Sanjeevani’s Impactful Internship at Airtel Payments Bank

In the June quarter of 2024, Airtel Payments Bank announced a remarkable 41% increase in net profit, reaching ₹7.2 crore. This growth was fueled by a surge in digital savings accounts and other digital services, with the bank’s revenue climbing 52% year-on-year to ₹610 crore. The Bank’s expanding digital presence, particularly in underbanked and rural markets, underscores its pivotal role in India’s evolving financial landscape. It was within this dynamic and high-performing environment that Sanjeevani Jaiswal, a PGDM student from Jaipuria Institute of Management, Indore, embarked on her internship. Her role offered her a front-row seat to the challenges and opportunities in the financial sector, providing her with invaluable experience.

Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice: Real-World Learning at Airtel Payments Bank

During her internship at Airtel Payments Bank, Sanjeevani was assigned to a project that pushed her beyond her comfort zone. She was tasked with onboarding and training new retailers in rural areas such as Kampel, Solsinda, and Indorama. These regions were unfamiliar to her, and the challenges were multifaceted- convincing retailers and customers to adopt digital banking services required not just technical know-how but also cultural sensitivity and effective communication. The task tested her ability to apply theoretical knowledge from her PGDM coursework to real-world situations.

Overcoming Obstacles in Rural Markets

Sanjeevani’s internship was filled with challenges that tested her problem-solving abilities and adaptability. The primary obstacles included:

Rejection Handling: Retailers and customers were often skeptical about digital financial services, questioning their security and reliability. Sanjeevani had to build credibility by sharing success stories and providing clear, concise information.
Resistance to Change: Many potential customers were comfortable with traditional banking methods and reluctant to switch to a new provider. Highlighting the convenience and security of Airtel Payments Bank’s services required strategic communication and persistence.
Competitive Landscape: Competing with well-established players like Rapi Pay, Ezay Pay, Spice Money, and Fino Payments Bank added another layer of difficulty. Differentiating Airtel’s offerings and addressing misconceptions about digital banking was essential to gain trust and business.
Cultural and Regional Differences: Each region had its unique set of expectations and behavior, necessitating a tailored approach. Sanjeevani had to engage with local community leaders and influencers to effectively promote Airtel Payments Bank’s services.

Growth Through Adversity: Shaping Leadership Skills by Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone

This internship wasn’t just about meeting targets; it was about personal growth and leadership development. By stepping out of her comfort zone, Sanjeevani gained invaluable skills that are critical for any future leader. Some of her key learnings included:

Enhanced Communication Skills: Engaging with diverse communities improved her ability to tailor her messages to different audiences, making her communication more effective and relatable.
Resilience and Perseverance: Facing and overcoming rejections taught her to handle setbacks with grace and persistence, qualities that are crucial for leadership.
Cultural Sensitivity: Working in varied cultural settings enhanced her understanding of different perspectives, an essential trait for leading diverse teams.
Practical Problem-Solving: The hands-on experience of addressing real-world challenges sharpened her problem-solving skills, enabling her to think on her feet and devise creative solutions.

Reflecting on her journey, Sanjeevani shared, “Interacting with a diverse group of people and addressing their concerns helped me grow as a leader. I learned to communicate effectively, handle setbacks with resilience, and adapt to different cultural contexts. These experiences have been invaluable in shaping my future career.”

Airtel Payments Bank’s Q1 Success: Aligning Internship Experience with Organizational Growth

Sanjeevani’s internship took place during a period of significant growth for Airtel Payments Bank. The Bank’s ability to cater to urban digital users, underbanked populations, and various industries was reflected in its Q1 success. Customer deposits grew by 53% year-on-year to ₹2,943 crore, and the Bank’s extensive network, particularly in rural areas, played a crucial role in this growth. For Sanjeevani, this was not just an internship-it was a chance to contribute to a company at the forefront of financial inclusion in India.

This experience not only enriched her understanding of the banking sector but also reinforced the practical applications of her PGDM coursework, making her internship a pivotal step in her journey toward becoming a successful business leader.

A Future Leader in the Making: The Lasting Impact of a Meaningful Internship

Sanjeevani Jaiswal’s story is a testament to the transformative power of internships. By aligning her efforts with Airtel Payments Bank’s broader goals, she not only gained invaluable insights but also played a role in the financial institution’s ongoing success. Her journey underscores the importance of practical learning and real-world experience, key elements of the educational philosophy at Jaipuria Institute of Management.

Academic Learning Meets Real-World Experience

Reflecting on her PGDM journey, Sanjeevani credits the Jaipuria Institute of Management for her professional growth. The program’s focus on pitching and customer communication was crucial during her internship. Lessons on understanding customer needs, crafting clear pitches, and active listening helped her engage effectively with diverse communities and adapt to different cultural contexts. This alignment between academic training and real-world application has significantly enhanced her career prospects and leadership skills.