Interviews
“My internship taught me how to adapt and grow”
Shikhar Gupta, who interned with Blue Planet Environmental Solutions, shares how his internship experience prepared him to take on an unfamiliar challenge with confidence.
The transition from classroom learning to real-world corporate challenges is rarely easy — especially when the field is new. But for Shikhar Gupta, the internship at Blue Planet Environmental Solutions became a transformative experience. With a B.Com background and no technical expertise, he initially struggled with the ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) space. Yet with the right mentorship and a strong foundation developed at Apeejay School of Management (ASM), he emerged more confident, skilled, and ready to navigate the complex world of sustainable operations. Read edited excerpts:
Tell us how your internship at Blue Planet Environmental Solutions began.
I was selected as an ESG intern through ASM’s placement process. It was a 2.5-month internship. Honestly, I had no prior experience in the ESG domain, and coming from a non-technical background, it felt daunting at first. But I was determined to make the most of it.
What were the biggest challenges you faced during the internship?
Understanding ESG requirements and technical frameworks was initially very difficult for me. I wasn’t from a B.Tech background, so I had to learn everything from scratch — especially the industry’s terminologies and documentation processes. But my corporate mentor, Vivek Sir, really supported me throughout. He would sit with me one-on-one and patiently explain the concepts I struggled with.
How did your learnings at ASM help you during the internship?
ASM gave me the mindset to learn and adapt quickly. The analytical thinking I developed through coursework, especially in operations and business analytics, helped me understand complex systems faster. The faculty built my confidence. Without their support, I wouldn’t have stood out during the selection process — I was chosen among five candidates.
Did ASM provide specific placement training that helped you crack this opportunity?
Yes, the placement counselling sessions were very helpful. ASM introduced a dedicated course for placement readiness that included resume writing, group discussions, JAM (Just a Minute) sessions, and scenario-based problem solving. It’s now a credit-based course.
What were your key takeaways from the internship?
Adaptability and patience. I learned that stepping outside your comfort zone is necessary for growth. I also gained practical exposure to ESG compliance, documentation, and sustainability reporting — areas I had never explored before. Most importantly, I learned to ask questions, seek help when needed, and stay curious.
What’s your short-term goal now?
I want to secure a role as a logistics or supply chain manager in a reputed company and gain solid experience over the next 5–7 years. That’s the phase where I’ll build the skills and industry knowledge I need before stepping into the business world independently.
What advice would you give to juniors preparing for internships or placements?
Be honest with yourself about your interests. Choose opportunities that align with your goals, not just the trend. Also, build your basics well — you don’t need to know everything, but clarity in fundamentals and a willingness to learn will always set you apart.
