A Transformative Summer: Internship Reflections from VSEP
Vinayaka Mission’s School of Economics and Public Policy (VSEP) believes that the learning extends beyond the classroom. The Summer Internship Program enables students to apply their academic knowledge in real-life scenarios, enhance their research skills, and build a professional network.
The Summer Internship 2024 was evident with this vision through well-structured refresher courses, earnest one-to-one mentoring, and diverse assignments that offered intellectual and professional experience to interns.
Here are some testimonies from previous year (2024) interns, that indicate why and how VSEP is shaping the future of younger researchers and professionals.
Research Journey and Other Fields
The refresher courses in the internship program benefited Ms. Shobi Iva Gundavara in improving data analysis and research writing skills. “This course not only enhanced my technical knowledge but also taught me how to write a research paper, a skill I previously struggled with,” she says.
Under the guidance of Dr. Teena, Ms. Shobi explored the domain of Agricultural Economics, which was new area for her. She worked on a project titled “Nexus between Agricultural Economic Growth and Agricultural Carbon Emissions: Decoupling and Decomposition Analysis,” which has exposed her to critically fascinating insight that will supposedly be invaluable for her academic journey.
Her overall remark is, “Overall, my internship at VSEP was incredibly insightful. I built meaningful relationships and significantly advanced my understanding of research and administrative tasks,”.
Nurturing Environmental Economists and Digital Managers
Ms. Madhumitha had an equally rewarding experience. She was mentored by Dr. Shahin Khan, who advised her on a exciting project titled “ESG Reporting: Mitigating Climate Change with Decarbonization Strategies.” Through this research, she explored environmental economics, a relatively new but significant aspect of today’s climate-aware world. “There has been good progress over the project, and through it, I gained worthwhile perspectives of environmental economics, which is relatively fresh to my studies,” she states.
Her overall remark is, “The VSEP’s summer internship not only improved my research capabilities but also the profile of my administrative capabilities,” she adds, stating that it would prove essential in her academic and career pursuits in the future.
Deepening Research Interest
The intern gained this opportunity to apply most of her theory, but she also meant to understand the Indian environmental policy framework deeply. Under the guidance of Dr. Debdulal Thakur’s and Dr. Prashanth’s, Aditi was engaged in a critical analysis of India’s Preparedness for Net Zero Targets.
The refresher course showed crucial in Aditi’s learning journey as it provided a blend of the technical and theoretical aspects of knowledge. A remote intern, she, however, has not been left feeling disconnected from her tasks. “The constant guidance and support extended by the supervisors and frequent team meetings have greatly enhanced my analytical skills,” she says. She appreciates the mentoring and opportunity to work in such an expertise group.
Experiencing Cultural Realities Through Research
Ms. Shreeja Mukerji’s took a radically different research domain: understanding the various kinds of arts practiced in India and the lifestyle of artists. This project was the most unique offering to her in ways of academic learning and getting into India’s ancient, rich cultural tapestry. “The hands-on experience and support from my mentors truly helped me enhance my skills,” she says. It improved one’s problem-solving skills and attention to detail. “Overall, it was a fruitful experience and very satisfying, which has further fueled my passion for research,” she adds.
Strengthening the Research Foundations
Finally, Niharika Priyadharshini Gandhi points out that the VSEP’s summer internship program has been efficient in providing a base for her on the foundations of economic research. Among the aspects she highlights is being taught research methodology, emphasizing evaluating literature and interpreting data. “VSEP equipped me with foundational knowledge essential for conducting meaningful research,” she articulates.
Having an involved mentor made all the difference for her. She praises Dr. Balamurugan for his custom-built supervision, stating how the one-on-one mentoring has helped her devote equal amounts of time to her pursuit of academics and research work. “The environment at VSEP was highly supportive and conducive to learning,” she says while thanking for the enabling environment that allowed her to thrive.
A Launchpad for Future
The VSEP Summer Internship Program is meant to serve as more than a brief program and should be considered a launchpad for aspiring economists, researchers, and professionals. VSEP bridges the gap between theory and practice, allowing students to step into the academic and professional world confidently.
We at VSEP are proud to be part of their journey and eagerly await the arrival of the next cohort of passionate learners. Together, we continue our commitment to nurturing tomorrow’s thinkers, researchers, and leaders.If you’re interested, Kindly apply – https://vsep.edu.in/internship-2025/
