Since childhood, we are taught how our future is dependent on our grades and internships. Subconsciously, we knew that when the day comes, we also, like the rest, will need to run the rat race. A day before my final presentation, my phone rang, “Nestle ki email ayi hai jaldi sai form fill karu! The call ended without giving any further description.
This call commenced the rat race for the summer internship. This rat race kills the strength, self-belief, peace, and hope that one holds for oneself. Subko mil gayi mujhay kion nahi mili? And there goes your self-esteem down the drain.
Good Future = Good internship?
I know this is not the end of the world. Unfortunately, the unhealthily competitive world that we live in has made us fight for every breath of corporate slavery. This is to gain the opportunity to be admitted into various MNCs’ in years to come. Covid-19 has made it hard to survive in this rat race. Our skills, abilities, and prior experience do not make any difference until we are called in for an interview. However, this does not happen for many of us just because of the entrance tests thrown our way.
I know people who perform well in academics but fail to be confident and vocal during the interviews. However, some fail to perform outstandingly in the tests but are excellent at interviews and presenting themselves. Setting certain criteria to judge who is better and capable is our society’s harsh reality. This should be altered to allow equal opportunities for all. Most of the tasks allocated in private and public sectors revolve around practical work.
Will my future be always based on numerical-based exams?
An alternative to this is the new “situation-based exam,” claiming to be focusing more on the practicality of problems occurring on professional grounds. That is also not completely true, as their algorithms, in fact, look out for a certain set of answers to deal with certain situations. Any pathway of correction I choose is what I believe to be the best, and if need be, that is the pathway I shall be following, or I have followed earlier in life, eventually proving it to be the best way out.
Conclusion
A little piece of advice to myself and many out there. Buddies, don’t underestimate yourself because XYZ firm did not take you as their intern. You are much more than what others think or what society has compelled you to feel. Just wait for the right time and day, and focus on making yourself proud, even just by writing your future self a letter and making sure to stop and look back to see all those small steps you have achieved. A pat on your own back is all that you need!
