How an internship at HDFC Bank taught me value of first impressions -By Saptadeepa Ray from IMT Hyderabad

HDFC bank has been utilizing its profoundly viewed digital platform as a springboard to quicken client securing and creation entrance. Coming from a technical background, analytics and numbers were always my strength. Hence, I wanted an internship that would play to my strengths. This internship at HDFC provided me with a role which has a perfect blend of analytics, numbers and sales. Hence, I was really excited about the opportunity to work here.

What is the selection process for an internship at HDFC Bank?

The selection process for an Internship at HDFC Bank has the following stages:

1. Aptitude test
2. Group Discussion
3. Personal Interview

The first step was an aptitude test which tested our ability on the required field. People who cleared the aptitude test then had to sit for a Group Discussion. Finally, we had a Personal Interview which asked questions based on our CV.

What did I learn during my internship?

During my Internship at HDFC Bank, I was offered the role of Relationship Manager. I had to interact with high net worth customers and improve their relationship with the organization. Cross-selling was another part of my job where I had to sell the Bank's products/services to the existing clients. Apart from this, I also had to profile clients and provide them with financial planning and investment advice. This was a very interesting part of my job as I was called to work upon my analytical and sales skills.

During the course of my internship at HDFC Bank, I was given various targets to achieve. To achieve those targets, I had to understand the needs of the customer as well as their psychological aspects. Learning how to pitch a product to a client that matched their requirements was the main highlight of my learning process.

For my Internship at HDFC Bank, I had to move back to my hometown. I had mixed emotions while moving back. On one hand, I was closer to my family and friends. But on the other hand, I missed an opportunity to explore the cultures of a new city.

Being a fresher, the first day of my corporate life was quite intimidating and overwhelming. Going out for a team dinner served as an ice breaker. We were able to connect with each other on a more personal level. Here, I was pleasantly surprised to see the other side of these people. They really enjoyed themselves and behaved like youngsters rather than mature people. This took me back to my childhood days as well!

One of the key takeaways of my internship at HDFC Bank was creating a good customer base and connections in the corporate world which proved really handy in my future. The key to leading a happy and healthy lifestyle is to be calm and composed in every situation. This is the main point I learned here. I would like to explore more into the sales world and develop my skills before I decide to take a final step.

Mention some interesting incidents that happened during your internship?

There are a few incidents which I will never forget during my Internship at HDFC Bank.

One such incident was during my market survey. Most people I visited were rude and were reluctant to answer my questions. I had almost given up hope when I met an aged person who finally agreed to answer all my questions. He invited me to sit for some time, offered me a glass of water and started to ask me questions on HDFC Bank and its relations. He was so happy with the responses he got that. Eventually, he asked me to come back as he wanted to start a banking relationship with HDFC Bank!

At the start of my internship at HDFC Bank, one of the employees was not friendly with me. But after I had a conversation with her, things turned out to be quite different. She became one of my closest friends and I was able to learn a lot from her. The time spent with her is a memory that I will always cherish.

Always remember that your “First Impression is the Last Impression”. Appearances do matter a lot when striking business deals. Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way. I had gone to a corporate house to pitch for different bank products. Since I wasn’t dressed professionally, I was unable to strike a deal. I did not come across as being serious about my job!