It is not what opportunities you have but what you do with those opportunities that define you. To begin my internship story with these lines is apt for me, because through my company Godfrey Phillips India I was given a ton of opportunities to explore, hone and showcase my abilities at the highest level possible.
The story possibly begins in the month of June 2018 when I entered the gates of NMIMS Bangalore. Right out of a two year work ex in sales, I came to this new city and new place with mixed intentions. On one hand I was happy on the other hand I was overwhelmed with the talented students of my own batch. I always wondered how to stand out and be different than my peers. Very soon I realized that to stand out from amongst the best, I had to be the best. I took part in various competitions for that reason, HUL L.I.M.E. Loreal Brandstorm, Infosys Ingenious amongst others. All these competitions broadened my thinking and helped to get prepared for the bigger stage that was to come ....
Soon it was the placement season and we were ushered in a plethora of companies. It wasn't easy. The pressure was too much. The schedules were hectic and it's very easy to lose yourself in the mess that becomes of a B school during it's placement season. Here are a few tips to remember though.
1. Every rejection becomes a newer opportunity to learn. You may or may not get selected for the company you sit for and if you don't there are others waiting for you.
2. In an interview be clear and crisp with your content. It might well win you the match. There would be a lot of candidates who'll share vivid stories with the interviewer, they aren't interested In that.
3. Analyse every interview. Also understand how and why you would be a perfect fit for the company that is to hire you for the next two months, before you sit for the interview. You should have done enough research about the company and yourself, about how you'll fit into the company.
4. Stipend does not matter. It's easy to lose focus and get lost in the glamorous world of a B school but remember you're still a student. It's better to have a good role in the internship than to have a good stipend because a year later when you sit for your finals your work would secure you a job, not the stipend.
Keeping all of the above points in mind I sat for the interview of Godfrey Phillips India and was overwhelmed with happiness once I was selected.
Fast forwarding to April I packed my bags and headed for the National Capital Delhi to embark on a new journey.
I was put into their marketing Dept of chewing business. My project as the brand manager of a particular franchise of the chewing business was that I was responsible for the pilot launch of two new brands of pan Masala in the Gujarat market.
Nearly every thing I've learnt in the first year including finance as well as marketing was used by me in my project. Designing digital marketing Campaigns to using Corporate finance to design the incentive schemes for dealers and retailers.
I even used analytics to conduct sales analysis for the particular franchise to understand the reasons for low sales and predict the future growth of the brand.
All the above wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for my Mentor in the company Ms. Akanxa Lal. She was a constant source of guidance for me throughout the two months. It's important to understand that you're a temporary employee during your internship, and can be easily overlooked however never was I treated in that way. My ideas were always appreciated and where ever I went she was always there to hold my hand and guide me towards the proper way.
It's regardless to say that my two months in Godfrey Phillips India would not have been as interesting and enriching without the constant support of my mentor Akanxa Ma'am.
If one is looking for advice on what and what not to do during an internship here are a few points.
1. Explore all avenues. Go in with an open midset. A lot of the times especially people with prior work ex go for the internship with a closed mindset and with a bias for certain areas work. Please understand that your internship is just a learning curve and going in with an open mindset is a must.
2. Do not be afraid to ask questions. The more you ask the more you learn, the more clarity you get on the work you've been assigned to do.
3. Adapt. Improvise. And overcome. Not all situations you'll get in your work would be in your comfort zone so don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and do the tasks assigned to you. My job required me to travel to interior parts of Gujarat in mid-may. The temperature reached 45 deg C and more...but it was all a part of the process.
So. That was my internship story. Remember these pointers and I hope my story motivates you and guides you in the times of trouble