How A KPMG Internship Helped This IIT Bombay Engineer Secure A PPO & Find His Passion

Internships can offer a wealth of experience and knowledge… and even a full-time job. Such was the case with Abhinav Damor, a B.Tech aerospace graduate from IIT Bombay who worked as a Summer Analyst with the multinational consulting firm KPMG from May-July 2022. 

At the end of his internship, he received a pre-placement offer. In his own words, the internship was a “fantastic journey” that allowed him to contribute to meaningful projects in the aerospace and defense sector while furthering his personal and professional growth. Read ahead to find out how he dealt with strict deadlines and benefitted from a collaborative workforce, to ultimately secure the PPO:

How To Get An Internship? Through Determination & Perseverance 

Securing the internship at KPMG was an exciting journey that I embarked on with determination and perseverance. Instead of relying solely on the formal campus recruitment drive, I decided to take a proactive approach. 

I reached out to the HR representatives at KPMG through LinkedIn, expressing my interest in their aerospace and defense consulting projects. After several networking efforts, I was thrilled to receive a response. Thereafter, I underwent three rounds of interviews. 

The first round was a culture interview with HR, followed by an engaging fit interview with the associate director. Finally, I had a case interview with the Partner of the department I was applying to. This interview presented me with an excellent opportunity to showcase my problem-solving skills. 

During the interviews, I learned that KPMG had just secured a significant new project and its duration aligned with the duration of my two-month internship. Talk about a coincidence! Eventually, I was hired as a Summer Analyst in the Management Consulting division under the Transformation Customer and Operations vertical. 

Landing the internship at KPMG was a result of my proactive networking efforts, dedication, and alignment of interests between the company's needs and my skills. 

Learning Through Work-Life Imbalance

Throughout the internship, I had the opportunity to work closely with the project manager and other consultants involved in the project. My role was diverse and involved various tasks, including data analysis and number crunching to derive meaningful insights. I actively contributed to the creation and formulation of presentations and decks, ensuring that our findings and recommendations were effectively communicated. 

Working on such a transformative project allowed me to interact with individuals from different levels of the organization, ranging from senior directors to firm partners. This exposure provided valuable insights into the industry and the challenges faced by organizations in the Aerospace and Defence sector. 

The most challenging aspect of my internship at KPMG was the time pressure and tight deadlines associated with the project. In just two months, we had to accomplish a significant amount of work within a limited timeframe. This led to intense work hours and occasionally unrealistic expectations to meet project milestones. 

The short deadline demanded efficiency and effective time management. Balancing the workload, analyzing data, formulating recommendations, and preparing presentations required diligent planning and dedication. The pressure to deliver quality results within strict timelines was demanding, and it often meant putting in long hours at the office. Some days, the workload was so intense that I found myself working until late into the night, leaving the office as late as 9:30 pm. 

While the experience allowed me to grow professionally, it also challenged my work-life balance during the internship. Despite the challenges, I embraced the opportunity as a chance to develop resilience and adaptability and learn effective prioritization. Overcoming these obstacles taught me valuable lessons in time management, teamwork, and handling high-pressure situations, which will undoubtedly benefit me in my future career endeavors.

Landing a Pre-Placement Offer

One of my most significant achievements during the internship at KPMG was receiving a pre-placement offer. This recognition was a result of my structured thought process, systematic problem-solving skills, and inherently curious nature. 

I am immensely proud to have made a positive impact during my time at KPMG, which gave me an opportunity to continue my journey with the company. This achievement reaffirmed my passion for consulting and provided me with a sense of accomplishment, knowing that my contributions were valued and recognized at such a reputable firm.

Not Just An Intern: Benefits Of A Collaborative Environment

The most unexpected encounter during my internship was the approachability and genuine nature of the Partner, who held a prominent position in the company's hierarchy. I anticipated a more formal and distant relationship with someone of such seniority, but I was pleasantly surprised by the Partner’s open and receptive approach - my opinions and contributions to the project were genuinely valued. 

Despite being an intern, I was given the opportunity to share my insights and ideas, and they were taken into consideration during project discussions. Additionally, I had the unexpected privilege of working directly with the CXOs at our client's location. Instead of treating me as just an intern, they welcomed me as a valuable team member, which made me feel like an integral part of the project. 

