Guide for Internship Hunting in India

To all the future corporate wunderkinds out there! 

Have you ever found yourself wondering about the students landing all the rad internships? And here you are, scrolling through website after website, yet nothing really comes of it? Well, don’t be too hard on yourself—you aren’t entirely at fault.  

The thing is, the internship market in India is still a bit like the wild west, with no formal structure in place. You would be surprised at how many other students out there face the same problem as you. But fear not, young padawans, because we’re here to help you come up with a strategic plan to bag those dreamy internships! 

So, what are the things to consider when embarking on your quest for the perfect internship? Buckle up, we’re about to spill the tea on all the aspects that come into play when hunting for an opportunity. 

Insider tips for landing the perfect internship  

1. Sniffing out opportunities

As mentioned, the competition for internships in India can be fierce, but don’t worry you’ve got this!

To begin with, make sure you do your homework. That means digging deep and researching all the internship opportunities out there. Get yourself on some legit internship portals like Zuno to make sure you don’t miss out on any potential rare finds. Don’t forget to hit up your college placement cell or career websites to uncover more opportunities.

There are also job search engines like foundit, where companies list their internship openings. And if you’re feeling extra ambitious, consider hitting up some companies or HRs and let them know you’re interested in their internship program.

The bottom line is—do your research and get yourself out there to find the perfect internship! By being strategic and putting in some legwork, you’ll be well on your way to unearthing that dream internship.

2. Forge alliances

If you want to score big, you’ve got to start making connections. That’s right, networking is key to landing a coveted internship. And we’re not just referring to having thousands of Instagram followers (although that doesn’t hurt!).

In India, personal connections and referrals can be major players in rooting out internships or in the selection process. Start cultivating those relationships that can help you take steps towards your goal. Reach out to your friends, family, professors, mentors, and anyone else who might be able to help you out professionally. Attend seminars, conferences, and industry events to meet new people and expand your network. You never know who might be able to open doors for you!

Your dream internship could be just a referral away!
 

3. Intern-net: Online Application

Online application process for internships can be like a virtual adventure with twists and turns at every step. And if you’re on the hunt for an internship in India, you’ll need to be ready for anything.

The application process can vary from company to company and across industries. Some may want you to fill out a form that are longer than others, while others may simply ask for a resume and cover letter.

And don’t forget about aptitude tests—since you don’t really have a professional track record, they can be crucial in determining whether you’re worthy for an opportunity! Speaking of, Zuno does these cool aptitude tests for free to help you crack into awesome companies like Apple, Accenture, KPMG. Check them out!

Now, if you do make it past the initial screening, you might be in for some more rounds of interviews or assessments. It’s like a video game with multiple levels. So, make sure you’re prepared to bring your A-game at every stage.

4. Marks matter

Here’s the hard truth—in India, academic performance is often considered as one of the key factors in getting you over the finish line. That’s right, your marks can either make or break your chances of getting that dream internship or job. And to be honest, in many internship programs, marks can be the only thing that matters.

But don’t lose heart just yet. Many companies are not only looking for bookworms who ace every exam. They prefer their interns well-rounded with diverse skills and experiences. So, if you’re not topping the class, don’t sweat it! Show off your talents and highlight your strengths in other areas like extracurricular activities or work experience.

Focus on what you bring to the table and let your unique qualities shine.
 

5. Touch base!

Here’s a very important tip—don’t be afraid to follow up! In India, it’s common for candidates to follow up on their internship applications after a few days or weeks. You can shoot the company an email or even pick up the phone and give them a call to ask about the status of your application. Remember, the early bird catches the worm… and if it doesn’t, it’s the persistent who does.

So be sure to show that you’re proactive and interested in the position! Just don’t annoy them.
 

6. Broaden your horizon

When it comes to internships, it’s important to keep an open mind and explore your interests. Don’t be hell bent on just focusing on one discipline.

Point is, don’t limit yourself to just one field—you never know what you might enjoy! An internship is a chance to step outside your comfort zone and discover new things. You might find a hidden talent or passion that you never knew you had! And if we’re being honest, how many chances will you really get to explore once you’re much older? 

So, there you have it! 

Arm yourself with these hacks and you’re ready to take on the internship juggernaut. Remember to keep an open mind, plan well, and never be afraid to put in that extra effort. Who knows, you might just land the perfect internship. Now go out there and conquer the world, one internship at a time!