I am K. Hima Varsha, currently in my third year (after second year when I did the internship). In my second year summers I worked as a Market Research Intern at Mittal Alliance. This article gives an overview of how I got this internship and my experience during those two months.

About the Internship:

Company: Mittal Alliance
Role: Market Research Intern
Duration: 2 months
Mode: Online internship
Company Type: MNC

How I Got the Opportunity:

I found this opportunity on LinkedIn and applied directly through the platform.

Selection Process:

1. Detailed Application Form (30-40 minutes)
   • Asked about life experiences, challenges, and background
   • Used for interview shortlisting
2. CEO Interview - Direct interview with the company CEO
3. Confirmation email after successful interview

Preparation:

Focus Areas:

• Company Research - Understanding organization, work procedures, and values
• Role Understanding - What exactly the position entailed and expectations
• Value Addition - How I could contribute differently
• Resume Preparation - Highlighting relevant experiences

Previous Experience That Helped:

• Marketing Head at SARC - Demonstrated leadership and marketing experience
• General projects - Showcased diverse skill set and impressed interviewers

Primary Responsibilities:

Research Activities:

• Market Analysis - Extensive internet research across different domains
• E-commerce Framework Study - Browsing websites of various e-commerce domains
• Digital Framework Understanding - Analyzing contributions and structures
• Meeting Participation - International business meetings and discussions

Customer Analysis:

• Customer Persona Mapping - Creating ideal customer profiles
• CRM Tools - Learning and using Customer Relationship Management tools
• Market Exploration - Deep diving into various market segments

Work Culture & Experience:

Team Environment:

• Excellent support - Everyone was supportive and responsive
• Good communication - Easy access to team members and leadership
• Professional atmosphere - Well-structured work environment

Unique Opportunities:

• International Exposure - Participating in online meetings with international business personnel
• Corporate Leadership Interaction - Working directly with global corporate leaders
• Diverse Coordination - Managing work with people from different locations

Key Learnings:

Technical Skills:

• Remote Work Coordination - Managing tasks and deadlines virtually
• CRM Tools Proficiency - Hands-on experience with customer management systems
• Market Research Methodologies - Systematic approach to market analysis
• Customer Persona Development - Creating detailed customer profiles

Soft Skills:

• Remote Collaboration - Coordinating with people from different geographic locations
• International Communication - Professional interaction with global business leaders
• Corporate Exposure - Understanding global business environments
• Meeting Participation - Contributing effectively in professional discussions

Career Impact:

Passion Discovery: Really enjoyed creating ideal customer personas and exploring different markets - this work genuinely excited me and helped identify my interests in market research and customer analysis.

Recommendations for Juniors:

LinkedIn as Primary Platform:

• Extensive opportunities - LinkedIn has numerous internship openings
• Direct company applications - Many firms post openings directly
• Networking possibilities - Can connect with HRs and recruiters
• Targeted applications - Can research and apply to specific companies of interest

Advice for First-Time Interns:

Mindset Approach:

• Have a clear mind and be open to new experiences
• First exposure opportunity - Embrace the learning experience
• Exploration phase - This is the time to discover what excites you
• No restrictions - Don’t limit yourself to preconceived notions
• Stay open-minded - Be receptive to different types of work and learning

Common Misconceptions:

Stipend Reality: It’s not always about the pay/stipend - Focus on learning and experience.

Unpaid Internships: Nothing to feel bad about doing unpaid internships - experience matters more in the long run and provides value that extends beyond immediate monetary compensation.

Core vs Non-Core Decision:

Recommendation: Entirely depends on your interests - There’s no compulsion to pursue a career in your academic department.

Exploration Advice:

• Try to explore more opportunities across domains
• Find your interests through hands-on experience
• Look for diverse opportunities rather than restricting yourself
• Department doesn’t determine career - You can build a career in any field that excites you

Final Thoughts:

This internship was particularly valuable because it helped me discover my genuine interest in market research and customer analysis. The remote work experience and international exposure provided a unique perspective on global business operations.

Key Takeaway: Use internships as exploration opportunities rather than just resume builders - the clarity you gain about your interests is invaluable for long-term career planning.

Contact Information:

• LDAP: 23b2236

Final Message: All the very best to everyone! Don’t be stressed about internships - focus on learning and discovering what genuinely interests you.