I was assigned to the elastomer business unit. It is a sub-unit of the larger petrochemical business. The role offered was that of general management.
2. What was the project assigned to you? How relevant was the project to the organization and what were the challenges associated?
RIL had recently commissioned a Styrene Butadiene Rubber plant at their Hazira manufacturing division. I was asked to do an in-depth cost analysis of various packing options available for the company in order to improve on the present temporary one. The major challenges were that firstly, it’s a new business and even the go-to-person in the office was still in the initial phases of learning and the other difficulty was that the analysis required lots of estimations and data collection from the plant site.
3. How was the work-culture at Reliance Industries and how did the leaders and your project guide in specific mentor you during your stint?
Over years, RIL has developed a reputation for being a dynamic place to work. My project mentor was generally busy but tried to squeeze in time at least once a week to track the progress of my project and suggest changes if any. The people in the office were extremely helpful with my data collection. Moreover, I had several opportunities to engage with the senior business leaders at the induction and during the internship. Those discussions were about the project and life at RIL in general among other things.
4. Having worked in Reliance Industries as a Technical Trainee as well as a Management Intern, What difference did you find in terms of work culture, learning and the organization’s expectations from you?
As a Technical Trainee, I worked at Hazira where the focus of the employees was on manufacturing quality product and implementing the highest standards of safety. The employees at the site generally did not bother about the business. But once I was at the corporate office, I realized how everything fits in, how manufacturing is just a part of a bigger game. In terms of work-cultural differences, employees at the corporate office were a little more professional and had flexible work hours. The organization had high expectations for me because I had the opportunity to see both sides of the coin. The project was expected to provide a working solution for the packaging problem in the long term.
5. What was your best experience at Reliance Industries Ltd.?
My final presentation of the findings to the business division and the follow-up party could be described as the best experience of my internship. It was a proud moment. It would be incomplete if I don’t mention about the awesome accommodation the company provided for the interns at Beverly Park complete with a pool and indoor stadium.
6. What is your most significant takeaway from the summer internship?
For me, the best part of the internship is the people I met at RIL. When you interact with some of the senior business leaders, it’s a humbling experience. They change your perspective about the theoretical things you learn at the campus. That would be my chief takeaway from the stint.
7. What advice would you like to give to your juniors who aspire to work in the similar domain?
If you are an intern, Network. See if you like the work. Work smart. Talk with your boss/mentor about your weekend plans. Explore the city. Meet old friends. Make new ones. If you are seeking a career in general management, ability to learn quickly and adapt will go a long way in ensuring success.
8. If you had to describe your internship in five words, how would it be?
Fun. Impactful. Exciting. Perspective. Familiar.
Interview conducted by:
Aditya Kathuria – Media Cell, IIM Kozhikode
This article has been complied by the Media Cell of IIM Kozhikode as part of the ‘Internship Kronicles’ series. For further information please contact us at media@iimk.ac.in
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