Blending Academics with Real-World Experience: My Internship Journey at Reliance- Harsh Gaur
My time at Jaipuria Institute of Management has been a transformative journey, but nothing prepared me for the real-world challenges of my summer internship at Reliance Corporation. This experience tested my academic knowledge and helped me grow in ways I never imagined.
The Internship Experience
From the very start of my internship at Reliance Corporation, I was thrust into the deep end. My primary task was to analyze past sales and inventory data to forecast future financial plans—a responsibility that required a strong grasp of financial modeling and advanced proficiency in Excel and Power BI. However, there was a catch: I didn’t have full access to all the necessary data and software. This limitation was initially daunting, but it pushed me to think creatively and find solutions despite the restrictions.
One of the most intense moments came when I was assigned a month’s worth of work and given only three days to complete it. The pressure was immense, but it was during these late nights at the office that I realized just how much I had learned at Jaipuria. The skills and discipline I developed in my PGDM program proved invaluable, allowing me to meet the deadline without compromising on quality. This experience underscored the importance of resilience, adaptability, and time management—all critical skills for any future leader.
Academic Foundations Applied
The real-world application of my academic studies was one of the most rewarding aspects of my internship. The tasks I handled at Reliance directly tied into the coursework at Jaipuria. For instance, the financial modeling skills I honed in my Financial Management class were essential in analyzing data, while the analytical techniques from Business Analytics helped me to create accurate financial forecasts. This seamless blend of theory and practice not only reinforced what I had learned but also gave me a deeper understanding of the material.
Stepping Beyond Comfort Zones
My internship experience wasn’t just about applying technical skills; it was also about personal growth. One of the most significant challenges was stepping out of my comfort zone to take on tasks that I had never done before. Whether it was leading a team during a critical project or negotiating with stakeholders to access needed data, each challenge pushed me to grow and develop new skills.
Reflections and Advice
Looking back, I realize that my internship was a critical part of my journey at Jaipuria Institute of Management. It was more than just a requirement for my PGDM; it was a real-world test of everything I had learned. For future students, my advice is clear: embrace these opportunities, no matter how challenging they may seem. Be proactive, ask questions, and never hesitate to step out of your comfort zone. Your internship is where the classroom meets the corporate world, and it’s your chance to shine.
Jaipuria Institute of Management has provided me with a solid foundation, but it was my internship at Reliance that truly allowed me to apply what I had learned. This blend of rigorous academics and real-world experience is what sets Jaipuria apart as a leading management institute of India. The unparalleled opportunities here offer the perfect environment to launch a successful career in business.