MBA Internship FAQs

MBA Internship FAQs

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Updated on May 29, 2017 15:53 IST

MBA internship FAQs

MBA internships often open doors of the employment market. In fact, making utmost utilisation of the B-school’s internship opportunities is a cherry on the cake for any management student. By opting for an internship, a candidate not only gains a foothold in the job market, but also gets the opportunity to ascertain whether he/she is fit for the role or not. 

To make the most of the internship experience, it is important that the student first finds a suitable internship. When it is time to start looking for an internship, there are several questions that pop up in the minds of the students. Here are a few common FAQs of an MBA student looking for an internship: 

Question: What is an internship?

Answer: An internship is an on-site work experience in the student’s field of study or of student’s career interest. The internship can be for a particular duration or can be throughout the academic session. The internship can either be paid, unpaid or partially paid in the form of a stipend. 

Question: Why should I go for an internship?

Answer: Going for an internship gives a student the following opportunities:

  • One gets to gain a worthy work experience even before he/she get his/her degree
  • Can develop a new set of skills and refine the existing ones
  • The knowledge taught in class can be applied to on-the-job situations
  • Give a reality check of the career choice made by the student
  • Get a chance to meet and work with professionals which is a great source of networking
  • Understand new work environments
  • Earn money while studying (in case the internship is a paid one) 

Question: How do I find an internship?

Answer: Mostly, reputed companies conduct a placement drive at the B-Schools and select candidates for internship. Hiring interns from a B-School ensures the companies that they are selecting an ingenious lot of people as the admission criteria of the B-Schools is such that they select only the best of the best.

Apart from this, MBA students can also look for internships online. Also, they can make use of their networking skills and contact family, friends, classmates, current/former employers, and faculty members to explore internship opportunities. 

Question: When is the right time to start an internship?

Answer: Talking about the year in which one should go for an internship, second year of college is a good choice. The first year of college should be reserved to adjust to the course and the schedule. Then, depending on the major, one can opt to intern. However, students must keep in mind that academics should always be their priority.

Even though students are advised to go for internship in the second year of college, it is advisable to start the search for internship in the first year itself. This way, one will not have to make a hasty decision and can select their desired companies and respond to them. 

Question: How can I get a job or internship if I do not have an experience?

Answer: The skills developed by a student through academic work and extra-curricular activities are valued by the employers. However, all these skills might not be job type specific. In that case the student can be transferred to a department where he/she can make the best of his/her skills. Furthermore, if the nature of job requires a specific set of skill, the candidate can learn and develop the skill during internship. This can be of assistance in the future where the student can perform his/her responsibilities to the best of his/her ability.

Question: Are there any ways of increasing chances of finding a good job?

Answers: Good scores in academics are always a cherry on a the cake. Great academic scores make the employers believe in the candidate. The employers get a fair idea that the candidate has the potential of working under pressure, and performing to the best of his/her abilities within the given environment.

In addition to this, it is important to draft an impressive resume highlighting all the achievements concisely. The most important step is to handle the interview smartly and confidently. When facing difficulty, it is better to be flexible. 

Question: How does student work experience matter?

Answer: Interning in a company gives the student a chance to explore the field in which he/she wishes to enter after graduation. Also, it is a great medium to strengthen the existing skills and develop new skills. This work experience provides students an opportunity to interact with various people, which in return opens doors of establishing professional contacts. These contacts can be of great help once MBA is over.

Above all this, the work experience when showcased on the resume increases the chances of getting a job. 

Question: Can I expect a salary while interning?

Answer: A student may or may not receive a stipend during internship. This varies from company to company as each company has different policies. Furthermore, companies that offer stipends to the students offer the same on the basis of the student’s experience, skill, year of college, academic scores, B-School in which he/she is studying etc.

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