Five Fisher College of Business MBA students travelled to India over spring break to work directly with Tata Play on a concept product. The Global Applied Projects (GAP) course requires students to perform preliminary discovery work, define and dissect the problem, conduct primary research, explore potential recommendations and submit their recommendations to Tata leadership.
“The most memorable part of my GAP experience was the opportunity to work hands-on with Tata Play in India. Being immersed in a new environment and collaborating directly with a leading company gave me a deeper appreciation for how strategy, culture and customer insights intersect,” reflected Skyllar Beckel. “It was a unique blend of professional challenge and cultural discovery.”
For the semester-length project, the cohort was tasked to design a concept product and through primary and secondary research, develop recommendations with a go-to-market strategy. What began via virtual sessions transformed into deep connections during the week in India.
"Being on the ground gave depth to our research and helped us build tailored, empathetic solutions."
“Going abroad allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and gain a firsthand understanding of how local culture, values and lived experiences shape consumer behavior. Being on the ground gave depth to our research and helped us build tailored, empathetic solutions that a fully remote project could never fully replicate,” said Tamara Lampert.
Spring break in India proved to be more than just another business project for LaShawn Evans. His on the ground experience brought classroom work into focus.
“Being in Mumbai, meeting with the Tata Play team, and seeing firsthand how things work in a different market gave everything more meaning. The hospitality from Tata Play, the Holi celebration, and even just walking around the city made it feel personal. It was a full-circle moment that connected everything we learned in class with real people and real impact,” shared Evans.
Many lessons were learned and insights gained by these Buckeyes by working in an unfamiliar location alongside people from different cultural backgrounds and experiences.
"Being immersed in another culture offered a deeper understanding of people—it fostered empathy and revealed how much we share as human beings."
“We spent hundreds of hours reading, discussing and brainstorming…not to mention regular late-night calls with our partners. While we began building relationships virtually, everything truly came to life when we met in person in Mumbai. Not only were they incredible hosts, but they also became close friends,” stated Colin Wylie. “Being immersed in another culture offered a deeper understanding of people—it fostered empathy and revealed how much we share as human beings.”
Self-discovery is a common result from experiences in unfamiliar cultural settings. Time in India helped Beckel identify what fuels her passion for business projects.
“I learned that I thrive in collaborative environments and that I’m energized by listening, learning and adapting,” Beckel remarked. “Whether navigating a new city, leading a field interview or facilitating a team discussion, I found confidence in my ability to communicate with empathy and think on my feet.”
The GAP project with Tata Play was a fruitful partnership that generated valuable recommendations and provided students with a transformative “real-world” experience. Seeing their ideas come to life on a global stage has prepared them well to stand out in the marketplace upon graduation.