Every year this is the time in India many B-Schools/MBA college students go for their summer projects with organisations. I made an attempt to focus on the top 5 things that one need to focus.
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| Know Your Way |
Objective of the Summer project is to give an idea of a organisational working environment and learn to deliver. This time is very crucial for any individual to prove their learning into action. Its important that one focus on the learning during this time and following are the 5 key issues to take care.
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| Exercise ?!@# |
Health : Many individuals travel to different locations and stay away from their comfort zones. If you are at home or at your college hostel is fine, but staying away in a new city or town would be challenging with Food. Make sure that you have identified a right place. Many organisations can support in identifying these with their teams who may be staying in the hostel/guest houses. Most difficult task is to do the project during Summer and stay healthy. Plan for a good food (healthy) and clear water. These who makes a difference on body. Also make sure that if you are travelling within the city, ensure you have enough liquids, protect from the Sun Stroke.
New Location / Environment :
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| New Place, New Rules |
If you are doing a project away from your college/city where you are studying. Understanding the local environment is very very important. Get an understanding of the location and the geography. Try and learn from the people inside organisation about the location and do's and don'ts in this City. You have to be like a traveler to explore but at the same time conscious of your surroundings to enjoy your stay. Do not assume about a city that you enter based on what you know or may be few people told you about the place. India - for every 100 kms. its a new country.
Company Culture :
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| Company is People |
The project work should aim primarily to understand the Company and their business. The important ingredient that you learn at Company is the culture. Understanding the company culture and its dynamics would help you to manage the stay effective and productive. You need to quickly learn the way to interact with people - protocols, expectations and various right gestures. Understand the company policies, norms and procedures which helps you to adhere to the standards/expectations. More importantly understand the interpretation of the written and un-written expectations. Also understand in the right way the organisation defined, not just the way you think/assume.
Focus on Work Exposure
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| Learning the Skill |
Remember : A project is a chance to prove yourself. Its all about your focus and delivery on the assigned tasks. Many colleges insist on doing a project with a list. Ideally no organisation would like to give you project if it is not a priority or important for them. It is advisable to make sure that you choose a project which can be of use to the organisation from Day-One. As the organisation invests its infrastructure, opens business and their resources to you. This means they look for the return on the Investment that they are making on you. The more work delivery you make and prove your mettle the more opportunities to get yourself absorbed in that company. Also you don't need to worry about your final placement and be a burden to your college. Important : The work exposure and delivery in your project can give you 90% of your next job.
Right Mentor:
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| Right Mentor is Key |
A right Mentor inside the organisation would be critical factor for you. Identify yourself or some times the companies identify a Mentor to you during the period of project. Ensure that you share every possible doubt, apprehensions, questions with the mentor to get maximum out-of your time. Remember : A Mentor during this period can be a life-time Coach or professional friend.
I did not focus on the Project itself, since its something your college would not leave you for assessing you. However, these Hi-5 points would help you to stay on top of your project.
ALL THE BEST !!!
