I was born and brought up in the city of Indore and also had my schooling there. In my plus 2, I took PCM and later I gave engineering entrances to pursue B.Tech in my graduation. Since I was not very good academically, I didn’t take a drop year and went ahead with a tier 3 college. Currently, I am in the 7th semester of majoring in Computer science. Apart from professional growth and academics, I love dancing as a hobby and prefer reading books in my free time.
How did you get an internship at Adobe?
I was looking for good internships and then came across Adobe’s ‘Shecodes’ internship program. I did apply off-campus and it was completely off-campus as Adobe keeps this internship open to all women candidates across the country. After applying we had to submit our high school results based on which I was selected for technical test rounds. The technical test round consisted of 2 parts. In the first part, the question was on the topics of aptitude, computer fundamentals and a few coding questions. After getting selected in the first test, the second round also had the same set of questions but the level of questions was a little enhanced and also a gamified test was included. The technical test took 2 weeks and after that, I was asked to send my CV. Once my CV got selected I received mail for the personal interview round. In the interview, I was asked questions based on the project I had done in the past, some DSA questions and a few personality check questions. After a few days, I received the confirmation letter of my selection and later I received the offer letter and my internship kits and goodies.
As a product intern what were your roles and responsibilities?
According to Adobe’s policy, I can’t reveal what project I worked on but yes I was given a particular project which I had to do from scratch. So most of the day-to-day activities revolve around talking to my mentors and discussing my progress, incorporating their suggestions. I am happy to share that I successfully completed my project by the end of my internship tenure which was a great feeling for me.
Since this internship was a work-from-home opportunity, tell us about the work timings of your team and the work culture you experienced as a virtual intern?
Honestly, the virtual environment to me wasn't like a virtual environment as my seniors created an atmosphere that was so open-minded that I had no second thoughts to ask or share any small or big problems that I was facing. The supportive nature of seniors to interns is always a motivating factor and this was something that boosted my confidence and I was able to have a great time at this internship.
Tell us about your overall experience at Adobe?
I am short of words to express my overwhelmedness about this internship. The most important thing was that I got the feeling of not coming from top engineering colleges as I used to believe I might not fit among them properly. Anyone who thinks like this, I just tell them to pursue the right skill sets and be confident in themselves and this is all you need to shine anywhere. The Adobe work culture was good even though I was working from home, there was not a single day I felt missed out. Friday Funday meetings were great things to increase the bond with the team and mentors. To sum up I would say, it was a proper culmination of working, learning and enjoying.
What is your perception on how someone in college should look up to internships, and why someone should do internships?
If I have to tell you from my story, I would say for me that internships are something that gives a holistic experience of how a company works and how to fit in the corporate world. As a college student you should not only be focused on academics and brushing up on your skills but also try to engage yourself in the practical world and the closest way to that is through internships. I also think one should not only look for branded internships but I would suggest being an intern at small companies or at different startups for better personal growth and to gain experiences that will really help out when you enter the industry to work professionally.
As an intern, what was the incentive you received at adobe?
The stipend amount was very public which was 1 lakh per month but adding to this we were also compensated for the essential work-from-home setup and also a lot of goodies at the start and at the end of the internship. One year subscription to all the Adobe products was something that I loved the most among all the benefits.
Tell us about your experience as a virtual intern?
Punctuality is something everyone should learn during their work-from-home tenure. Sticking to a certain kind of routine and being disciplined about it surely helps to increase your productivity and you will be able to deliver your best work. Try to learn good virtual communication skills by engaging yourself with good intentions to your team members and managers. Avoid being lethargic if things sometimes become monotonous.
What skills are required to get such a role at Adobe?
In my personal opinion, good communication skills and confidence runs parallel and without them sometimes even if you have a hardcore skill you fail to get what you looking for. So good communication skill is a must to express your hardcore skill to the employer and adapt to the cultural fit of the company. Hardcore skills are something that can’t be avoided at any cost if you are in the engineering domain. So one should take proper measures to enhance their hardcore skills to end up at a good company for a job or internship. You can make the best use of Youtube and Google to learn.
What are your suggestions to someone who is in college or just a fresher? How should they keep their thought process and preparation for such internships?
Just don’t lose hope in the thing you tried and want to get in. Try giving your best shot despite the constraints as when I look back I was not someone who can make it to an internship like this but I did eventually. Self-confidence and hard work will help you to achieve your goals, keep trying and focus on skill development.