What you need to know.
Once you join a b-school and start settling down, in about a month or two you get hit by this bolt called the Summer Internship Program; and just like any other b-school in India, various companies, ranging from Fortune 500 to start-ups, across various industries visit the college to find an intern who can add value to their organisation.
Rejections and Experience
Before getting selected in Philips Lighting (now “Signify”) Campus Sparks Program, I sat for three other top-notch companies during our SIP and faced consecutive rejections in the final rounds.
This is what every First Year needs to know:
SIPs are very unpredictable and every now and then even the brightest ones would not get selected in a company they wanted to work for!
So you need to focus on ‘What more do you bring on the table for them?’
Persistence is the key to success in these cases, where almost on every single turn of the road you would find an obstacle that will eventually tend to lower your morale and break the confidence that you have acquired over the year.
I was at that very point after facing my first three back to back rejections. Fortunately, I am a movie buff and my coping mechanism was to watch documentaries of great leaders and entrepreneurs who succeeded despite all the odds. You need to find what works best for you!
Point Where Everything Changed
Before the next company came to the college, I made sure to ask the following questions to myself over and over again, be it based on a project/assignment or a topic I would be researching on:
¬ What more do I need to know about this?
¬ Is there a loophole or a counter to this approach/model/theory?
¬ What value do I add if I have to pitch this idea?
¬ How will I make sure it is implemented well and the follow up is done?
¬ Last but not the least, what’s NEXT?
Being an HR, just like any other specialisation, you are expected to not only know your ‘Bible’ (HR Gyaan), but
‘How do you show its impact on the business?’ or ‘How do you make sure what you are suggesting gives a sufficient ROI?’. And this was a great piece of advice I received before my Final Interview.
Preparation
Now, your approach/preparation strategy can be different, but how do you make sure that in the end, you reach your destination?
Personally, for me, I went through every single article, research paper, organisational theories, marketing concepts, retro ideas, Gallup surveys, Deloitte Reports, and books from industry specialists and leaders; and started curating it all.
However, even that was not enough. The next question was how do I put them to use after all not being able to put them into use would be disappointing with all the time and effort which went into curating it!
In order to build on what I already knew, and verify or get the business perspective about things, I started talking more and more to professors to gain perspective on what I had read so far.
By the time Philips Lighting, a company that is a household name since the last 125 years, announced its intention to visit the campus for the first time, I was ready to pour everything I knew in a well-mixed cocktail of information at the right time, in response to the relevant question.
Part of you getting selected is also based on your “selling skills”.
‘How well can you sell yourself to the recruiter and catch their attention in a span of 10-15 minutes?’ (read more on: STAR Technique, one of the most basic techniques to answer every interview question).
Internship: Being a Campus Spark
Project Title: Success Profiles and Transition Plan
What Success Profile entails?
Identifying a relevant model for success profiles, which captures the essence of the best performing talent (current performance and not potential to perform) in a one-page document
¬ Via interviews of top performing talent in the organisation for every specific role, and
¬ Filtering relevant information based on the project and overall feedback received on various aspects, like HR Policy etc.
What Transition Plan Entails?
1. Success Profiles works as the backbone for the transition plan as follows:
a. Gives you a clear picture of what two different roles require
b. Gap analysis becomes easier because of established competencies, knowledge, experience (already prepared for the two roles)
c. Key developments areas are (“Individual Development Plan”) more clear and understandable by comparing two profiles.
2. The Transition Plan:
a. Focusing on the gap areas, and building a smooth transition plan from one job role to other, For example: What sort of knowledge is required in the other role?
b. Flexibility is the key, as there is an added responsibility of performing a dual role (erstwhile & new) for a few months, until the time the replacement is not hired.
Just like a Session Plan for a training module, one needs to have a clear understanding of what needs to be done when.
Business Impact:
¬ Success profiles can be primarily used in various areas: Talent Acquisition (with its alignment to psychometrics), Individual Development Plans for career progression, and Performance Evaluation for existing team
¬ The impact of the Transition Plan is primarily based on creating a smooth transition to achieve role clarity and reduce the role settling period.
