“The PGDM program from my college is not just a degree that I will use to get a foothold into the corporate world. It is the constant learning experience, which I will rely on in my long-term career,” says Priyanka Das, student of Batch 2016–18 at SRMS IBS. Recently she had the opportunity to intern with the biggest name in India media – The Times of India. She says she was ready for the demands of the field training, thanks to the solid learning experience at her B- School. Here she talks about the experience and what it means for her career.
Doing the Groundwork for Professional Training
Priyanka believes her college offers management aspirants the platform for industry roles in the future. Apart from the group discussions and PI sessions, she has benefited from guest lectures that offered practical insights into the functioning of the industry. “I had a fair idea of the corporate environment before I started my internship. My faculty members have always taught us beyond the books and encouraged leadership abilities. I had imbibed mind management, positive thinking, and initiative-taking skills, which I brought to the fore during my internship.”
An Eye Opener to the World of Sales
Working with the top media organization was one thing, being on the field with a hardcore Sales profile was quite another. But Priyanka aspires for a career in Marketing, which is why the sales position in the heart of Lucknow suited her perfectly. With guidance from her industry mentor, she made sure she delivered on the responsibilities given to her. “Based on the needs of the customers, I would work from morning till night without holidays. If I had any issues dealing with customers, my mentor would offer me suggestions. Sometimes he would join me on the field to sell newspaper subscription and it was great to learn from him.”
When the Going Got Tough, she Got Going
There were a few difficult moments for Priyanka during her internship. They involved customers refusing to listen to her pitches and trying to cover the length and breadth of Lucknow in time. But the difficulties only pushed her to give each task her best shot. That has helped to build her true mettle. “I have gained much insight into customer behaviour that I can use in my professional life. To succeed in sales, you need to have a lot of patience. That’s something very important I have learned during my internship.”
