What makes someone choose ‘Dettol’ over another hand sanitizer? Or ‘Finish’ with a regular dishwashing liquid? For Sakshi Agarwal, these weren't just casual thoughts; they were the questions that shaped her entire career path.

"I've always been curious about what makes people choose one product over another," Sakshi reflects. This curiosity had already led her through early internships and hands-on startup experiences before she discovered something that would change her trajectory: Reckitt's Career Compass program.

The Discovery That Changed Everything

Like many MBA students, Sakshi first heard about the program through her business school's placement cell. But what caught her attention wasn't just another corporate internship opportunity; it was Reckitt's reputation for "building purpose-driven brands that quietly become habits, like Dettol, which is a part of every Indian household."

The application process proved to be anything but ordinary. It began with a case competition focused on crafting a growth strategy for Veet. "The competition itself was intense since every team brought their A-game. We spent sleepless nights in the library brainstorming ideas," Sakshi recalls. But this wasn't just about academic excellence; teams needed ideas that would genuinely connect with consumers.

What set Sakshi apart during the interview wasn't her perfect answers, but her authentic story. She openly discussed her unconventional decision to start her career in startups, explaining how it shaped her problem-solving approach. "I think that's what made my application stand out—I wasn't just focused on cracking the interview, I was clear about the kind of work and values I want to be part of."

Diving into the Unknown

When Sakshi received her project assignment, she faced an unexpected challenge. She was assigned to work on Finish, Reckitt's dishwasher detergent brand - a category she knew nothing about. "In fact, I hadn't even heard of the brand when I received my project charter. It felt alien at first, but that made it even more exciting."

Reckitt's approach was refreshingly different from typical internships. Sakshi was given full autonomy to explore, question, and test ideas. From consumer immersions to secondary research, she dove deep into understanding what triggers people and what holds them back from adopting new products.

Mentorship That Matters

What made the experience truly transformative was the guidance she received. Her mentors at Reckitt took an unconventional approach—they never provided ready-made answers. Instead, they encouraged her to keep digging deeper, asking "why" until insights became razor-sharp.

"They made me feel like a part of the core team as I was looped into existing brand conversations and even internal brainstorms just to build my context," Sakshi explains. This wasn't just about making an intern feel included; it was about building real understanding and confidence.

Overcoming the Biggest Challenge

Working on a category she had no personal experience with presented unique difficulties. "The biggest challenge was working on a category I had no personal experience with,” Sakshi explained. The unfamiliarity made it tough to empathize with customer routines she hadn’t lived herself.

The solution came through intensive consumer immersions and active listening rather than making assumptions. This approach helped her transform everyday pain points into actionable insights and taught her to navigate ambiguity, a crucial skill in brand strategy.

Creating Real Impact

Unlike many internship projects that end up in forgotten folders, Sakshi's work generated genuine value. Her research led to new insight angles that hadn't been explored before, some of which are being considered for future implementations. "These weren't just generic observations, but things that could actually change how we position the brand if they land with the consumer."

The Bigger Picture

The experience fundamentally shifted Sakshi's understanding of marketing. "It made me realise how much I enjoy the pace, the pressure, and the kind of thinking FMCG demands," she says. She discovered that effective marketing isn't about selling, it's about storytelling and solving real problems with clarity.

For students considering similar opportunities, Sakshi's advice is straightforward: "Be authentic and curious. Reckitt doesn't expect you to know it all, but they value people who ask the right questions, own their work, and aren't afraid to think differently."

Her journey from startup enthusiast to brand strategist proves that sometimes the best career moves come from following your curiosity, even when it leads you to brands you've never heard of.

Ready to Write Your Own Success Story?

If her story resonates with you and you're ready to dive into the world of purpose-driven marketing, Reckitt's Career Compass program might be your next big opportunity - Register now.

Sakshi Agarwal

From Startup Curiosity to Brand Strategy: How One MBA Student Landed Her Dream Internship at Reckitt