How To Be Ahead of Your Competition!!

1. Timing and Opportunities

• It is never too late to start looking for internships. Companies hire interns year-round, and it is not limited to the "summer internship" season.

• Internships can be pursued any time of the year as long as one can manage college assignments and internships simultaneously.

2. Internship Formats

• The format of an internship (remote, hybrid, or on-site) depends on individual preferences and circumstances.

• Hybrid internships are often recommended as they offer a balance between remote flexibility and on-site networking opportunities.

• On-site internships provide more opportunities for networking and learning from colleagues.

3. Number of Internships

• Aiming for three internships before the placement season is beneficial: one in the government sector, one in a startup, and one in a Big 4 firm.

• This diverse experience helps in deciding career preferences and boosts the CV.

4. Identifying Internship Openings

• Watch when companies' current interns are finishing up; thus, try to apply for those companies because you have a better chance of getting hired there.

• Example - Let's say Zomato hires summer interns from June to August. In late July or early August, start preparing your application for Zomato. This way, you're ready to apply as soon as they start looking for new interns for the fall or winter.

4. Prioritizing Brand vs. Role

• The choice between brand and role depends on individual goals and circumstances.

• In a brand-fascinated country like India, having well-known brands on the CV can be advantageous.

• However, if time allows, prioritizing a role that aligns with career goals can be more beneficial in the long run.

5. Required Skillsets

• Communication skills, especially in English, are crucial. Engaging in conversations with people in the industry can significantly enhance communication skills.

• Basic Excel skills (lookups, pivots, conditional formatting, sorting, and filtering) are essential.

6. Cold Emailing vs. LinkedIn

• Cold emailing is more effective than LinkedIn messages.

• Prioritize cold emailing during weekdays and use LinkedIn during weekends.

7. Cold Calling for Internships

• Cold calling is an immediate way to get answers about intern hiring but may not always reach the right person.

• Managers are more likely to know about intern hiring needs than HR.

8. Importance of GPA

• GPA is important for on-campus recruitments but not as critical for off-campus opportunities.

• A good CV with relevant experience can compensate for an average GPA.

9. Paid vs. Unpaid Internships

• Consider the exclusivity and brand value of the internship.

• Exclusive brands can make a CV stand out more than common names, even if the internship is unpaid.

10. Making the Most of Internship Opportunities

• Be proactive and extroverted during internships.

• Network extensively and understand the corporate world to maximize the experience.