The pandemic has changed the job market; with new challenges come new opportunities!

About the Author:

Ronak GM (MBA, TAPMI 2019-21)

"During my placements, I got selected at Mu Sigma business solutions Pvt Ltd, the world's largest pure-play data analytics firm, enabling Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 businesses to make data-driven decisions using data science. I have worked extensively with the decision-makers of these businesses in identifying, scoping, solving, and hence answering key business questions using the power of data.

During my program, I was working with BrandScan, India's largest market research consultant amongst all B-Schools in India. We have worked with various Fortune 500 organizations, addressing a variety of business problems through market research. I am currently the Convener of BrandScan, and responsible for the strategic growth of BrandScan as a B2B market research consultancy. I also interned with Deloitte as an analytics consultant during my summer internship."

MA: What do you think are the most important knowledge areas for any SIP interview in general?

Ronak: From an interview/placement standpoint, what matters most is the ability to show thought leadership in any given domain. Businesses are here to hire candidates not for just doing what they're told, but rather for telling the business what else needs to be done. The case discussions and interviews that are conducted as part of the hiring process are essentially going to test this. "What are you going to bring to the table that's new?"

The ability to think logically, think from first principles and use the concepts that are learned, to complement your thought process is what will help you stand out from the other candidates. Exhibiting passion, enthusiasm, and childlike curiosity to learn and unlearn in order to stay relevant are key aspects that will differentiate you from the rest of the candidates and create an impact on the recruiter's mind. The ability to storytell and present your thoughts in a structured manner is crucial to convince recruiters as to why they should hire you.

MA: How was your experience of summer internship selection?

Ronak: I had a rich selection experience that started with profile shortlisting based on CVs, case discussion of a mock/real business case, and finally a personal interview to understand my areas of expertise, my approach towards solving business problems, and my cultural fit with the organization. Being a consultancy firm, I refined my CV in a way that showcases what impact I as a consultant have created for businesses in my past work experience.

There was a combination of technical, functional, and convincing skills that were tested during the case discussions. They were conducted in groups, to test how well you work with a team, and how you are able to bring new ideas to the table, amidst the multiple ideas that are flowing in from all team members. We also had to present our solution as a team, and points were given to how well you present your solution while collaborating with the entire team and making sure everyone has their fair share of presenting their thoughts.

MA: How was your summer internship experience?

Ronak: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our internships happened virtually, and we were the first batch to go through this experience. Given the limited access to company data, my internship revolved around the research on a particular topic for a given industry. The objective was to see how as an intern, I conduct research and align it with the overall objectives of a consultant, "Where is the scope for new problems to be solved in businesses and how can they be pitched to potential clients"

My research started with understanding the overall industry, understanding the status quo, identifying burning business questions that need to be answered, and identifying new, unaddressed problems that can be solved using data and analytics. With the guidance of my mentors, the final research was presented to the higher management over an interactive presentation and QnA session.

MA: What are some tips you would like to give to the batch of 2020-22 for SIP preparation?

Ronak: The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely imposed various challenges for students in getting placed, given the current situation of the job market. Having said that, with new challenges come new opportunities.

As a student who's going to go through the SIP placement season, it is important to understand what every business wants during these times - sustainable and profitable business initiatives that will help them thrive during these times. We as students need to understand the problems and challenges various industries are facing, identify feasible strategies that can create impact, and align it with the objectives of the companies that we are trying to get selected in. We cannot afford to be ignorant of what's happening around us, and should approach every problem we see with a fundamental question - What should I as a business do to overcome this challenge?

Apart from all this, it is important to ensure we do not falter in basic criteria such as communication, group discussions, case discussions, and personal interviews which are always going to be part of the selection process. Be well prepared for these rounds, and show thought leadership in every round of your selection process and you will ace your interviews. Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses, and play by your strengths.

All the best!

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