Summer Placements III

Summer is fast approaching and all the management students must be looking forward to their summer placements. Normally, summer is considered as a period of holidays and relaxation. But for the first year students of Management Studies, this traditional view is irrelevant because soon they will be pushing off for their summer internships. Student interns can derive two values from their summer internships. One is the face value, i.e., to impress the employer and earn a Pre Placement Offer (PPO) and the other is the intrinsic value, i.e., to have an opportunity to put theory into practice and application to real life situations and develop professional skillsets. Here are some useful tips for students planning for their summer internships.
In summer internships, often, there is a lack of direction. The guide may not have time, the goals may not be clear and there can be lack of resources. But remember, it is your project and yours alone. Tackle these problems proactively and creatively. Setting clear project goals is the first step. Usually, the company and intern are aware of what they need. But this may not be clearly expressed, leading to confusion when the project is well under way. Ensure that the goals are Specific, Deliverable, Measurable, Action Oriented, Realistic and Timebound. Each goal should be tested to meet the above requirements. If it doesn't, it may need revision. Their can be variety of other mundane tasks a student intern may be required to perform. Such tasks are vital learning opportunities as they help develop the clarity of thinking and the understanding of the workplace environment. Though such tasks are important, one should not loose track of the project.
Maintain a logbook and update it daily. Write even the minutest of details. This will make preparing the final report easier as the data can be easily collated. Always keep your Company Guide posted. The Company Guide is the most important person in your internship. He is helpful in mid-course correction if you are loosing focus. Keep the contact details of all those you meet during your summer internship. This should be the beginning of your professional networking. Remember, networking always helps.
Look for accommodation in hostels. In most cities, however, schools and colleges with hostel facility let you stay over at a reasonable price as their classes are closed for summer holidays. But these hostels have selective admission criteria and certain regulations, like time limits, that should be examined before putting up. Pay attention to your health. Many of your would be staying away from your homes for the first time, for such a long period. It is extremely important to remain healthy throughout the internship period. Avoid roadside, oily and unhygienic food. Drink clean water.

Carry your texts with you. You realize the utility of textbooks when they are applied to the real world. It is better to carry them rather than regret later about useful information that could have been applied in the project. If you are with friends, each could carry a separate text and you could share them over the internship.
Don't look at the money. Ask any person five years your senior (even informally) if you should look at the internship as good pocket money. Assuming your expenses are covered, look at summer internship as a valuable learning experience. It gives you a peek into the organization, the line of work and the people in it. Use it as a base for long-term decisions about whether you wish to work in the company and sector. Understand the term, 'learning experience'. Knowing the key deliverables (to the company) and take aways (for you) are important. Don't confuse the activities with learnings that add value to your understanding of how the business works.
Last, but most important, ‘Benchmark against the Best’. If things go well, it could mean the start of a great career for you !!!