaging sessions
Personalized feedback and skill development

Skills, Assessments, and Certifications

Students enrolled in the programme gain comprehensive, job-ready skills, including:

Professional communication and business etiquette
Analytical thinking and problem-solving
Business presentation and stakeholder communication
Resume writing, LinkedIn branding, and interview readiness

Learning outcomes are measured through pre- and post-competency assessments. Students also work on capstone projects and earn globally recognized certifications, including:

Generative AI
Advanced Excel
Power BI
Digital Marketing

Vice Chairman’s Vision

The Vice Chairman, Mr. Thyagu Valliappa, envisioned the Finishing School Programme as a powerful bridge between academia and industry. By combining academic rigor with real-world exposure, expert mentoring, and professional skill training, the initiative aims to create graduates who are:

Confident
Employable
Professionally mature
Ready to excel in the corporate environment

Alignment with SONA’s Long-Term Vision

The SONA Finishing School Programme aligns seamlessly with the institution’s long-term academic strategy of delivering education beyond textbooks. By integrating:

Industry experts
Live projects
Global certifications
Skill-based learning

SONA ensures its graduates possess both strong academic foundations and workplace competence, reinforcing its mission to build industry-aligned, highly employable professionals.

Career Pathways: Internships, Placements, and Mentorship

The programme is closely linked to students’ career progression and employability. Key career-focused components include:

Industry visits and CXO interactions
Live projects and real-time business exposure
Placement readiness training
Mock interviews and career guidance
Long-term mentorship from industry professionals

These elements collectively strengthen internship opportunities, placement outcomes, and sustainable career pathways for students.

The SONA Finishing School Programme stands as a transformative initiative that equips MBA students with the skills, confidence, and industry exposure required to succeed in today’s competitive professional landscape.