What I learnt during my summer internship at AB InBev -By Chinmaya Mishra from IIM Lucknow
I went from just another MBA student to a determined professional within a span of 2 months that I spent at AB InBev. They not only bring people together for a better world but ensure their interns become owners. So, I bring you my summer internship experience at AB InBev in the most comprehensive way possible.
Twelve months ago, I had just converted IIM Lucknow. I was looking into companies that would fit my background and was elated to find that my academic projects and passion for products shall find a common ground with AB InBev. I eagerly applied to the company during the summer placements. The selection process for an internship at AB InBev included an assessment test, group discussion, group interview, and a direct interview. The whole process challenged a candidate’s creativity, knowledge of the company, and connection with the 10 principles of AB InBev. Following the process, I got selected for the summer internship. It was time to experience all the things I had heard and observed.
COVID 19: Challenge Accepted
A company that sticks with its values, is a company that lasts long. Multiple companies started deliberating the COVID situation and decided to wait. On the other hand, AB InBev stuck to its commitments, took the challenge, and changed the whole internship experience to deliver an online Summer Internship, within the same time frame. That commitment was inspiring, and the onboarding process made it clear. We were able to interact with the President of BU South Asia, along with all the VPs of different functions. Two things that stood out were the commitment to the 10 principles of AB InBev and the warrior mindset of its people.
We were assigned our projects, along with a team, to support and guide us. I had two sponsors for the project, along with a guide and a buddy. My project was different from my fellow interns. I had expected the internship to be in the Sales and Marketing domain. I was pleasantly surprised that I was assigned a project in Sustainability, a field that I had always been passionate about.
Sustainability is AB InBev’s business
When I started working on the project, I found an article by Carlos Brito, the CEO of AB InBev. He had reiterated the company’s focus on Sustainability along with the company’s 4 Sustainability Goals till 2025. It worked as an inspiration for my project. I interviewed multiple internal stakeholders across the company. I was surprised at their willingness to talk, even though they had packed schedules. On the other hand, I faced a challenge when I decided to connect with professionals outside the company.
I used a simple idea. A virtual internship problem requires virtual solutions. I utilized LinkedIn and expanded my network exponentially within the span of a week. I connected with Sustainability professionals and explained to them my objectives. I learned that Covid-19 may have created multiple issues, but it has made people collaborative. I was able to get a better understanding of sustainability in India and abroad. The multiple interviews helped in collating the pain points and building a strategy towards the internship project.
I had 3 reviews with my sponsors and multiple reviews with my guide and buddy. Each review helped me improve myself professionally, and the project exponentially. I was also able to get a lot of help from others at the company, which built upon my motivation for the internship. The final presentation happened virtually as well, and the enthusiasm of the whole Senior Management was visible during the process.
A great place to work
In conclusion, I would like to point out five things that I learnt:
- AB InBev is an amazing organization to work at, from home or in the office.
- Every interaction is meaningful, and you may realize it in the end.
- Everyone at the company supports you, but you must own your project.
- A virtual internship has its challenges, and it becomes multi-fold for employees.
- Banter leads to fun conversations. Every time.
Following the Summer Internship, I have become a fanatic owner with a warrior mindset.
#ChallengeAccepted