International Internship India (SA 59000) is a dual-discipline, 3-credit-hour joint internship program between Purdue IE and the Krannert School of Management. This was the first year that IE has been formally involved with the program since it started 11 years ago, although IE students have participated occasionally in previous years. Thirteen students participated this year from May 8-26, including five IE undergraduates, one IE PhD student, and seven Krannert students.

"The students were working on real projects to improve various operations within the company under supervision of the faculty involved, and TVS senior managers," said Patrick "Doc B" Brunese, IE Director of Academic Programs. "The projects were for departments in inbound logistics, outbound logistics, [and] marketing, among others."

IE PhD student Shree Frazier appreciated the internship's professional and cultural opportunities. "I developed a forecasting plan for their motorbike models with the highest month-to-month sales variation. I learned quite a bit about work-life balance and being open to travel to have different cultural experiences from Dr. V. Kovaichelvan [TVS Senior Vice President of Human Resources and TQC]. Visiting his home and being able to discuss the many achievements in his life was quite inspiring."

Students had the opportunity to tour sites affiliated with TVS' corporate social responsibility initiatives such as schools and farms. "I enjoyed visiting the villages and interacting with the people. During this trip we learned how TVS empowers communities by provided educational experiences for the youth and employment for women," Frazier commented. "I enjoyed venturing out in the streets of Bangalore, for example, going to the street market for fresh fruit. All experiences were not pleasant; however, I gained perspective about the culture and other ways of life for people living in and around the city." 

Other cross-cultural experiences included visiting a temple, watching a performance of Indian classical dancing, dining with TVS Motors managers' families, and visiting the cities of Fatehpur Sikri and Agra, where they saw the Taj Mahal.

"The best part of this program is that it is short enough that students shouldn’t have conflicts with other internship opportunities, while at the same time being long enough that they are doing significant work for TVS and thus gaining sufficient practical experience," said Brunese. "This is a win-win for students who participate, all while earning credits towards their degree - and if they are pursuing it, their management minor".

The course will be offered again in May 2018.

Writer: DeEtte Starr, starrd@purdue.edu