Internship at Patanjali: A journey to learn and connect -By Kalpit Bhawnani from FLAME University, Pune

When I wanted to intern, the coronavirus pandemic had halted most of the recruitment. At a time when it was very difficult to get an internship, I landed at Patanjali after consistent efforts and ups and downs. I tried on my own to get an internship at an FMCG company through LinkedIn and other social networking platforms. I sent my resumes and connected with over 50 organizations, and continued to do so until I could get an offer that suited my work. After quite some time, I received a call from the beverage division of Patanjali, offering me an internship from home. That’s how my internship at Patanjali began.

A new beginning

The selection process at Patanjali wasn’t too long. It was of two rounds: first, the resume shortlisting and reviewing, and then the personal interview. I was able to clear both, and ultimately secured my position at one of the fastest-growing FMCG companies in India.

The first task that I received as an intern was to gain a detailed understanding of the packaged drinking water market of India. At the time, Patanjali was just introducing their new packaged drinking water brand ‘Patanjali DivyaJal’. After I gained an overall understanding of the market i.e. the competitors, their selling points, the manufacturing, and distribution process preferred, and other characteristics, I was asked to generate leads and convert them.

My segment for doing so was a number of hospitals in Mumbai. Because of the pandemic, I faced some difficulty in conversing with purchase managers and other concerned authorities. But due to incessant efforts and continuous up-gradation of sales strategy with the guidance of my mentor, I generated over 50 leads and converted at least 15 of them. The business generated was over 3 lakhs in just two months. I further also generated over 10 leads in the same region. Thus, my role revolved around Market Research, Business Development, and Distribution management.

The work culture at Patanjali was welcoming and very accepting. The conference calls with the whole team happened once in a week or so, and they were insightful and fun. I enjoyed the duration of the internship at Patanjali, with getting so much to learn.

Key takeaways and growth at Patanjali

My internship at Patanjali helped me gain an in-depth view of what market research, client management, and negotiating entails in real-time. It helped me get a closer look at the workings of a business, specifically an FMCG company.

Another important lesson that I am sure to keep all life longs is that if the need arises, one can work through thick and thin by oneself, without relying on others for help. At Patanjali, I was never spoon-fed. Even when I had just been selected, I was asked by my mentor to try to understand the market on my own and come up with questions, even before the orientation program. This was to help me take initiative in the work I was about to do. Another takeaway was the broadening of the concept of sales. Sales had meant to me as an activity involving an exchange. But after my internship at Patanjali, I learned that it was more about connecting with others. It’s not just about the brand or product we are selling, but also about our personality while selling to our leads. Another lesson that will stay with me is that it is very important to do follow-ups in sales. I generated most of my business, only after multiple follow-ups with the clients. It was a way of showing my genuine interest in convincing them about my product.

Looking ahead

Now when I look back, I believe that going for an internship at Patanjali was a very good decision. Even though I had received other offers, I had aspired to work with an FMCG company and Patanjali suited me well. If given the chance, I would like to go for a full-time job at Patanjali as I now feel that such a close view and knowledge of the packaged drinking water market of India has made me well suited for the job. I also love connecting with people. More so, Patanjali offers a working culture that is flexible yet effective, especially valuable to a person like me, who want to make a mark in the initial days of his career.

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Kalpit Bhawnani - FLAME University, Pune

An opportunist, creative, and determined marketer, he loves connecting with people and has much experience in the field of Human Commercial, Product Management and Digital Marketing.