How This Management Student Secured An MBA Internship With Nirma Group's Nuvoco

An engineer with two years of industrial experience, Ankit Dwivedi is currently pursuing an MBA degree from SME, IIT Jodhpur. With an interest in logistics operations, he applied for and landed an internship at the building materials company Nuvoco Vista Corporation Ltd., a part of the esteemed Nirma Group. Here he shares his story and learnings from an ‘enriching’ internship. 

Landing A Glorious Opportunity

Once upon a time, in the realm of Cement & Building Materials, I embarked on an internship journey that surpassed all my expectations. It was a glorious opportunity provided by Nuvoco Vista Corporation Ltd., a visionary company with a mission to build a ‘Safer, Smarter, and Sustainable World’. As part of the esteemed Nirma Group, Nuvoco had established its presence in the cement industry through strategic acquisitions and a commitment to superior performance. 

I secured an internship with the company through self-application. After identifying my area of interest, I researched their internship opportunities and submitted my application directly to them. Following the initial application, I participated in general discussions with various company officials. These discussions served as an opportunity for both parties to assess mutual compatibility and discuss the potential internship role. Based on these interactions, I was offered the internship position.

This process allowed me to take an active role in pursuing and securing the internship opportunity, demonstrating my proactive approach and enthusiasm for the position.

My internship journey commenced with a two-day induction program that opened the doors to a world of knowledge. Esteemed heads of the organization enlightened me about the internship's expectations, the valuable insights I will gain, and the company's vision. It was an enriching experience that set the tone for the remarkable adventure ahead. 

During the initial week, I had the privilege of meeting various department heads, like the plant head, operations head, etc. Their support and motivation instilled a sense of purpose and encouraged me to excel during my time at Nuvoco. As the days unfolded, I was assigned to the Logistics Department, aligning with my area of interest. A mentor was entrusted with guiding me through the intricacies of optimizing logistics operations and identifying bottlenecks to enhance efficiency. 

The Roles & Responsibilities

During my internship at Nuvoco Vista Corporation Ltd., my primary role and responsibilities were focused on the logistics department. Under the guidance of my mentor, Mr. Narinder Suwalka, I was entrusted with various tasks and responsibilities, including:

1. Analyzing logistics operations: I conducted a thorough analysis of the existing logistics processes, identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement. 
2. Developing corrective measures: Based on my analysis, I crafted a comprehensive report outlining suggested corrective measures to enhance plant efficiency and optimize logistics operations. 
3. Collaborating with stakeholders: I coordinated and collaborated with various stakeholders involved in logistics operations, including suppliers, transporters, and internal teams, to gather necessary data and insights. 
4. Research and data analysis: I conducted research on industry best practices, market trends, and emerging technologies relevant to logistics operations. I also performed data analysis to extract meaningful insights and support decision-making processes. 
5. Reporting and presentation: I prepared detailed reports presenting my findings, recommendations, and the potential impact of suggested corrective measures. I also participated in presentations to senior officials, sharing my insights and seeking their feedback. 

Nuvoco granted me full autonomy over my project, allowing me to take ownership from start to finish. This responsibility involved defining objectives, developing research methodologies, selecting markets to visit, and determining the most impactful way to present my findings. 

Throughout my internship, I actively engaged with the logistics team, sought guidance from my mentor, and contributed to the overall improvement of logistics operations within the organization.

A Holistic Learning Experience

My internship experience at Nuvoco Vista Corporation Ltd. provided me with several major learnings that have shaped my professional growth:  

Firstly, I learned the importance of having a positive work culture and how it contributes to employee satisfaction and productivity. Witnessing a supportive and collaborative environment emphasized the significance of teamwork and effective communication. 

Secondly, I gained practical insights into logistics operations within the cement industry, understanding the complexities and challenges involved in supply chain management. This experience enhanced my problem-solving skills and the ability to identify and address bottlenecks. 

Furthermore, I learned the value of mentorship and guidance. My interactions with experienced professionals, particularly my mentor, helped me develop a deeper understanding of the industry, expanded my knowledge base, and led me to gain confidence in my abilities. 

Lastly, the internship taught me the significance of taking ownership and being proactive in projects. Having autonomy over my work allowed me to demonstrate accountability, adaptability, and the ability to deliver results. 

Overall, my internship provided a holistic learning experience encompassing technical skills, professional growth, and personal development, which have equipped me for future endeavors in the industry. 

The trust placed in me by my team instilled a deep sense of accountability and boosted my confidence to execute tasks diligently. This ownership experience has equipped me with the confidence to embrace future responsibilities with conviction. 

The Milestones That Kept Me Going

I achieved a significant milestone during my internship when I crafted a comprehensive report on optimizing logistics operations. Through meticulous analysis and identification of bottlenecks, I developed a detailed plan outlining suggested corrective measures to enhance plant efficiency. This report received appreciation from senior officials, who acknowledged its value and provided invaluable insights. 

Moreover, my ability to take ownership of the project, from defining objectives to presenting my findings, showcased my competence and garnered positive feedback from the team. This achievement not only solidified my understanding of logistics operations but also boosted my confidence in delivering impactful results.

The most challenging aspect of the internship at Nuvoco Vista Corporation Ltd. was navigating the intricacies of optimizing logistics operations within the cement industry. Understanding the complexities of supply chain management, coordinating with various stakeholders, and identifying bottlenecks required a deep understanding of the processes and attention to detail. Additionally, crafting a comprehensive report with suggested corrective measures demanded meticulous analysis and critical thinking. 

However, these challenges provided valuable opportunities for growth and learning, allowing me to develop problem-solving skills and gain practical insights into the operational challenges faced by the organization.

The Difference A Mentor Can Make

During my internship, I had the opportunity to interact with the senior officials and heads of different departments. I had the privilege of engaging in discussions with them, seeking their expertise and insights. It was truly unexpected to have such direct access and open conversations with individuals at such high positions within the organization. 

These encounters provided me with a unique perspective and a deeper understanding of the company's operations and strategic decision-making processes. It was an enriching experience that broadened my horizons and allowed me to learn from seasoned professionals in the industry.

However, an individual who left a mark was Mr. Narinder Suwalka - my mentor. His guidance, expertise, and unwavering support were instrumental in shaping my professional growth and instilling a sense of confidence in my abilities. He went above and beyond to ensure that I received hands-on experience and provided valuable insights that expanded my knowledge in the field of logistics operations. His dedication to my development and belief in my potential left a lasting impact, inspiring me to strive for excellence and pursue a career where I can make a meaningful difference.

I was also deeply impressed by the positive work culture and the strong sense of professionalism that permeated the company. The employees were dedicated, supportive, and highly knowledgeable, creating an environment conducive to learning and growth. Additionally, the emphasis on mentorship and guidance provided me with invaluable insights and shaped my professional development. 

To Sum It Up

Nuvoco was not just a building materials company; it was a realm of endless possibilities and invaluable experiences. It was here that I discovered the true essence of a company lies in its people. 

Guided by the brightest minds in the industry, I felt privileged to receive mentorship that shaped me into a well-rounded professional. I truly believe the adage, "You'll know a company is poor if all it can offer you is money." Nuvoco provided me with ample opportunities to learn and grow, setting my career on a trajectory of success. 

Armed with the lessons learned, I will continue to strive for excellence in all my endeavors.

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