Riya Singh is a graduate of Chemical Engineering from BIT Sindri. She is currently working as Tech Analyst in Hindalco Industries Limited (Aditya Birla group). She has done internships with several companies and through this article, she will share her experience of working with SAIL, ICOL, and a few other social marketing companies.
How did you get the internships? Can you tell me about the selection process?
During my graduation years, I got many internships. Among those internship offers, I chose to work with SAIL, Bokaro, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, and some other companies on social media marketing companies. These companies had a selection process where we were required to send our resumes and answer a few questions. After the completion, there was a call to check how fit we were to fill that position. After which our internship program started.
For SAIL and IOCL, I had to put in the referral through one of the employees who was our college's alumnus. We also had to go through a paper filling procedure containing all the details. The details included our CGPAs, other internship details, questions like “Why should they hire us?”, and so on. Thereby, after going through several processes, they chose to hire me as a Tech Analyst.
What was your title and responsibility in that internship?
In social media marketing, my position was namely Social Media Manager. Under this title, I was asked to do write, edit and manage content. I was also doing some managing for their social media to create a better customer reach.
On the other hand, when I was a Chemical Engineer Intern at SAIL, I had to know about all the plant operations and the process and make a report out of them. Meanwhile, in IOCl, I was an Engineer Trainee. Here, I had to do the analysis and market study as to which petrochemical will be better for their new plant and make the report out of it.
What are the challenges faced getting these internships?
I didn't face any specific challenges in getting these internships. But, maintaining work and managing time is a challenge sometimes. I had to do work and study at the same time, so it was a bit hard for me.
What kind of skills/characteristics are needed for this role?
Some required no specified skills other than having an eagerness to learn. Having a positive attitude will help you sail along with these internships. Some other internships may require good CGPAs, a little knowledge about the company, better communication skills, editing skills, writing skills, etc.
How was your overall experience during the internship?
My overall experience in the internships was very good. I got to learn a lot from great individuals, got to know how the companies work with their mission and vision, and also got to learn about the overall varied work environment.
Your stipend/salary range during these internships? What kind of benefits do you get?
My stipend varied a lot during these internships. The range varied from 4 digits to 5 digits, depending on the work that need to be done. Other than that, the benefits included are discounts on products that the company used to make, other coupons, and gift cards. Again, this is depending upon what benefit I have brought to the company with my work.
What do you think is a decent stipend during the internship which would interest students? Can you give a range?
A decent stipend helps a lot during the internships because, with the knowledge and experience they are gaining, a little stipend will boost their performance and attitude in working more profoundly. I can't give a range because I believe all the work requires a different amount and it should depend on the work that is going to be allocated. But, it definitely should be there.
How did the internship help you in getting your job? Your current title and company name?
I learned a lot from this internship, I became very handy with the job role over time. The market study, knowledge of various plants and operations helped me a lot in understanding the new process and the challenges that can be faced here at my job as well. And I believe it will help me a lot in getting a job in the future.
Do you think an internship is important for students why?
Yes, I believe an internship is important for students. Internships provide them with a small picture of how the corporate world works and what skills are yet to be acquired to survive in that corporate world. Thus, knowing those skills will help them in getting a job as well as sustaining that like a professional.
What suggestions can you give to fresh grads/students who want to apply for internships?
Make yourself align with your knowledge, skills, etc according to each internship's requirements that you are applying for. Do not get disheartened if you are not selected for one, there are numerous other companies out there in the corporate world. Have a positive, knowledge-welcoming attitude towards everything.