What I learned during my internship at Godrej Consumer Products Limited -By Astha Agarwala from SCMHRD

“Gurukul - a one of its kind experience”, this is what I have been hearing from my seniors and like any other Gurukuler-to-be, I was pretty excited to embark on this learning journey. However, COVID-19 had different plans and my entire internship at Godrej Consumer Products Limited turned virtual.

I am interning as a part of the HR team. I got this internship opportunity through Godrej LOUD, one of its kind B-School competition through which you can Live Out Your Dream LOUDLY!

My internship started with the essence of empathy

Even before the internship at Godrej Consumer Products Limited had started, empathy was the first and foremost thing that was required and the same was delivered to us.

During a video conference with the corporate HR team, it was mentioned: “everything will be alright and we need to accept this as the new normal” and it was informed to us that our internship would begin in a work from home format, after a week. At the time it was a great sigh of relief. Thereafter, we introduced ourselves to our co-Gurukulers through a fun and quirky video. Never knew, introductions could be great fun too!

Eventually, we had video conferences with the senior leadership team and got to know about almost all the aspects of the business, be it Sales & Marketing or Supply Chain, we got a chance to get our queries directly answered from the senior leaders. When we had a time constraint, the CEO himself asked to arrange for another meeting with us! I never knew, being an intern, I would get such an amazing treatment. We all were divided into small groups and played games, through which we got to know each other a little more, a little better. All interns were further connected to a workplace group, where we all could share our views and ideas. We even celebrated birthdays of Gurukulers!

We got to know about our newest business- Godrej Housing Finance and got a chance to interact with the CEO of the business and even before the advertisements came out publicly, we were informed about our newest baby brand, Goodness.me. I must say, truly, Godrej places people at the heart of everything they do!

The learning I have garnered

I have always expected to learn new and varied things and eventually develop mastery. Being a fresher, coming straight out of college, I have always sought guidance.

When I started my project, I barely had an idea about the subject, however, I always got the support whenever I needed it, even in the virtual scenario. I was connected to people who helped me. The best part about Godrej is, you are allowed to paint your canvas. That is I can draw and paint my project the way I think is best suited for the organization. You always have a mentor who is watching you from above so that whenever and wherever you get stuck, there is always a hand that can get you through the situation.

The virtual experience

Coming to the current experience, I would not say it would have been the same if it had been an on-site internship. During virtual internships, effective communication is key. You must be heard as well as understood. Not everyone knows our project as much as we do. The best we can do is to realize the responsibility. This makes for effective communication.

Despite being in a virtual internship, what has will always matter to me, is a sense of belonging towards the people I work for and with. And, Godrej has very beautifully given me that. I honestly don't feel like going back to college and start with my studies. At Godrej, I completely feel that I am a part of the organization and will land up at the office, one day.

Being a part of Godrej has been just amazing. Interning here is a dream come true.