¬ Feedback & check-in system, are two most important pillars to assure everything is going smoothly and helps to improve the program further and making sure the plan is implemented effectively.
What do you need to know?
¬ As a first year, you need to manage your time well (Gantt chart is something that I will suggest to set a particular timeline for each key project/area).
¬ Also, in order to build on a project, you need to have a strong foundation: so, by the time you reach your final review, your deliverables are well aligned and are ready to be implemented and cater towards specific areas based on your project
¬ Know your company and its core business well and understand the organisation structure well in advance.
¬ Interact with diverse people to get their inputs of what’s already been happening or in place and identify the loopholes.
¬ Have a solution-oriented approach towards the loopholes recognized, or any other problems encountered
¬ Behave professionally and value everyone’s time
¬ Stay inquisitive till the end: ask any and all set of questions (there is no such thing as irrelevant question or information)
¬ Be open to work under pressure, definitely aim for 100% project completion, and try to execute as much as you can in the set two months.
¬ Before pitching your work to a leader, always ask yourself, “So what? What impact is it creating?”
¬ Always let the stakeholders ask for more so that you can show the in-depth analysis of what you have done to accomplish the final result they see in front of them
¬ Always help your co-interns and your batch mates, in order to get more information and insights on what all projects are being done, and build your own knowledge in those areas by researching about it! You never know, you may just find more things to add to your project as value addition!
¬ Keep your approach, understanding of the project, and set deliverables as simple as possible: it allows you to have difficult conversations with leaders with a logical flow of communication (Do Watch: Start with Why)
Being a Campus Spark: Experience
Every time when I am asked about my experience as a Campus Spark in one of the most reputed companies, I am overwhelmed with the level of work, autonomy and support I received from my team and the company throughout these two months.
My team works as a close-knit family, with a business mindset, in order to create maximum impact from each and every project that an individual does in their tenure; be it the management trainees or permanent employees.
Your Project, Your Approach!
The level of exposure that I received while working on the project was immense, and all of it combined with complete autonomy in terms of building my own approach was just the icing on the cake.
Philips Lighting, as an organisation, has a set directive of instilling a sense of pride in their employees and keeping them focused towards:
¬ Being goal-oriented: ‘Passion for Results’
¬ Be a ‘Game Changer’
¬ ‘Customer is always First’
¬ You are ‘Greater Together’
And that is something that I witnessed, and practised, for these two months which enabled me to demand and deliver more from myself, both personally and professionally.
More Rewards, More Work and More Responsibility
They not only give you a project that involves starting from the scratch and setting a path for yourself to achieve set deliverable, but they also make sure that you have the room to execute what you have made (in tranches or otherwise).
My guide always reminded me of the above-mentioned ethos, whenever we decided to implement a part of my project. This continuous emphasis wasn’t clear to me till the time I actually went into execution and follow up phase.
I realized that more than anything, you own your project, and you are completely accountable and responsible for its execution and follow up, if it fits the set criteria (project alignment with stakeholders).
Constructive feedbacks, guidance and support
The one thing that distinguishes my company with all my previous experiences and notions is the amount of patience, support and constructive feedback which we received as interns, over the course of these two months.
Appreciation & recognition:
Personally, the most sentimental time for me was when I was awarded the “Best Summer Intern Project – HR” by my team and various other leaders in the room. The amount of recognition and appreciation for successfully completing the project from scratch, and implementing it, was unbelievable!
I would like to thank all the people who have guided me and took the initiative by enabling me with constructive feedbacks, throughout these two months, with absolute patience and integrity.
I am grateful to my mentor, guide, campus manager, HRBP and CHRO for their constant support.
I am open to connecting with aspiring and current HR professionals/students for any support or assistance on future projects: be it the SIP or anything else.
