“My internship gave me practical exposure to HR operations and leadership”

Internships serve as the first brush with the corporate world, and for Abhilasha Singh, her time at Carrier Midea Idea India Pvt. Ltd. as an HR Operations Intern was both challenging and rewarding. She recalls her responsibilities, the skills she applied, and the lessons she carried forward. Read edited excerpts:

What was your role during the internship?
My main project was on learning and development. I evaluated new vendors for the company’s learning portal, prepared comparative studies, and made a roadmap for adoption strategies. I also took part in employee engagement activities—from gifting saplings on World Earth Day to CSR initiatives like taking NGO students to the National Science Museum.

How did ASM prepare you for this internship?
Being Vice President of the HR Club helped me a lot. I was already conducting engagement activities on campus, so I could adapt those skills in a corporate setting. Even though employees were often senior professionals, I learned how to design engaging activities without disturbing their workflow.

What other ASM learnings did you apply?
ASM’s term paper presentations and research exposure helped me in the learning and development project. I was able to conduct literature reviews, benchmarking, and market studies effectively, which gave me confidence while presenting my work during the internship.

Did faculty guidance play a role in securing this internship?
Yes, my faculty mentor helped organise the interview. The faculty also trained us in resume writing and interview preparation, which made the process smoother.

What is your career aspiration after this experience?
I aim to become a strong professional who not only grows in her career but also contributes meaningfully to society. This internship reinforced my belief in using HR as a tool to make workplaces more engaging and people-centric.