A summer internship experience defined by innovation and exploration

Stepping into Bengaluru for the first time, I knew this internship was going to be an adventure. I was ready to dive into my role as a project manager at GE Vernova, but I was equally eager to experience the vibrant culture of a city I had heard so much about. Looking back, my time here was a perfect blend of intense professional growth, meaningful networking, and unforgettable weekend explorations.

At work, one of my primary responsibilities was launching an AI Helpdesk to streamline user query resolution. The technical launch went smoothly, but we quickly hit a roadblock: user adoption was lower than expected.

This is where my classroom learnings truly bridged the gap to the corporate world. During my time with SPJIMR’s Assessment and Development of Managerial Potential (ADMAP) committee, a core focus was learning how to drive outcomes by exercising ‘influence without positional power’. I realised I needed a high-level advocate to champion our product. I took the initiative to showcase the AI Helpdesk directly to the Project Director. Seeing its value, he appreciated the effort and personally emailed a larger audience about the product’s benefits. Having a leadership advocate for our tool was the catalyst we needed, and it was incredibly rewarding to see an ADMAP principle successfully applied in a real-world setting.

Another massive highlight of my time at GE Vernova was the International Intern Business Case Competition. The company formed inter-business-school teams, pairing interns to solve a real-world business challenge. Our diverse team, with MBA students from various management institutes, collaborated to analyse the problem and develop a viable solution.

We built a Gen AI agent designed to generate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and preventive measures, empowering project teams to proactively mitigate hurdles. Our business coach loved the concept, which earned us the incredible opportunity to present our solution directly to the CIO of GE Vernova. Winning the business case was easily one of the highlights of my internship, demonstrating the power of global teamwork and innovative thinking.

An internship is as much about the people as it is about the work. Being surrounded by interns from various other B-schools was an incredible learning opportunity. Everyone brought a unique perspective shaped by their distinct backgrounds and expertise. Through countless team lunches and intern dinners, we exchanged ideas, debated strategies, and built a genuine camaraderie. These interactions taught me that true cross-functional collaboration starts with understanding and valuing diverse viewpoints.

Beyond the office walls, Bengaluru did not disappoint. As a nature enthusiast, finding green spaces is always a priority for me. Cubbon Park quickly became my sanctuary. Taking part in a 5K race there, surrounded by the city’s iconic canopy, stands out as one of my favourite memories from the trip.

I also have a personal rule: whenever I visit a new city, I have to hunt down its best pizza. As a self-proclaimed pizza fanatic, I made it my mission to explore Bengaluru’s culinary scene. From the artisanal slices at Pizza 4P’s to the classic offerings at Pizza Express, my weekend food trails added the perfect, flavourful balance to my busy work weeks.

Ultimately, my internship was about more than just adding a line to my resume. It was a holistic experience of stepping out of my comfort zone—whether that meant pitching to a Project Director, presenting a winning Gen AI solution to a CIO, pacing myself through a 5K, or learning from bright minds across the country. Bengaluru challenged me, fed me well, and gave me insights I will carry with me long after graduation.