“Thoughts Become Things” – The Secret, Rhonda Bryne
When I first stepped foot in the SPN’s office, it all came back to me why I chose MBA as my career path and how I wanted to lay the foundation of my corporate life where my interests meet with my work. Being a movie buff and a football fanatic I have grown watching content on Sony channels and with a knack of the entertainment industry, I had my eyes on Sony Pictures for my summer internship from the very beginning of my MBA at IIM Ranchi.
I saw Sony’s “
Next Big Thing”, a corporate competition as a golden opportunity to turn my thoughts into reality and I stopped at nothing to make the most of it. I pulled three all-nighters to brainstorm, wireframe, re-work and make a video my idea and as fortune favours the brave, I came third in the competition and it paved the way for a direct interview round for the summer internship selection. For this one-shot, I knew that my ultimate weapon isn’t my CV points but my very own Conviction to work in the media and entertainment industry and more importantly to work at Sony Pictures Networks India. Cut to April 2
nd, 2018, I was in the “Olive” meeting room for the induction process of my summer internship at Sony Pictures Networks India.
From the induction only I sensed the gravity and seriousness of the whole internship program. I got my project and also a chance to interact one on one with Mr. N.P Singh, the CEO of Sony Pictures who knew every intern’s name, interests and project details at his fingertips. My project was on a major contemporary issue and involved different stakeholders which expanded my field of work outside the office as well and knowing the fact that I have to present my idea to the CEO after two months gave me the much-needed motivation from the start.
From segmenting customers to filling surveys and from networking to negotiations, the project was both challenging and enlightening and it honed my interpersonal skills to a whole different level. The culture of SPN was of its own kind. It had two key elements,
Individualism and Inspiration. The flexible office timing and an open door culture where I can just walk into anyone’s office to get my queries solved gave me ample time to do things at my own pace and level of satisfaction. I remember my creativity kicking in during one of the brainstorming session with my mentor and guide when they suggested that I have to Think Big and explore every avenue of opportunity and inspiration and as luck would have it I got the pillars of my idea- “Brave, Curious, Insightful and Visionary” written on the wall right across where I sat.
I also made sure that I make the most of this opportunity to have a fanboy moment with some celebrities I admire and interacting up close with Diljeet Dosanjh for one instance was a real treat.
In the end, I had three revelations as learnings. First came from the shattering of my pre-conceived notions during my research work which gave me a habit of finding the right balance between data and gut feeling before making any declaration. Second is that ideas are everywhere, carry a notebook with you like Richard Branson to pen it down then and there. Lastly, I learned how much hard work and effort goes into entertaining people by providing the right content for the right audience.
For the future interns of Sony Pictures Networks India I have just one advice:
“Entertain yourself by learning how to entertain others, it’s an amazing experience”