I have been approached by multiple MBA students for a common problem, which is not getting shortlisted for SIP (Summer Internship Placement).
It feels like the end of the world, doesn’t it?
Most people talk about how to land internships and the successes associated with these opportunities.
Very few people talk about what if you don’t land an internship?
What are the next steps?
First, let’s dig deep into why you feel bad about it?
1) FOMO – You see your friends getting into good companies and you also want to be in their shoes.
2) You did your best and still couldn’t succeed. You lose self-confidence, are disappointed, and decide to quit your MBA.
3) Unable to combat mental pressure and unfairness during SIP process.
SIPs can either be in the form of on-campus placements or PPOs and it might happen that you don’t get a chance to land any of these.
But you should know that it is NOT the end of the world.
You have just entered the battle.
This is not just your final destination, the journey is so long.
There are so many other things at this point that you can do and the list is endless.
There is no hard and fast rule towards success. Doing an internship doesn’t guarantee success. You can make your own rules.
These are a few next steps that you can follow:
1) Reach out to your professors:
– Get recommended by them. There is a chance that they might know some people from good companies.
2) Work with a startup:
– It’s absolutely not important to get into MNCs only.
– Even startups can give you the same amount of internship exposure. Explore opportunities there.
3) Network better:
– Talk to individuals who either have similar stories or who can tell you what to do in this case. It is even better to talk to your alums.
4) Cross-Skilling/Up-Skilling:
– If you know what excites you, study new courses on the same.
– Theoretical exposure is much more useful than practical exposure.
5) Participate in extracurriculars and societies:
– It’s your time to shine. Take part in lots of things since you have time now.
6) Do not give up:
– The most important is to always remember to not give up and keep moving no matter what.
I understand that it gets a little heart daunting and overwhelming to see everyone doing well and not yourself.
But you should always know that nothing is impossible if you pour out your heart and soul into it.
Hope this helped!