Internships are a bridge between classroom learning and the real corporate world. For Ritika, her 10-week internship at the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of India (CCI) was a transformative step in her professional journey. In this interview, she reflects on her role, the challenges she faced, and the valuable lessons she gained along the way. Read edited excerpts:
How did you secure your internship at CCI?
I got the opportunity through ASM’s campus placement cell. The workshops and placement counselling sessions prepared me well for interviews, group discussions, and even taught me how to make a strong resume.
What was your role at CCI?
I interned for the research and marketing profile. The research part involved data mining, while the marketing side required us to connect with organisations and CEOs to understand their needs. We would then link them with the Director General of CCI for support in funding, policy advocacy, or government MOUs.
Did you get a leadership role as well?
Yes, I did. I had the opportunity to lead a team of 9–10 interns. My responsibility was to compile all reports and present them to the Director General at the end of each day. It gave me valuable experience in teamwork, coordination, and leadership.
How did your ASM learnings help you during the internship?
The skills I gained at ASM—like report-making, presentations, and people management—proved very useful. They helped me in guiding my team, managing time, and compiling detailed reports efficiently.
What is your career goal after this experience?
My target now is to secure a wonderful placement through ASM and contribute to an organisation’s growth while ensuring my own personal and professional growth as well.