Navigating Summer Internship

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 Before Your Summer Internship Begins: Here's What You Must Know

In my last post, I shared insights from my research internship experience—from handling a busy mentor to conducting meaningful market research. But before your Summer Internship Program (SIP) even begins, there are several critical steps you need to take care of at your B-school.

Here’s a checklist every student should be aware of before stepping into the journey:

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✅ Pre-Internship Preparation

1. Attend the SIP Orientation

Don’t miss this! It sets the tone for your expectations, deliverables, and communication protocols both at your university and at your organization.

2. Mentor Allocation

You will be assigned both a faculty mentor. Stay connected with them—they are your go-to support throughout the internship. Don't hesitate to reach them out!

✅ Week 1: Documents you must submit

3. Joining Report & Internship Info Report

Get the necessary approvals and documents signed by the respective mentors from your university and industry mentor.

4. Skill upgradation plan

Choose at least 2 certificate courses relevant to your internship domain. Include their details in your initial report. These will be helpful i enhancing your skill and a great add on in your resume —so choose wisely and invest your time!

Not Sure What Certificates to Take? Here Are Some Great Options

You should take certification courses during your summer break. These should enhance your skillset and align with your internship domain or your specialization and career interests. Here are some recommendations:

Marketing

  • Google Digital Garage – Fundamentals of Digital Marketing (Free)

  • HubSpot Academy – Content Marketing or Social Media Strategy

  • Meta Blueprint – Digital Advertising Basics

Finance

  • Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) – Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA) Intro Courses

  • NSE Academy – Financial Markets or Banking Basics

  • Coursera – Introduction to Financial Accounting by Wharton

HR

  • AIHR – HR Analytics for Beginners

  • LinkedIn Learning – Talent Management or HR Strategy

  • Udemy – Recruitment & Selection: Hiring the Right People

Data Analytics

  • Coursera – Excel for Business Specialization (Macquarie)

  • Google – Data Analytics Certificate

  • Udemy – Tableau / Power BI Basics

General / Cross-functional

  • Coursera – Project Management Principles by Google

  • edX – Problem Solving Using Computational Thinking

  • Harvard Online – Negotiation Mastery or Leadership Communication

Others

- AI Fundamentals by Tata NeuSkills : Gain foundational AI knowledge and its applications.

- Data Management by TCS iON : Develop skills in data handling and analysis.

- Generative AI Productivity Skills by Microsoft & LinkedIn : Learn to boost productivity with generative AI.

- Administrative Assistance by Microsoft & LinkedIn : Strengthen organizational and managerial skills.

- Business Analysis by Microsoft & LinkedIn : Build core analysis, strategy, and planning skills.

Make sure your certificates are relevant, trackable, and show real skill development.

✅ During the Internship

5. Fortnightly Progress Reports

Try to provide a report every 15 days, to your faculty mentor regarding your update on internship tasks and summer report.

6. Stay in Touch

Regularly communicate with your faculty mentor. Proactive updates go a long way in building trust and getting guidance.

✅ Post Internship: Prepare for the Viva

7. Be ready for you SIP report to be submitted along with a presentation

During your summer internship your work will evaluated and it will be submitted at the end of your tenure in a form of report, presentation and viva, if the panel suggests changes or additions, ensure you include them in your final report in consultation with your mentor.

8. Final Report Submission

- Follow the prescribed format

- Ensure plagiarism is below the prescribed limit

- Submit a hard copy and keep your soft copy as it will be helpful in creating one for your university report.

Final Tip

Treat SIP not just as an academic requirement—but as a stepping stone to your career. The way you plan, communicate, and execute your tasks here will reflect in your confidence, presentations, and growth.

If you’re about to begin your SIP, bookmark this post, and feel free to reach out in case you have questions!




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