Embarking on the Journey
Balancing a full-time internship while pursuing the final year of my computer engineering degree has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. As a student at K J Somaiya College of Engineering, which comes under Somaiya Vidyavihar University, my University has a unique offering for students in their last semester. At the start of semester 8, students are given an option to either pursue academics or pursue a Semester Long Internship. I was intrigued with the prospect of getting real-world job experience even before graduation so I happily signed up for it. With graduation on the horizon in June 2025, I wanted to share my story, my struggles, and the invaluable lessons I've learned along the way.
More about Semester Long Internship program
The semester-long internship program is a key initiative aimed at providing undergraduate students with real-world, immersive learning experiences that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry practice. At K. J. Somaiya College of Engineering (KJSCE), the semester-long internship (SLI) is incorporated into the final year of the undergraduate curriculum, allowing students to gain hands-on exposure in a professional environment while continuing their academic progression. This program offers students the opportunity to work with industry partners, including major companies and startups, for a duration of approximately 14 weeks during their final semester. The SLI serves as a significant experiential learning component, offering students the chance to apply classroom concepts to practical engineering problems, develop technical and soft skills, and enhance their career readiness. It helps students build professional networks, gain confidence, and explore potential career paths, all of which contribute to their personal and professional growth. Furthermore, the program benefits educational institutions by fostering industry collaborations, enhancing graduate employability, and providing feedback for refining curricula to better align with industry demands. To ensure its success, the SLI program is carefully designed with clear learning objectives, structured mentorship, and rigorous assessment mechanisms. Students are required to complete coursework, including online NPTEL courses, and undergo interim evaluations and a final presentation. The program is structured to ensure both academic and practical rigor, ultimately preparing students for successful careers in the competitive job market.
Securing the Internship
The opportunity to work as a Business Analyst intern at Purplle, India's second-largest online beauty retailer, has been a dream come true. The process of securing this internship was both rigorous and exhilarating. It began with a campus hiring drive organized by Purplle, where I was fortunate to be one of the few selected candidates. The selection process involved multiple stages:
- Resume-based Shortlisting: Highlighting my relevant skills and experiences in web development and business analysis.
- Aptitude Test: Testing my proficiency in English, mathematics, logical reasoning, and SQL.
- Interview: A grueling 90-minute interview with the tech team, where I showcased my problem-solving abilities and demonstarted skills which I had learnt during my previous internship as a Business Analyst at Caarya. The learnings that this internship provided to me were crucial in cracking this interview, without which it would have been very difficult for me to gain this opportunity.
The Learning Experience
Working at Purplle has been an eye-opening experience. It has allowed me to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. The practical knowledge I've gained has been invaluable:
- Comprehensive Industry Exposure: Understanding the dynamics of the beauty retail sector and the intricacies of a fast-growing startup. This exposure has broadened my perspective and provided a holistic view of the industry.
- Practical Application: Applying theoretical concepts from my coursework to on-the-job tasks, enhancing my professional skills. This hands-on experience has significantly boosted my confidence in handling real-world challenges.
- Career Decision-Making: Gaining clarity on whether this industry and profession align with my career aspirations. This internship has helped me evaluate my interests and strengths, guiding me towards a fulfilling career path.
- Skill Development: Learning new skills and supplementing existing knowledge through hands-on experience. From data analysis to problem-solving, the skills I've developed are invaluable.
- Communication and Teamwork: Improving my ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively within a team. This has taught me the importance of clear communication and the power of teamwork.
- Time Management: Balancing academic responsibilities with internship tasks, honing my time management skills. Juggling multiple tasks has taught me how to prioritize and manage my time efficiently.
- Different from Academics: Instead of giving exams, I get to tackle exciting new problems every day, testing my abilities far greater than any exam ever could. I'm learning more concepts than I ever did in labs and lectures, making every day a new adventure.
- Corporate Culture: Understanding the workings of a corporate environment—from dressing etiquette to mailing etiquette, office gossips to celebrating every win. This has given me a taste of what to expect in the corporate world and how to navigate it successfully.
- Resume Building: Adding valuable experiences to my resume, making me a stronger candidate for future opportunities. This internship is a testament to my hard work and dedication, enhancing my professional profile.
- Higher Education: Strengthening my profile for potential higher education applications. The skills and experiences gained during this internship will undoubtedly support my future academic pursuits.
- Networking: Building a network of industry professionals and fostering meaningful relationships. These connections are invaluable and will support my career growth.
- Organization Evaluation: Assessing Purplle as a potential employer for future full-time roles. This internship provides me with the opportunity to evaluate the company and envision my future within it.
Conclusion
Balancing a full-time internship while completing my final year of engineering has been a transformative experience. It has equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in my career. This journey has been a testament to the importance of hands-on experience and the value of bridging the gap between academia and industry. As I look forward to graduating in June 2025, I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped my professional journey. My internship at Purplle is ongoing and is a part of my degree requirements, expected to end by July 2025. The road ahead is exciting, and I am eager to continue learning and growing.
About the Author
Arnav Gholap is a computer engineering student at K J Somaiya College of Engineering, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, with a passion for web development and professional growth. He is currently interning as a Business Analyst at Purplle, gaining valuable insights into the beauty retail industry and honing his skills for a successful career.