IIM Shillong Summer Internship Diaries 2021 | Sales & Marketing- Part 1

Takeaways: Once I fixed my thought process on the right segment, the stepping stone, the ways to reach this market with the right message, came in handy via understanding their buying behavior and emotional triggers. The eight-week journey for me was thus like a roller coaster ride where each trough and crest were an experience worth remembering and gave me learnings to be kept and applied for a lifetime.

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Abhishek Khurana, Mahindra GMC

Prep: I interned at Mahindra during my UG and was always grateful & amazed by the accountability and ownership one feels while handling the project. Probably this was the reason, along with the opportunity of the Mahindra Rise Program, that I got attracted to the offer. Receiving the confidence and getting the opportunity to work on two projects simultaneously increased my efficiency and made me realize a multitasker in me.

Project: My journey started from receiving all the necessary support from team members, exploring new vendors, learning about product development, cross-department knowledge, and knowing the customer journeys. My prior work experience in automobiles enabled me to relate to the project well and work on the “why and how” of the marketing strategies. Closely working with customers helped me understand their journeys and know the things that matter to them. The customer care team was receptive to adapt to the new process, and implementation of the project received appreciation from the management.

Takeaways: Joining as an intern in the organization and not knowing anyone, work from home still did not feel like a challenge. Being guided and treated like any other employee, I felt an openness to reach out to cross-functional teams. Their responses and support were motivational. One of the crucial learnings I got is to pen down the finer details and do thorough research before going to any client, which would help them to understand your requirements clearly and precisely.

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Ananya Chakraborty, Titan

Prep: I was one of the lucky few interns who could experience the corporate life and the magnificent office space in person and get a taste of Titan’s well-known office culture. The campus engagement team, staying true to Titan’s “people-first” culture, helped us by not only organizing multiple interactive sessions with experts on various functions within TCL but also staying by our side throughout our time at TCL.

Project: I worked with the Fastrack team to implement a go-to-market strategy for new product launches by researching and analyzing the competitors as well the current portfolio performance. I was ecstatic to get behind the scenes for a brand so well known and loved by all. I got the opportunity to work on multiple marketing projects, get in on team brainstorming sessions, and interact with various stakeholders involved across various processes.

Takeaways: I am truly grateful to my mentor and the Fastrack team for the kind of support they gave me. The regular discussions, team calls, and feedback has helped me un-learn, learn and re-learn so many things that goes far beyond the scope of a textbook or a course. I’ve been able to broaden my perspective on business problems and strategic solutions. 

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Aritro Datta, Pidilite

Prep: As a part of the winning team of Pidilite’s “Bond with Pidilite”, I had waited for my summer internship for a long time, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. My two months at Pidilite, working under the Fevicol division began with three days of learning-filled sessions with the management team where I got to interact with industry leaders, the innovative minds behind the famous Fevicol ads, and got a first-hand experience of what the organization truly is at its core.

Project: My project was based on retail visibility and visual merchandising at plywood/laminate stores. Adapting to the new normal, my internship began at home. During the two months, I got to interact with various stakeholders at Fevicol, from those who ideate to those who implement, as well as vendors, store owners, sellers, and so on. My most memorable day was when I got to visit the market physically and go to the stores to see for myself how the ideas on paper are implemented on the ground.

Takeaways: My project allowed me to study and ideate retail visibility elements, understand stakeholder needs and preferences and prepare a comprehensive solution set based on my learnings. The online setting did throw a few challenges, but not for a moment did I not feel at home. I take forward a holistic learning experience and cherish my opportunity to build my “Mazboot Jod” with Pidilite.

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Arko Datta, Pidilite

Prep: The internship started on a high note, with induction sessions, giving us a glimpse of how the company functions. It was remarkable to have a close look at the thought and effort put behind some of the most successful marketing campaigns carried out by Pidilite.

Project: Following the induction sessions, the interns were briefed about their respective projects. My project required me to conduct concept research for two products presently in the ideation phase, and thereby develop a positioning strategy. To do so I had to conduct market research and carry out extensive user and customer immersions.  

Takeaways: While I longed for an offline experience, the fact that I could have such enriching interactions with both internal and external stakeholders across the country while sitting in my room, amazed me. Even though there was always work at hand, it was not “all work and no play”. There were several recreational sessions planned for the interns, which were not only a great source of delight but also a great opportunity for us to interact with the other interns. 

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Read Next:

1. IIM Shillong Summer Internship Diaries 2021 | General Management
2. IIM Shillong Summer Internship Diaries 2021 | Finance-Part 1
3. IIM Shillong Summer Internship Diaries 2021 | Finance- Part 2
4. IIM Shillong Summer Internship Diaries 2021 | Sales & Marketing- Part 2
5. IIM Shillong Summer Internship Diaries 2021 | Consulting & Strategy

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