———–
About the Author:
Pranav Kumar
XAHR (formerly XIMB-HRM)
2017-2019
Comments
Saswati Mahapatra
Well Written
23 Jun 2018, 02.40 PM
Sahil Saxena
Very well drafted and highly detailed one.
23 Jun 2018, 02.42 PM
Siva Sasank
Student of MBA - HR
Going through the article it seems u had a great experience as a summer intern..
23 Jun 2018, 02.43 PM
Ranish Ranjan
"What do you need to know?" part was absolutely spot on. This is what every first year student needs to know before going for the SIP.
23 Jun 2018, 02.48 PM
Sushmit Senapati
I m always found in pursuit of perfection and I make sure it's wild, fierce, exciting and flamboyant.
Well articulated enlightening article. Well done pranav. Sky is the limit. Keep up the good work.
23 Jun 2018, 03.04 PM
Shruti Nair
Congratulations on the award, Pranav. I liked how you approached and prepared for the internship.
23 Jun 2018, 03.18 PM
Ankanksha Sharma
Commendable job
23 Jun 2018, 03.22 PM
Rashmi Jena
wow, very well written... And congratulations for the best internship project.
23 Jun 2018, 03.28 PM
ritika arora
Amazing! You strategized everything so well.
23 Jun 2018, 03.28 PM
Vishal Pattanayak
Stark realities and requirements very well highlighted
23 Jun 2018, 03.30 PM
sundram choudhary
Nicely said
23 Jun 2018, 03.38 PM
Nirlipta Panda
Congratulations for the award. Really well written! It gives an insight on Philips Campus Spark program and your approach for the internship.All the best.
23 Jun 2018, 03.40 PM
Manadeep Ganguli
Very well captured and written. Will indeed help anyone who has just joined the MBA hurdle.
23 Jun 2018, 03.43 PM
Harshil Mittal
Now this is what call an #Xinternship ! Good one buddy.
23 Jun 2018, 03.46 PM
Joe Melwin Raja
Structured and informative aricle, Pranav. Congratulations on the achievement!
23 Jun 2018, 03.58 PM
Vinnata Rout
MBA-HRM, Batch of 2017-19 from XaHR XUB (Previously HR-XIMB). BTech- Textile Technology, Batch of 2011-15 from CET-Bhubaneswar. Former Application Development Analyst (2015-17) at Accenture Solutions Pvt. LTD. Bangalore. Former Human Capital Intern at Arcesium India Pvt. LTD. Hyderabad. (2018)
Aced it like you always do!
23 Jun 2018, 04.03 PM
Bhargav Maddi
u would never want to miss me once u get to know me...:)
This is a well written and a detailed piece. Best wishes buddy!
23 Jun 2018, 04.06 PM
Anisha Kanjilal
Persuing MBA-HR and have a work experience of 2 years from Cognizant
Nicely drafted :)
23 Jun 2018, 04.08 PM
Mohsin Khan
Good job brother. Keep shining and all the best.
23 Jun 2018, 04.25 PM
Arnab Maiti
Well written and a must read for the first year students. Thank you for such a detailed insight.
23 Jun 2018, 04.35 PM
Saptarshi Ganguly
Helps a lot.....for I'm also someone in xahr preparing for summer internships.... really good insights into the entire matter
23 Jun 2018, 05.02 PM
Gopikishore Panda
A first year student of MBA-HRM at XAHR (formerly XIMB-HR) with 3.5 years of experience in Operations at HPE.
Very informative. Nicely written.
23 Jun 2018, 05.13 PM
Farzan Todiwala
Good article. Glad to know you had a good experience
23 Jun 2018, 05.15 PM
Sethumadhavan Iyer
Very detailed article and thanks for the insights
23 Jun 2018, 05.29 PM
Megha Denny
Very detailed and informative.Thanks for the guidance.
23 Jun 2018, 05.38 PM
Lopamudra Pattanayak
https://insideiim.com/peek-bhaina-land-xahr/
Congratulations ! We look forward to carry on the legacy !
