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Prep: My approach was first to start reading about project deliverables, not just in YES Bank's context but from a mindset of how a full-time banker would understand what needs to be done. Industry analysis via various research reports/ insights, RBI website for the current financial position of banks, analysts call transcripts of different private and global banks, is an excellent source of understanding Indian and Global trends in the banking space. Given the background of my project, I even read about trade relations with certain countries, which helped me identify key business sectors and construct a geography-specific CRM. It helped me understand my project deliverables better and benchmark industry best practices to suggest feasible solutions.
Project: The main objective of my project entailed "Devising Go-To-Market Strategy for geography-specific markets and identifying ways to leverage the Multinational Corporate Banking Unit's expertise." I did not have a live project; instead, I worked with the team's day-to-day operations. The perks of having this exposure (often underrated) encompass that you learn a lot about your potential job role in that industry irrespective of the organization, Banking Relationship Manager in my case.
Takeaways: As a CFA Level 2 Candidate, the knowledge helped me figure out the relevant ratios and metrics used to assess the banks, and I even attempted making one valuation model. I extensively used my Strategy lessons taught in IIM Shillong, which helped me in competitor profiling, analyzing and identifying opportunities for YES Bank product suite via Ansoff matrix, balanced scorecard approach, etc. My first-hand experience has taught me to push myself to do beyond what is asked, experiment, and, most importantly, incorporate feedbacks (even the indirect ones) throughout the process. Communication, networking, and rapport building are imperative for professional growth.
Prep: Before the internship officially began, we used to have regular sessions named “Beer Talks” where we interacted with global leaders from different towers within AB InBev which helped us gain valuable insights about the global beer business.
Project: The 8 weeks after were full of surprising challenges as we faced hurdle after hurdle right up to the night before our final project delivery and presentation. My highlight was working with the Finance Operations team on a project where I got an opportunity to standardize, automate and transform the existing business practices and set up a robust process to add more value to these practices and help senior management to take key financial decisions and manage risk efficiently.
Takeaways: The experience of working with a company like AB InBev is not confined to just a great workplace, but the ingrained culture where we are expected to apply the core principles of the company in every assignment that we pursue. The opportunities I have been given to develop and grow have truly benefited me, personally and professionally.
Prep: Being a Chartered Accountant, I was looking forward to working in the finance sector and I got this opportunity with Aditya Birla Capital. My project required me to acquaint myself with the regulations governing the sector, to enable me to carry out a regulatory as well as a sectoral review.
Project: I was working with the investments team and my work primarily involved analyzing and preparing a comparative study of the NBFC Sector to aid the team in making investment decisions. My work escalated to the independent NBFCs which were further classified and sub-classified on various parameters. Fundamental and quantitative analysis was also done to gauge the independent as well as comparative performance and growth.
Takeaways: Despite it being an online internship, the company ensured smooth induction for all the interns and lived up to the F.A.I.R values which form the core of the company. The working environment and culture were inclusive and interactive. A lot of fun activities were also planned during our tenure which lightened up the air but, at the same time ensured none of us lost focus from our assigned tasks. Suggestions were always welcomed and their outlook was focused on the holistic development of all.
Prep: Before my internship began, I interacted with the campus buddies allotted and tried to understand their expectations and prepare myself well in advance. Post our induction, we underwent a comprehensive training program helping us learn financial modeling, valuation techniques, and tools for preparing pitch books. Despite being virtual training, we interacted immensely with other interns and analysts by competing and working together for group assignments, which put our learnings to the test. Daily, we analyzed a news article which could be an M&A deal, company performance, macro-economic news, etc. to be abreast with the latest developments in the world of finance.
Project: While shadowing and working with the analysts, I worked on live deals which gave me first-hand experience of IB, something I was eagerly looking forward to. I also worked with the Indian coverage team to analyze the M&A deals in the pharma industry to gather insights on potential deals. I had to step out of my comfort zone to identify potential targets in the life sciences space, as I had no idea of how the industry operates.
Takeaways: Presenting a sell-side pitch for an Indian Oil Marketing company on the last day of my internship was one of the best experiences. It added immensely to my knowledge base as I performed Industry and Company analysis, provided Strategic exit alternatives, and addressed key investor concerns. Despite being a high-pressure job, the open culture and the people at Nomura made my internship memorable. All analysts were so approachable that we could clear any doubts even at 10 PM and chat about the latest OTT series. Recognition worked seamlessly at Nomura as any positive contribution was immediately appreciated. My two key learnings – what differentiates you is your network you build and have a ‘Never say No’ attitude to any task, infect go ahead and grab all the opportunities.
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Prize Money |
Category |
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Banking and Finance |
Sales, Marketing and General Management |
Operations |
HR, Consulting and Others |
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| 1st Prize | ₹ 10,000 | ₹ 10,000 | ₹ 10,000 | ₹ 10,000 |
| Runner Up | ₹ 5,000 | ₹ 5,000 | ₹ 5,000 | ₹ 5,000 |