Today we have Tapasyya, from Goa Institute of Management, sharing her internship experience at HDFC Bank.
InternFeel: Please tell us something about yourself. Where and what are you studying currently?
Tapasyya Sabharwal: Hi, I am Tapasyya. I am studying Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) at Goa Institute of Management (GIM), Goa. I am a Marketing major and HR minor.
IF: Give us details about your internship/work experience – process of application, stipend, duration, and place?
TS: I did my Summer Internship at HDFC Bank in Panjim, one of the busiest and biggest branches in Goa.
The shortlisting process was an internal one, conducted by the Placement Cell of GIM, along with the HR of HDFC Bank, Goa. Once shortlisted, the selected students (about 60 nos.) had to go through a rigorous Group discussion process, which had a panel of 3 people and 7 students each. Candidates from each cluster of students were scrutinized and shortlisted further, for a personal interview with the HR.
The complete process lasted a day, by the end of which, 18 candidates were selected based on their caliber, potential, deliverables, and thought process.
This exercise was conducted on the beautiful campus of GIM.
IF: How competitive was the selection process? According to you, which qualities have helped you have an edge in the selection process? Also, what were the key things that selectors were looking for?
TS: As mentioned above, the process was quite stringent. The HR and his team were looking for someone who could think differently, is a cultural fit, wants to genuinely work with the bank, is flexible, and has a drive for marketing and sales.
I think, the qualities that helped me go ahead the curve were my enthusiasm to join the bank, interest in marketing and sales, and thought process.
IF: Could you please highlight the work/research you carried out during your internship period?
TS: The interns had different work locations, spread across India. We had been given different subjects for the duration of 2 months, on which we were expected to work and deliver.
My topic “Expanding Digital Footprint” was about observing, helping, suggesting, and moving customers (savings and current) to digital platforms for transactional purposes.
IF: Can you give us interesting details about your experience – good and bad? (It could be something like the amazing location of your internship, the friends you made for life, a bad senior, accommodation given in case of an outstation internship and something along that line.)
TS: On an all basis, my internship experience was a very interesting one. I happened to have one of the most amazing mentors, my Branch Manager, who in spite of having a very, very busy schedule, made time for me to explain the agendas and terminologies.
Not to forget the HR, Goa, who was very helpful and supportive during the course of the internship.
As mentioned, I interned at Goa’s biggest branches in terms of volume, which gave me a lot of exposure and experience.
Also, I managed to make really good friends and also happened to meet my super senior from GIM.
IF: How do you think this internship has helped you grow? In other words, what are your key takeaways from the internship?
TS: The internship was my first hands-on experience in corporate life. Being a fresher, I never had an opportunity to understand the workings of a corporate job, I am glad that HDFC bank gave me this opportunity.
Moreover, as I had nothing to compare this experience to, I can safely say that the internship helped me know the workings of a bank, behind the counter, a very crucial step, before I completely step into the corporate job after completing my degree.
IF: Has this internship had a decision altering impact on your career? Do you now think of a different future path as compared to before doing the internship?
TS: As a typical marketing person, I was very skeptic about working in anything apart from FMCG. After spending 2 months at a bank, I realized that it is as interesting and intriguing as any FMCG, just a different sector. I am now open to placements from banks as well.
IF: Lastly, do you have any words of advice or caution for students aspiring for this internship and reading this piece?
TS: You need to love the job to excel in it. It ain’t an easy job, but definitely a fun one. HDFC Bank definitely makes you feel at home, part of the family. Lastly, do not join a bank if you want a comfortable job.
IF: Please rate this internship from the scale of 0 to 10, 0 being really bad to 10 being awesome!
TS: 10!
Related Internship Stories of interns in Banking sector
http://internfeel.com/internship-experience-pragya-dixit-hdfc-bank-ltd-relational-internship-2016/
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