23 Jun 2018, 05.49 PM
Gopikishore Panda
A first year student of MBA-HRM at XAHR (formerly XIMB-HR) with 3.5 years of experience in Operations at HPE.
Well written and very informative.
23 Jun 2018, 05.50 PM
Sahir Abraham
I am doing my MBA from XAHR of Xavier University, Bhubaneswar
Well written and extremely informative for the first year students
23 Jun 2018, 05.54 PM
Ramya Rimjhim
Very informative and inspirational!
23 Jun 2018, 05.55 PM
Soumyak Chand
Well written!
23 Jun 2018, 06.13 PM
Aditya Parashar
Very well written and a must read for all the first year students.
23 Jun 2018, 06.14 PM
Smruti Rekha Sahoo
Congratulations on your achievement!! It is Inspiring to come across the whole experience.
23 Jun 2018, 06.42 PM
Jaskirat Kaur
The article is explicitly written. Congratulations!
23 Jun 2018, 07.22 PM
Selina Elias
Very well written :)
23 Jun 2018, 07.28 PM
Jagjeet PUROHIT
Good content!! Well written
23 Jun 2018, 07.45 PM
Amarjeet Panda
A detailed one . Perfect guidance for a first year student . Thank you so much.
23 Jun 2018, 08.05 PM
Anudrutta Fouzdar
Shine bright, Pranav! It was wonderful to read your experience. :)
23 Jun 2018, 08.20 PM
MILANJYOTI SAHU
Very well written #XAHR
23 Jun 2018, 08.27 PM
Nikunj Ved
Dance freak, Bibliophile, HR fan.
Congratulations on winning the "Best Summer Intern Project" and all the best for future endeavors!!
23 Jun 2018, 11.02 PM
Indira Saxena
well written beta ☺️
24 Jun 2018, 11.06 AM
Jaspreet Malhotra
Well written Pranav
24 Jun 2018, 12.23 PM
surender rawat
wow, very well written… And congratulations for the best internship project.
24 Jun 2018, 05.44 PM
surender rawat
Very well drafted
24 Jun 2018, 05.47 PM
Rohit Tawar
Very well written and congratulations
24 Jun 2018, 06.10 PM
PRAVEEN GERA
Well written and very informative.
24 Jun 2018, 06.20 PM
Vinod Chawla
This is what every first year student need to know. Congratulation from my side. Keep it up bro.
24 Jun 2018, 06.35 PM
PARVEEN SINGH
Very Well Drafted
24 Jun 2018, 08.37 PM
Punam Taneja
Hello
Very well drafted
24 Jun 2018, 09.44 PM
Sanjeev Kumar Saxena
Detailed narration....well done for winning the best intern project in he ...keep going
24 Jun 2018, 09.46 PM
Ayush Arora
I'm so smart
Very well. Nice project well done. Keep it up Bro
24 Jun 2018, 10.10 PM
Saxena Ravi
simple Thinking
Informative and inspirational, Good one
24 Jun 2018, 10.29 PM
Dinesh Taneja
Good flow of writing the experience.
24 Jun 2018, 11.14 PM
Jyoti Moun
Very informative . Keep it up
25 Jun 2018, 01.49 AM
Alka Grover
Well done
25 Jun 2018, 09.07 AM
raj chaudhry
I am retired lecturer. Let me comment on the project plz
Congratulations!!!! Pranav . It was nice to go through your journey at Xavier's Bhuvneshwar. Well done! Keep it up. A great thanks to your Gurus under whose guidance you are what you are today Wishing you very best in life and to all your colleagues too whose company kept you moving . God bless you child...
25 Jun 2018, 09.12 AM
raj chaudhry
I am retired lecturer. Let me comment on the project plz
Congratulations!!!! Pranav . It was nice to go through your journey at Xavier's Bhuvneshwar. Well done! Keep it up. Very informative article.A great thanks to your Gurus under whose guidance you are what you are today Wishing you very best in life and to all your colleagues too whose company kept you moving . God bless you child...
