Unique industry-academia collaboration blends classroom learning with hands-on experience on real campaigns
National, 25th September 2025 – K J Somaiya Institute of Management (KJSIM) has entered a strategic partnership with Jio Creative Labs (JCL), the advertising and communications arm of Reliance Jio, to launch India’s first work-integrated MBA in Marketing Communications (2025–27). The programme welcomes its inaugural batch, offering students a holistic learning experience that combines academic insights with practical, industry-led exposure.
Every student in the programme is guaranteed a summer internship at Jio Creative Labs, where they will work on live projects and real campaign briefs. The curriculum merges core management courses such as Integrated Marketing Communication and Consumer Behaviour with advanced modules in Brand Storytelling, Generative AI, Influencer Marketing, Customer Experience Design, Immersive Technologies, Celebrity and Reputation Management, and Luxury Brand Marketing. The final year includes a capstone project, allowing students to demonstrate strategic thinking and creative execution.
The programme follows a blended learning model: three days of classroom instruction at KJSIM’s Vidyavihar campus, combined with two days of studio learning at JCL’s Bandra-Kurla Complex headquarters. This structure ensures students can apply theoretical concepts directly to real-world campaigns, maintaining continuous industry engagement throughout the two-year course.
> “This is a truly unique programme in India. By the end of these two years, students will not only understand concepts but also know how the industry truly works. Our vision has always been to bring academia and industry closer so that students graduate work-ready,” said Dr Raman Ramachandran, Director and Dean, K J Somaiya Institute of Management.
> “The inaugural cohort has the opportunity to engage deeply with both classroom learning and real-world projects. Continuous learning and adaptability are key; what is learned here and at JCL is just the beginning. In a rapidly evolving world, especially with AI, degrees alone are not enough,” said Aditya Bhat, Head, Jio Creative Labs.
Through this collaboration, KJSIM reinforces its commitment to innovative management education, equipping students with the skills, adaptability, and industry insight required to excel in India’s dynamic marketing and communications sectors.