These encounters not only boosted my confidence but also highlighted the inclusive and supportive work culture at KPMG, where all team members' contributions, regardless of their position, were respected and valued.

It was a truly memorable and motivating experience to work with such approachable and open-minded individuals at the highest levels of the organization. From the manager to the analysts, consultants, and even the Partner, everyone was supportive, approachable, and genuinely interested in fostering a collaborative environment. The inclusive culture made me feel valued and respected, despite being an intern with no prior work experience. Working with such a team provided an enriching learning experience and created a positive work atmosphere that motivated me to give my best.

Leaders Who Inspire

During my internship at KPMG, there were two individuals who left a lasting mark on me: the Partner assigned to the project and the client's Point of Contact (POC) on the engagement. 

The Partner's approachability and genuine interest in fostering a collaborative environment were truly remarkable. Despite their senior positions (top of the hierarchy!), they made an effort to personally engage with me and other team members. 

Their mentorship and encouragement to share my ideas and opinions during project discussions were invaluable. This not only boosted my confidence but also highlighted the importance of inclusive leadership in creating a positive work environment. 

Equally impactful was the client POC's welcoming and inclusive attitude. I was treated as an equal team member and asked to share my perspective on various aspects of the project. This level of respect and acknowledgment from a client's representative was unexpected but greatly appreciated. It reinforced the notion that irrespective of job titles, open communication and collaboration are essential for successful project outcomes. 

Both of these individuals exemplified leadership qualities that I aspire to emulate in my future career. Their positive influence and the supportive work culture they fostered left a lasting impression on me, making my internship experience at KPMG truly rewarding.

Beyond The PPO: Key Takeaways

My internship experience at KPMG provided me with several major learnings that have significantly enriched my personal and professional growth: 

Enhanced Communication Skills

The internship taught me the importance of effective communication in a professional setting. I learned to articulate my ideas, ask relevant questions, and provide updates to my seniors and managers. Clear and concise communication was essential for understanding project requirements and conveying my progress effectively. 

Practical Experience 

As someone without prior consulting experience, the internship exposed me to the practical aspects of the consulting industry. I learned about various consulting methodologies, problem-solving techniques, and client engagement processes. This hands-on experience was invaluable in understanding the real-world applications of my academic knowledge. 

Knowledge and Skill Development

The internship allowed me to acquire a wealth of knowledge related to organizational structure and process transformation in the Aerospace and Defence sector. It honed my analytical and data interpretation skills, enabling me to derive meaningful insights from complex datasets. 

Networking Opportunities 

Interacting with diverse professionals, including senior directors and firm partners, gave me the chance to build a strong professional network. These connections may prove beneficial for future career opportunities and collaborations. 

Discovering My Passion

Through the internship, I discovered my passion for consulting. The exposure to dynamic and challenging projects ignited my interest in this field, prompting me to consider it as a potential long-term career path. 

Personal Growth

The internship was not just about professional development but also personal growth. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, instilled a sense of responsibility, and helped me develop resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced corporate environment. 

Teamwork and Collaboration

Working in a collaborative environment with a diverse team taught me the importance of teamwork. I learned to appreciate the collective efforts of individuals with different skill sets and perspectives, leading to successful project outcomes.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of my internship experience at KPMG was the camaraderie and bonding moments shared with the team. The team dinners provided a relaxed and informal setting, where we could unwind and get to know each other on a personal level. These gatherings not only strengthened our professional relationships but also created lasting friendships among team members. 

The opportunity to travel to different locations for workshops with other business units of the client was an exciting adventure. It provided exposure to different work environments and allowed me to interact with diverse teams within the organization. These visits added a dynamic element to the internship and broadened my understanding of the client's operations. 

The workshops we conducted were both fun and engaging. It was fulfilling to share knowledge and insights with others and witness their active participation and enthusiasm. Collaborating on workshops also provided a chance to enhance my presentation and communication skills. 

Overall, these moments of team bonding, travel, and engaging workshops made my internship at KPMG even more memorable and enjoyable. It was not just about the work but also about the connections made and the shared experiences that made the internship journey truly fulfilling.

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