25 Jun 2018, 09.13 AM
Poonam Gehlaut
Congratulations Pranav Kumar. Good job
25 Jun 2018, 09.31 AM
Dinesh Deshwal
Congratulations PRANAV. Very Well Written.
25 Jun 2018, 09.44 AM
Manav Arora
Well drafted...
25 Jun 2018, 09.48 AM
Shailja Arora
Congratulations for the award.well drafted...Beautifully explained...Highly informative.all d best for future endeavors
25 Jun 2018, 09.55 AM
Riya Kataria
New comer
Well drafted
25 Jun 2018, 09.59 AM
molika ahlawat
New comer
Well written
25 Jun 2018, 10.03 AM
kartik puri
Well written. Great writing pranav
25 Jun 2018, 10.03 AM
Preeti Thakur
Brother
Stay blessed bro..keep Ur work hard.
25 Jun 2018, 10.24 AM
Priyanka Sinha
Hiii I am Priyanka I have to give review on Pranav Artical.
Congratulations!!!! Dear.It was nice to go through your journey at Xavier’s Bhuvneshwar.The destiny of hard work is always success. You have done hard work and got succeed.I wish your all dream comes true....
25 Jun 2018, 10.28 AM
Anju Sharma
Good job friend. Keep shining and all the best.
Good job frind. Keep shining and all the best.
25 Jun 2018, 10.39 AM
bhawana madaan
Congrats brother, keep it up..
Very well written, keep it continue
25 Jun 2018, 10.39 AM
Somvir Yadav
Congratulations on the award, Pranav. Very well written. Good Work
25 Jun 2018, 10.40 AM
bhawna rani
Very well drafted keep it continue.👌👌👍👍
Very nice bro, keep it up
25 Jun 2018, 10.41 AM
Karuna Tanwar
Very well written and congratulations on your achievement!!
25 Jun 2018, 11.06 AM
shashi yadav
Well written and great efforts
25 Jun 2018, 11.10 AM
Mayank Tanwar
Well written
25 Jun 2018, 11.18 AM
lovely anand
Keep it up bro
Keep it up
25 Jun 2018, 11.52 AM
Tushar Mendiratta
Great piece of work Pranav. Indeed your near and dear ones are proud of your achievements and accomplishments. Keep up the good work :)
25 Jun 2018, 11.52 AM
Brij bhushan Bhushan
Weel Done Pranav ! Best wishes for your future endeavors.
25 Jun 2018, 11.56 AM
Kusum Mendiratta
Nicely written and well described, could be of great help to many who are looking forward to join XUB. Sharing your experience is the best thing a senior could do. Well done !
25 Jun 2018, 12.03 PM
FARZANA KHATOON
Very Nice👍👌
Keep it up dear
25 Jun 2018, 12.04 PM
Ranbir chauhan
Very nice ...... Keep it up 👍 👍
Very nice ...keep it u
25 Jun 2018, 12.11 PM
Harshit Aggarwal
Well written and perfect
25 Jun 2018, 12.25 PM
Shashi Bala
Amazing... Well written
25 Jun 2018, 12.26 PM
Sunita Ahuja
A great article. Really enjoyed the information and knowledge shared!
25 Jun 2018, 02.17 PM
HIMANSHU MENDIRATTA
Good Job.well done.keep it up!
25 Jun 2018, 03.44 PM
tanmeet malhotra
N/a
Very well written✍ and informative..
25 Jun 2018, 07.51 PM
PREM SHARMA
Welldone pranav .. very well written, keep it ip Best wishes for future..
25 Jun 2018, 09.42 PM
ANITA ATRAY
Very informatic and nicely written...This is very helpful for all the young aspirants. Good job
25 Jun 2018, 10.17 PM
Samreen Khan
Informative and inspirational good one👍👍 congratulation
Informative and inspirational good one congratulation
25 Jun 2018, 10.32 PM
mansi gandhi
A detailed one .. Very well explained.. Keep going
26 Jun 2018, 12.15 AM
puneeta sharma
Well written
2 Jul 2018, 01.46 PM