Internship always pays

Experts Speak is an exclusive forum for youth to get advice from industry experts. If you have questions concerning internships, careers, entrepreneurship and start-ups, this is where you can get your answers.

July 06, 2014 04:04 pm | Updated 04:04 pm IST

My son has completed his B.E. He is in a dilemma whether to opt for an internship or a job or higher studies. His goal is to be in a managerial position five years down the line.

Rajarajeswaran

It is hard to predict the future because you will always find counter-examples to what I recommend. If your son is interested in technical management, higher studies will certainly help him further his overall know-how and get a better understanding. If he is more interested in business, then he can choose to do an MBA. Either ways, I will always recommend a relevant internship, as it gives hands-on experience.

I have completed my MBA in finance and am employed. I wish to venture into online retail on my own. I am a little doubtful about the product to choose, how to attract investors and how to overcome competition. Please guide.

VidyaSagar

What matters the most, I think, is to define the market problem you want to solve and then to find the solution to it. I feel, the right way to proceed further is to begin by doing market research, competitive analysis, which will help you define what you want to provide, and draw up your go-to market strategy. It is important that you have gained enough clarity with these before reaching out to investors. To be convincing to potential investors, you must be clear with everything they want to see, ask and know before investing in your idea. You can then focus on the financial part.

What are the essential qualities that a company looks for in a candidate, while evaluating him/her for employment? How can I make my profile suitable for a company and stand out from the rest of the applicants?

Pavan T

Very hard to generalise. For me, it is 1. Quality, excellence and passion; 2. Suitability for the job (capability); 3. Clarity and communication; 4. Honesty and hard-work. Now, if you want your profile to stand out, focus on your strengths and present your extreme skill or a wonderful experience in a short punch line.

I want some guidance as to how I can prepare myself for a quick interview. How do I leave a mark in a short span of time?

Fahad

Try to present yourself and be jovial and confident. Work out your introductory tagline at home. It shouldn’t last more than 15 seconds. Nothing is more boring than meeting sleepy students who stare blankly at the exhibitor and have no idea why they showed up at this particular stand. Exhibitors get tired and might not even listen. Explain and express clearly who you are, what you want and be ready with a follow-up by taking their name card and leaving yours. Think about acting fast and not wasting time. Leave an impression with your joviality, skills, clarity and readiness.

Dr. Roberto Mariani is a serial technology entrepreneur and a former computer scientist.

Questions can be posted at www.hellointern.com/qna or directed to malavika@hellointern.com

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