Internship Insights: Student Q&A
The internship search process provides an opportunity to assess your achievements and effectively market yourself for potential positions. While it may seem challenging, adopting the right approach can open doors to an expanded professional network.
There are many examples of how students have successfully landed an internship. Recently, Grad CCD connected with Babson graduate student, Shreeya Umesh Chitnis, MSBA ’24, to learn more about her experiece searching for and landing a summer internship.
Q: What was your approach when embarking on your internship search and when did you begin?
Shreeya: I began applying for internships in November, but my preparation started in October. I updated my resume and attended Graduate CCD events to understand the format, the process, networking and more. My strategy was to prepare thoroughly while simultaneously applying for opportunities
Q: How did you stay motivated and focused when looking for internships?
Shreeya: Staying motivated and focused during the internship search was definitely challenging. Facing rejections, especially when you’re not accustomed to them, was tough. However, I realized that rejection is simply part of the process. What kept me going was understanding that persistence is key and not losing hope. Once I started viewing it as a continuous effort that I just needed to keep pushing through, it became easier to stay on track.
Q: How did you learn about this internship opportunity?
Shreeya: I discovered this internship opportunity at a Grad CCD networking event where my manager was representing the company. During the event, our conversation focused on getting to know him better and learning about his company. After the event, I followed up with him on LinkedIn, which led to further discussions about available opportunities.
Q: What did you learn about yourself and the work through this internship experience?
Shreeya: Through this internship, I learned that technical skills alone aren’t enough for success. People skills, effective communication, and a genuine curiosity to learn are equally important. I also discovered that I enjoy working on diverse projects that challenge me to develop new skills, as it allows me to continuously grow and learn something new every day.
Q: What most excites you/are your proud of from this internship?
Shreeya: The most exciting part of the internship was being able to apply the knowledge I gained at Babson while also learning new skills along the way. I was fortunate to have a warm and supportive team, including my manager, who ensured I made the most of this experience. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and everything it taught me.