Spring Break
Summer Stories-Class of 2009
Mohit Bathija, Chase a Dream MBA, '09, OJ
Issue date: 9/29/08 Section: News
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The internship search can definitely be a time-intensive process. I'll admit that my search was a little on the unconventional side. Not sure of exactly what I wanted to do, I signed up for Career Teams (which I highly recommend to everyone), got a career coach, talked to professors, and went to numerous company/industry presentations, panels, dinners, etc. Even then I had no idea. What I did know was that I was hoping to do something that (a) I had a passion for; (b) was related to strategy and/or marketing; (c) had an international component to it; and (d) was somewhat unique. As some of the more "exciting" stuff doesn't come until after the March deadline, I decided to cancel most of my "hell week" interviews and used the time to focus on more of a "networked" search. I've always had a deep interest in sports, media, and entertainment, so I decided to start there (primarily focusing on sports).
Be prepared to wait…and wait…and then wait some more. Unlike with consulting and banking, many companies in sports, media, and entertainment may not have very structured interview processes. It can be a highly networked search that requires quite a bit of resilience and patience. Unfortunately, the sports industry has more applicants than it would ever know what to do with and has become extremely competitive (with individuals willing to take 50% pay cuts just to get in). As hard as it is to wait until early May (when everyone else is making plans to move), you have to keep believing in (somewhat cheesy) lines like "the best things come to those who wait" and "if it's meant to be, it'll happen." You can't give up. Plus, what's the worst thing that would have happened? I would have traveled and visited all of my friends who were doing internships in some of the most amazing cities in the world!
Sometimes you have to ask for the opportunity. In mid-April, I saw an e-mail regarding the NBA (National Basketball Association) and efforts to potentially expand into India. As I had been talking with them regarding other positions (that I wasn't really too excited about), I thought I'd ask if they'd have any opportunities in this area. This would be ideal- as I'm a big fan of both Basketball and India! Unfortunately, the International group wasn't looking to have an intern, but still decided to talk with me. After a really good conversation with the Director there (who ended up being my manager), they indicated there may be a slight chance of creating a position. If possible, it would take a few weeks to get all of the internal approvals (which surprisingly had to go through the Director, VP, President, and Deputy Commissioner of the NBA). I was quite nervous as I'd realized over this time that this was the "dream internship" I was looking for and deadlines for my other options (doing something with the Chicago 2016 Olympic committee or working at a sports marketing/talent agency)- which were also great- were quickly approaching. Luckily, while in the middle of Section Olympics, I got a call from my favorite HR person with an offer- one day before my decision deadline.
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