‘Faculty mentor at ASM helped me navigate internship challenges’

She is presently pursuing a PGDM with a specialisation in Finance and Marketing from the Apeejay School of Management (ASM). With Finance as her major area of study and a strong interest in Marketing and Investment Analysis, Sukrati Jain speaks about her two-and-a-half-month internship at the Centre for WTO Studies, IIFT, and how it shaped her understanding of the corporate and global trade environment.

Tell us about your internship experience.

My main task was to analyse the top 10 companies from India and China across sectors such as pharmaceuticals and textiles. I conducted a SWOT analysis to identify why Indian companies were not performing at par as Chinese companies. I also visualised data using Excel and mapped the value chains of these firms. The project helped me gain a deep understanding of international trade and finance-related policies, giving me a clearer picture of how global markets operate.

What specific concepts did you learn during this internship?

I learnt about major global trade issues, including tariffs, trade wars between India and China, and the tariff policies introduced by the US during Donald Trump’s administration. I also understood which countries were exempted from certain tariffs and how these rates were structured.

How would you rate your understanding of global trade before and after the internship?

Before the internship, my understanding of global trade was quite basic. Afterwards, I developed a strong grasp of international trade systems, HS codes, and trade nomenclature. The experience gave me practical exposure to how the global economy functions in real time.

What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

Initially, I struggled with accessing and analysing data from databases like the WTO Centre and the IMF. I wasn’t sure which data points to focus on. Gradually, with guidance from my mentor, I learnt to extract relevant information and conduct precise analysis, which strengthened my technical and analytical skills.

How did ASM help you during this process?

My faculty mentor at ASM guided me patiently and helped me navigate challenges. The PGDM programme itself is practical and skill-based. Courses like Financial Modelling and Marketing Analytics simulate real-world applications, allowing me to connect classroom learning with professional tasks. ASM also enhanced my report writing, presentation, and communication skills, which proved invaluable during the internship.

Has the internship influenced your career goals?

Yes, absolutely. It reinforced my interest in finance, trade, and policy analysis. Working extensively with Excel, creating pivot tables and visualisations, refined my technical competence and boosted my confidence.

Advice for your juniors.

Time management and professionalism are key. Corporate environments demand punctuality and discipline. Take your internship seriously; it’s an essential step toward understanding how the real world of business operates.