Hardik R. Aggarwal
Civil Engineering
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PPO
CITI Pune
Interviewed by:
Ojas Srivastava
Internships
PPOs
20th September 2020
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Why PPO?
Any tips for securing a PPO?
Policies regarding PPOs?
Importance of good relations within the company?
Criteria used while handing out PPOs?
How did you stand out among your colleagues?
With the pandemic in full swing, I was pretty unsure of its impact on the placements. I had made up my mind to have a backup option of pursuing a Master’s in Finance if things don’t work out and started preparing for GMAT. Being a non-techie (not even data analytics), I would have sat for just the non-core consult/business analyst/product management profiles, and not many such positions open on-campus even in a good placement season. Since I plan to study abroad and pursue management degrees (MiM/MF/MBA), I was sure that I wanted a global brand on my CV. There were only 4-5 companies coming on campus that satisfied this filter and were better (in terms of the pay) than my company, a Bulge Bracket bank.
Focusing on my long term goals, I was elated when I received the PPO, discussed the future prospects at the bank with a few seniors, assessed my chances at the 4-5 better companies (got a 50-50 prediction from most seniors), and finally decided to accept the offer from the bank I internet at. With this, I even got quite a bit of time to pursue other engagements such as GMAT & CFA.
Focusing on my long term goals, I was elated when I received the PPO, discussed the future prospects at the bank with a few seniors, assessed my chances at the 4-5 better companies (got a 50-50 prediction from most seniors), and finally decided to accept the offer from the bank I internet at. With this, I even got quite a bit of time to pursue other engagements such as GMAT & CFA.
I think simply focusing on the output and ensuring good ethics goes a long way. I literally worked 5 to 6 hours a week during my online internship (literally - should not publicize this :p) but made sure that my ppt was concise and clear and my recommendations were in line with my supervisor’s opinion of the issue at hand. Smart work is all that’s needed. I think building good communication and presentation skills goes a long way as well.
I don’t think this plays any role at most firms.
I don’t think I can be sure about the exact criteria but I can elaborate on the feedback I received from my supervisors. They said that I worked diligently towards the deliverables, gave a concise and clear final presentation, and was on point with my recommendations. I would say building a good rapport with your supervisors goes a long way as they definitely have some role in the company evaluative processes and if you have a strong relationship with them, they will back you in front of the senior management.
I believe to stand out, one must be cordial, connect well with the supervisors, and produce excellent output (the most important). The edge from your colleagues WILL NEVER COME FROM HOLDING THEM DOWN. I interned with one of my closest friends and we shared the same branch and hostel. We worked under the same supervisors and gave our very best to make sure we get the best output together (as our project was sort of linked as well). It was unfortunate that he closely missed the offer but nevertheless, I am sure that neither of us would have increased our chances without it being a team effort from our end.
I think that depends on the vacancies that particular year and the general trend of the industry. Nothing one can predict!
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Summary of the specifics.
For me, it was simply presenting my work in front of the senior leaders (around 8-10) of my company, and then as per my discussion with the supervisor post receiving the PPO, they sort of have a detailed discussion on each candidate and then make a decision. As
far as I know, the intern supervisors and senior management together have the biggest role in the evaluation but that being said, no one disagrees with their boss that easily :p
far as I know, the intern supervisors and senior management together have the biggest role in the evaluation but that being said, no one disagrees with their boss that easily :p