Students’ Speak: Paid internship during MBA promotes the concept ‘earn while you learn’

In conversation with Shiksha, Shefali Sawant shares placement and internship information about her institute Sir M Visvesvaraya Institute of Management and Research. She also shares some handy tips for students preparing for placements. 

Q: What are some handy tips you would want to share with MBA students appearing for placements?

A: Try to solve online Aptitude test, so that you can have a brief idea about the questions that are going to come while going for an interview. Aptitude test may help you improve your communication skills (generally English), Logical reasoning, quantitative ability and domain knowledge. Work on core subjects, equally. Work on interview preparation tips. Preparing for common interview questions. Research for the organisation you are going for. Improve your body language, dressing sense.

Q: What is the internship procedure at your institute?

A: Sir M Visveswaraya Institute of Management and Research has a concept of ‘earn while you learn’, so during the first year of college we had a paid internship in the companies provided by the college, but, it is only that the PGDM students could do after the college hours. Students are sent to the internship, so we gain more practical knowledge about corporate. And in the final placement, college brings a good company to the campus and with a good amount of package.  

We are offered a paid internship from the beginning of the college so that by the end of the second year we have experienced the corporate world. We also have a Black Book Project, which is an important project during internship and benefits during placements.

Q: Do you also have off-campus activities at your institute?

A: Yes, there are a lot of activities happens in our institute. These activities are mainly based on to grow the skills of the students and also for gaining knowledge 

Q: What is the basic eligibility criteria for placement?

A: The basic criteria include:       

• Attendance should be more than 75 percent
• Marks should be above 50 percent
• No backlogged accepted 
• Fees should be fully paid to the institute
• Black Book and other projects should be completed 
• Attended all the grooming sessions provided by the institute 
• You can only reject three companies after you are selected

Q: Which are the top companies visiting the campus for placement?

A: Some of the leading companies visiting our institute for placement are

• Kotak
• HDFC 
• Edupristine 
• Jaro
• FRR Forex
• Motilal Oswal

Q: What are some of the frequently asked questions during the interview?

A: The students are mostly asked questions about the company, about themselves, the current market scenario and previous experience if they have any. The students are also asked to elaborate on their strengths and weaknesses.

Q: What are the current placement statistics?

A: The placement at our institute only began early November this year. This year’s stats are:

• This year, till now 10 percent of the students have been placed.
• Till now only for marketing and finance students have applied for placement. The package offered varies between Rs 3-6 lakh.
• Thirty percent of the last year’s students were placed with an average package ranging between Rs 5-7 lakh per annum.

About the Author:

Shefali Sawant is a student at Sir M Visvesvaraya Institute of Management Studies and Research pursuing MBA with a specialisation in the field of Marketing. She has interned in the sales team with Motilal Oswal Financial Securities, Tata Tele Business Services and Rao-IIT Academy. She completed her graduation in 2016, from SNDT Women's College, Ghatkopar. She has also worked as a teacher for over one year.