Landing your first internship is always special, but for me, it was an extraordinary milestone. While pursuing my undergraduate BBA degree at SP Jain School of Global Management, I had the privilege of studying in Dubai, a city teeming with opportunities. It was here that I secured my first internship at Philips (now Signify), a global leader in lighting solutions. What made this experience even more remarkable was that I was working with the head of the finance department and directly reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). It was both an incredible opportunity and an immense responsibility—one that shaped my professional outlook in profound ways.

The Internship Opportunity and My Role

Getting an internship at Philips (Signify) was a significant achievement for me. Working in the finance department, I was entrusted with high-level responsibilities that went beyond the scope of a typical intern. I had to replicate the duties of the Head of Finance, conduct meetings, and even guide and direct team members who were far more experienced and senior than I was. Reporting directly to the CFO meant that my work was under constant scrutiny, which pushed me to operate at a level that far exceeded my prior experiences.

The Challenges I Faced

One of the most daunting challenges I encountered was managing the interpersonal dynamics of working with senior professionals. As someone who was young and relatively inexperienced, stepping into a leadership role and giving directions to people who had years of expertise felt intimidating at first.

The workload was also intense. To keep up with the demands of my role, I worked 8-12 hours a day, often preparing late into the night for meetings and tasks scheduled for the next day. Balancing the technical responsibilities with the need to maintain professional confidence in a room full of seasoned individuals required resilience and constant learning.

Lessons Learned and Outcomes

Despite these challenges, I thrived in my role. By taking the time to understand the company’s operations, listening to feedback, and proactively seeking ways to add value, I was able to meet—and even exceed—expectations. The CFO, HOD, and other colleagues were impressed with my ability to deliver results and adapt to a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

This internship taught me several invaluable lessons. I learned the importance of preparation, communication, and the ability to stay composed under pressure. More importantly, I discovered that age and experience are not barriers to making meaningful contributions as long as you are willing to work hard and learn continuously.

How SP Jain Global and the Multi-City Experiences Helped Me Succeed

The multi-city learning model of the BBA program at SP Jain Global played a pivotal role in preparing me for this experience. Studying in global hubs like Dubai exposed me to diverse cultures and ways of working, which made it easier to navigate the multicultural environment at Philips (Signify). The BBA curriculum, with its focus on practical learning, teamwork, and leadership development, gave me the confidence to handle high-level responsibilities. Now, as I complete my final year at the Sydney campus, I recognise how these multi-city experiences have been instrumental in my professional journey. Each city has provided unique opportunities to adapt, learn, and grow. Having completed four internships so far, I can confidently say that this has uniquely prepared me to face real-world challenges.

Moreover, interacting with peers and professors from different parts of the world helped me develop cultural intelligence and adaptability—skills that proved crucial in conducting meetings with colleagues from various nationalities and backgrounds. The case studies, group projects, and real-world simulations I encountered at SP Jain Global sharpened my problem-solving and analytical abilities, enabling me to address challenges at work effectively.

About the Author:

Harshita Ahuja is a final-year Bachelor of Business Administration student, currently completing her degree at the Sydney campus.