IIM Shillong Summer Internship Diaries 2021 | Consulting & Strategy

---

Soham Chaudhuri, Deloitte

Prep: I began my journey in the shoes of a consultant with just theoretical knowledge about what a consultant does; I had worked for almost two years in core operations, so naturally, and I loved solving problems and taking up projects, and I knew that a consultant does just that.

Project: During my internship, I learned the “Consulting Way.” From making client-worthy PPTs to correctly formatting excel sheets, conversing with clients, writing emails, identifying a problem, and structuring and storyboarding its solution – These are some of the most important things I learned as an intern. 

Takeaways: The rigor is real. The long hours, the stringent timelines, the heavy workload often makes you want to give up. However, the thrill of solving problems, meeting and network with a host of people, learning from them, and gaining inside industry knowledge are some things you can never experience anywhere else.

---

Shreyans Agrawal, EY

Prep: To help the interns, EY organized regular training sessions on risk consulting & client handling. These sessions helped to cover four essential pillars of consulting: problem-solving techniques, client handling, practicality & effectiveness of ideas, and interactive communication. 

Project: I worked with the company's top clients, assisting them in structuring their risk mitigation and expansion plans in all developing nations of AMEA. The first deliverables were detailed industry analysis and evaluating the current product portfolio of the client. Although the project was not extremely quantitative, I often had to analyze extensive client information to interpret critical changes.

Takeaways: Consulting often needs an ample amount of patience and structuring of thoughts. Always analyze the profile you are applying for, as each role & firm has a unique culture. Try to understand the bigger picture and present solutions with detailed analysis based on factual sources. Even in the interviews, continually analyze the case from a broader mindset considering the industry & stakeholders in that particular situation.

---

Manish Kumar, Cipla

Prep: When the three-day induction process began, we got an opportunity to interact with the senior management team. While the leaders emphasized it in their talks, we also got to know more about it through Cipla's 85 years enriched legacy, its Palliative Care Centre initiative, and above all, contributing to Cipla for Change foundation by volunteering for certain hours.

Project: My project required an in-depth analysis of different markets in the Middle East Region. Though the task of understanding these markets seemed herculean initially, the open culture allowed me to reach out to several employees, including the country managers, to get the insights. 

Takeaways: While the work took place at its pace, the activities such as regular catch-up sessions, fun games, and competitions went on, which allowed the interns to connect in the virtual setup. Moreover, I also got a chance to be a part of Cipla Unplugged – an in-house radio where I shared my experience with its employees across the globe. And, my favorite part about the program: the opportunity the top 5 interns get to present their projects to Global CEO Umang Vohra.

---

Read Next:

1. IIM Shillong Summer Internship Diaries 2021 | General Management
2. IIM Shillong Summer Internship Diaries 2021 | Finance-Part 1
3. IIM Shillong Summer Internship Diaries 2021 | Finance- Part 2
4. IIM Shillong Summer Internship Diaries 2021 | Sales & Marketing- Part 1
5. IIM Shillong Summer Internship Diaries 2021 | Sales & Marketing- Part 2

***