How I found a meaningful internship after struggling for three years
About the Author: Manisha Panchal is pursuing M.A. in Economics from JNU, Delhi. She recounts how she struggled for three years before finally finding a meaningful internship and also provides some useful tips for internship aspirants.
It all started when I joined JNU for post-graduation and was looking for internships. During graduation, I had struggled unsuccessfully for three years to find an internship on my own. Only a few of my classmates who had some ‘contacts’ in companies were able to find an internship. I wasn’t aware of online platforms back then, but during my M.A. one of my fellow classmates recommended Internshala to me. I didn’t want to waste two more years of my life in another futile attempt of finding a meaningful internship. Thus, with some apprehension, I finally registered on Internshala. I simultaneously created my accounts on other similar sites as well, but the response that I got on Internshala was way better. The process was transparent and the well-organized categories and options were easy to use.
However, I didn’t get hired right away. For the first couple of months, I kept applying to different positions but couldn’t get through. I was looking for an economics related research profile, but either the companies required someone who had an MBA or the work profile was not good. I was also not clear about the way I should answer the why should you be hired question in the beginning. After reading some articles, I realized my mistakes and prepared new answers.
I applied for a full-time internship in Sunil Healthcare Limited during March 2016 and got selected in May 2016. First, I was shortlisted for the preliminary interview round. The interview tips given on the Internshala blog, along with few other articles which I had read on the internet, helped me prepare for the interview. After the interview, I was given a research task for the next round which I completed successfully. Then, I gave a detailed presentation on the completed task in the second round of interview. Finally, I was hired for the position of Market Research Trainee. The stipend offered (15K) was really cool for a fresher like me. On the first day of office, I was very nervous. However, people in the office were really nice and helpful, and I enjoyed my first day in the office. I was given a variety of responsibilities to handle. I also got the opportunity to visit Rajasthan and Punjab for my research. Travelling to new places and cities all alone was a new experience. It was a great market exposure for me, and I learnt a lot.
I was given a comfortable space to work. Adhering to deadlines and office timings helped me become more punctual and sincere towards my work. The whole office celebrated my birthday together and gave me a sweet farewell too. I also received great appreciation from the Chairperson for my research. I’d never thought that an intern could also get so much importance and responsibilities. These two and a half months changed my perspective towards many things in life. I gained the much-needed self-confidence and started believing in my capabilities. I’ll cherish these moments for the rest of my life.
This would not have been possible without the support provided by Internshala; it gave wings to my dream. To all the students who are struggling to find good internships – I advise you to try Internshala once. You should also have clarity about the kind of work you want to do; don’t compromise on that. It may require some time and patience, but you would get an experience that would help you grow by leaps and bounds.
If you are also looking for opportunities in the corporate sector, check out these amazing market research internships and management internships.
