From Induction to Internship: Embracing the Uncomfortable

 

Ms. Shakshi Rai 

II-SEM

MBA 2024-26

MBA( 2024-26)"Are you comfortable being uncomfortable?"– Amit Choudhary

This question echoed through the hallways on my very first day at Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Noida, during an insightful panel discussion on "Using Innovative Techniques for Developing Competitive Advantage in the Business World." I didn’t fully realize it then, but this question would come to define my journey so far.

That day, we were encouraged to look beyond traditional learning and reflect on our own unique value, to continuously innovate ourselves, and to stay ahead of the curve—not just in terms of business strategy but in how we grow as individuals.

Here are some of the key insights that stayed with me:

💡 Innovation is not a department—it’s a mindset.
💡 Invest in yourself. Know your strengths. Identify your gaps.
💡 Everything starts with self-management before you can lead or collaborate.
💡 Soft skills aren’t soft anymore—they’re strategic.

"Look around at things that are affecting you."– Daljeet Singh

"There’s a thin line between being a team player and being overly competitive."– Dr. Vandana Ahuja

"Go to the market. Take up challenges."-– Jagat Patnaik

Those words were more than just advice—they became anchors for my learning curve. From induction day to group projects, from classroom debates to real-world case studies, I began to understand that business education isn't just about theories—it's about transformation.

From Campus Classrooms to The Times of India

Fast forward to today, I’m incredibly excited to be interning at The Times of India as a Marketing Intern—a brand with over 180 years of journalistic excellence. When most people think of TOI, they picture front-page news, Bollywood updates, and stock reports. But I’ve discovered a whole new side of TOI that speaks directly to my interests in communication, innovation, and purpose-driven work.

One of the highlights of my internship so far has been exploring the Newspaper in Education (NIE) edition—an initiative that’s not just informative but inspirational. Designed specifically for students from classes 4 to 12, this special edition is a vibrant, engaging, and educational version of the newspaper with unique segments like:

Actual News – curated major headlines for young readers
World and You – fun facts to spark curiosity
Wander & Wonder – stories about innovation and technology
Think Tank – student-submitted articles, drawings, and opinions
School Scoop – a space celebrating student achievements
Pop-ups, visuals, catchy headlines, arrows – all designed to make news engaging and digestible

The design itself is an innovation—using visual storytelling to enhance reading comprehension and curiosity. It’s journalism that educates, and as a marketing intern, being part of this initiative feels like aligning my learning with something truly impactful.

Every day here feels like a new opportunity—to apply classroom lessons, to step out of comfort zones, and to contribute meaningfully to something larger than myself.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

From that first panel discussion on Day One to now working on a product that reaches thousands of young minds, my journey has come full circle. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that growth happens when you’re willing to be a little uncomfortable, to speak up when you’re unsure, and to keep learning when you think you’ve figured it out.