Moomal Majee is a student at St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata. She is currently pursuing English Honours and is currently in her second year of studies. She worked as an intern on an online website that prepares students for the Pearson English test alongside her graduation course.
What was your title and responsibility in that internship?
In this internship, my role was that of a content writer. As a content writer intern, my responsibility was to create new questions for the mock tests based on specified testing objectives. I was therefore required to review the questions that were formed by my fellow interns too. After the same, I was also instructed to create appropriate explanations for the correct answers.
What kind of skills/characteristics are needed for this role?
For the role of a content writer intern, the skill that was of utmost importance was to have a good grasp of the English language overall. It also required the interns to have an ability to find out the elements which may be completely or partially confusing for non-native English learners.
Following this skill, the internship also required the ability to clearly but simply explain the elements that cause errors or the things that are to be done to wipe off those errors by the people who are taking the course.
What is your overall experience during the internship?
During this internship, the experience that I received was primarily enriching and good. The challenges that I certainly faced were primarily regarding time management because I also had to take out time for my college studies. But, apart from these challenges, I learned a lot too. The internship not only enriched and added to my résumé but also helped me update and polish my own skill sets.
Your stipend/ salary range during the internship? What kind of benefits do you get?
The stipend that I received was Rs 1500/- bimonthly. Apart from the stipend, there were other perks of this internship too. I received a certificate of selection and a letter of recommendation after the completion of my internship.
What do you think is a decent stipend during the internship which would interest students? Can you give a range?
I think Rs.1500 - Rs.3000 is a decent range for students to get interested in internships. This range of money will keep the students motivated to reach their targets and will help them to work on a most efficient basis.
Why do you think an internship is essential for students?
Yes, an internship is important for students because it adds to their CV. Internship polishes and enriches the students' skill sets. The work experience from an internship might help the students in getting a job too. Apart from this, it helps the students by giving them an idea of how their subsequent professional lives might work out, and it allows them to be somewhat independent financially. Not only this, but it also makes them aware of the importance of managing one’s time as most of the students do their internships alongside their studies.
What suggestions can you give to fresh grads/students who want to apply for internships?
I would suggest that the first thing to do is to create a good résumé by clearly mentioning one’s skill set, achievements, and any projects one may have worked on. A good resume is what creates the first impression in the interviewee's mind and thus it helps in making the right first impression. After the same, the next thing that someone should focus on is to present a trustworthy and patient image in an interview conducted. These two things are of paramount importance for getting a good internship. I would also suggest that one should not primarily focus on the stipend provided and their main focus should lie on the experience that they are going to receive from the internship.