Internships or Summer Internships play a crucial role for MBA programs. A summer internship in MBA colleges in India is a short-term, typically 8-10 weeks, work placement program for MBA students, usually taken during the summer break between the first and second year of the MBA program. The internship provides students with hands-on experience in a real-world business setting, allowing them to apply their theoretical knowledge and develop skills and competencies relevant to their career goals. Companies offer these internships to MBA students to identify and groom potential future employees. According to a report by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), internships are an essential component of management education in India. 

Internships as Experiential Learning

Internships provide students with the opportunity to apply the concepts they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations. It allows them to gain hands-on experience in the corporate world and understand the various roles and responsibilities of managers. This is particularly valuable for PGDM students as the curriculum of these programs is designed to provide them with a balance of theoretical and practical learning. Furthermore, it gives them an opportunity to analyse their strengths and weaknesses in the corporate world before setting foot on the field.

Development of Soft Skills

Moreover, internships also help students to develop soft skills such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving. According to a survey by the National Employability Report, soft skills are considered to be more important than technical skills by employers in India. Therefore, internships provide PGDM students with an opportunity to develop these skills which are highly valued by employers.

Networking

Furthermore, internships also provide students with the opportunity to network with professionals in the industry. This is particularly important for PGDM students as it allows them to establish connections with potential employers. According to a survey by the Confederation of Indian Industry, internships are considered to be the most important source of recruitment for companies in India. Therefore, internships provide PGDM students with an opportunity to secure employment after graduation.

Internship Process at MBA Colleges

The internship process in MBA colleges in India typically involves the following steps:

1. Application: Students typically apply for internships through the college's career services office or through online portals provided by the college. The application process usually includes submitting a resume, cover letter, and other required documents.
2. Selection: After the application deadline, the college's career services office or the respective department screens and selects the students for the internships based on their qualifications, academic records and interests.
3. Placement: After being selected, students are placed with companies or organizations that match their interests and skills. The college's career services office or the respective department usually assist students in finding an internship that is relevant to their field of study.
4. Orientation: Before starting the internship, students usually attend an orientation session where they receive information about the company or organization they will be interning with and the expectations of the internship.
5. Duration: The duration of an internship in MBA colleges in India varies, but it generally ranges from 4-6 months.
6. Evaluation: During the internship, students are usually evaluated by the company or organization they are interning with. This evaluation is used to assess their performance, and it also helps students identify areas for improvement.
7. Completion: Upon completion of the internship, students are usually required to submit a report or a presentation on their experience and the skills they have gained during the internship.
8. Certification: Students will be given a certificate of completion by the company or organization they interned with. Some colleges also provide an internal certification on the completion of the internship.

Tips to Ace the Internships Process in your college

Here are some tips to help you get the best internships in a MBA college in India:

1. Start early and Network: Start looking for internships early in your academic program. This will give you more time to find the best opportunities and increase your chances of getting an internship. Network with alumni, faculty, and professionals in your field of interest. This can help you learn about internships that are not widely advertised.
2. Utilize college and online resources: Make use of the resources provided by your college such as the career services office and online job portals. These resources can help you find internships that match your interests and qualifications. Utilize online resources as well such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Naukri.com and Internshala to search for internships
3. Tailor your resume and be proactive: Don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Reach out to companies and organizations that interest you and inquire about internships. Tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific internship you are applying for. This will show that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the opportunity.
4. Be open to different opportunities: Don't limit yourself to internships in one specific industry or company. Be open to different opportunities and be willing to explore different fields. Remember that Internships are meant to explore beyond your boundaries.
5. Prepare well for the interview: If you get an interview, prepare well. Research the company, its products, services, culture and its recent activities.

Learn More about other MBA Programs at Great Lakes.

What are PPOs?

PPOs (Permanent Placement Offers/Opportunities) after an internship refer to the opportunity for an intern to convert their internship into a full-time, permanent position within the company. After completing an internship, if the intern has performed well, demonstrated value to the team and have shown an interest in the company, they may be offered a PPO by the company. The PPO will typically involve a probationary period during which the intern's performance will be evaluated to determine if they are a good fit for the company and the position. If the intern performs well during the probationary period, they will typically be offered a permanent contract. The PPO may have a similar role or a different role but it will be a full time employee status.

Tips to convert your internship into a PPO

To convert an internship to a full-time position (PPO) at a company, there are a few key steps you should take:

1. Establish yourself as a valuable asset to the team during your internship: This can be done by taking on additional responsibilities, meeting or exceeding expectations, and building positive relationships with your colleagues.
2. Actively communicate your interest: Let them know that you are interested in the opportunity and why you think you would be a good fit for the company.
3. Be prepared to discuss your qualifications and skills: Make sure you can clearly articulate how your skills and experience align with the company's needs and how you would contribute to the company in a full-time role.
4. Network and build relationships: Not only with your direct team members and supervisor, but also with other departments and colleagues in the company. Networking can help you better understand the company's culture and needs, as well as increase your visibility within the organization.
5. Show your commitment and enthusiasm: Showing your dedication to the company's mission, vision and values will demonstrate your engagement and willingness to grow with the company.
6. Be patient and persistent: Remember that the process may take time and that the company will likely have to evaluate multiple candidates before making a decision. Don't be discouraged if you don't hear back immediately, and continue to express your interest in the position even after your internship has ended.
7. Be proactive and ask for feedback: During and after your internship, ask for feedback from your supervisor and other members of the team. Use this feedback to improve your skills and performance, and demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow.
8. Be flexible and open to different roles: While you may have a specific role in mind, be open to different opportunities within the company that may align with your skills and interests.

By following these steps, you will increase your chances of converting your internship into a full-time position. Remember that the most important thing is to be persistent, proactive and professional throughout the process.

Internships at Great Lakes Institute of Management

Great Lakes has been successfully assisting students to get Internships and make the best out of it since its inception. The duration of internships at Great Lakes Institute of Management is typically 4-6 months. During the internship, students are evaluated by the company or organization they are interning with, which is used to assess their performance and help them identify areas for improvement. Upon completion of the internship, students are required to submit a report or a presentation on their experience and the skills they have gained during the internship.

During the last Summer Internship Session (2022-23), some of the companies that offered internships to students at Great Lakes Institute of Management in Chennai included big names like Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, JP Morgan, Nestlé, EY, BNY Mellon, Decathlon, Dell, ITC, HP, ICICI and Standard Chartered. These companies offer a wide range of roles in various domains, including Sales & Marketing, Finance & Banking, Operations, Analytics, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, and Consulting & Strategy.

Explore More about the Internships at Great Lakes Institute of Management.

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Author -
Rishabh Srivastava
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai