Bangalore, India
How a Traineeship in Bangalore can change your Perspective
My Job
For three months, I have been working in the international marketing
department of Sonata Software Limited. Sonata is an IT consulting
company providing software solutions to companies all over the world. I
have had the opportunity to get a better understanding of the IT
industry and international sales. Sonata has very high expectations of
its trainees and as a result gives us a large amount of responsibility
and autonomy in our work. My opinion is highly valued here. It seems
like everyday someone is saying, "Can you take a look at this or what
do you think about this." From day one, I was treated as an equal and
welcomed by my coworkers. It was irrelevant that I am still a student
and all of my coworkers have more education and experience than I do.
While working for Sonata, I am responsible for lead generation of
prospective e-commerce clients in English speaking countries. This is a
multi-step process that requires research, analysis, development of
informational marketing materials, sales calls and follow-up mailers.
Benefits for Sonata
From my understanding, the largest benefit to Sonata from my
traineeship is the American perspective I can provide. I have a
background in business administration and marketing in the US. Though
all the Sonata's employees speak English fluently, what is acceptable
or expected in business writing in the US, is often not the same as
what is the norm for Indian companies. Mostly, it's the little
differences that we are not taught in school and that you can only get
from experience. Also, a major benefit that I can provide is helping
American executives stay within their comfort zone. Americans as a
whole have a relatively limited knowledge of the immense capabilities
and resources Indian companies can offer. It is much easier and more
comfortable for them to stick with what they know. During my experience
here, I have found that American prospects seemed to be very pleased
that Sonata has an American working for them. It's as if they feel like
I can be the link between the two very different countries, like a
translator for cultural and business differences. The combination of
the Indian and American perspectives is likely a unique advantage that
will give Sonata a preemptive strike against the competition.
Benefits for Me
My experience at Sonata has greatly expanded my understanding and
respect of Indian business. The bureaucracy commonly found in American
business is basically non-existent here. My boss is one of the highest
level executives in the company, and demands we call him by his
nickname. I feel comfortable sharing my ideas with him and my
coworkers, even in the case that I disagree. Everyone's opinion is
valued as much as the CEO's. At Sonata, the company motto is "Winning
through caring." This is not just a motto, but a way of life for
Sonatians. The autonomy I have been given has allowed me to better
evaluate my own capabilities as well as my limitations. After I leave,
I will have the unique benefit of having a hands-on understanding of
international marketing and global business.
Living in Bangalore
Before coming to Bangalore, I really didn't know what to expect.
Surprisingly, I adjusted to the organized chaos here quite quickly.
Bangalore is a bustling city of five million people. Finding something
to do is definitely not a difficulty here. After being here a month,
there are still about a dozen places I want to visit within the city.
There are many pubs, discos, cinemas, and restaurants to frequent. If
you're looking for a more peaceful activity, there are many gardens,
temples, and museums to visit. About every other weekend, I travel with
friends to different places throughout Southern India. Traveling is
easy and inexpensive because the transit system out of Bangalore is
very advanced. Also, the AIESEC chapter here is really supportive.
About every other day there seems to be an AIESEC'er stopping by the
trainee-house to check up on us. The traineehouse in itself is unique.
In addition to experiencing Indian culture, I have had the chance to
see five other perspectives from my roommates that come from all
different countries.
Long-term Affects
My experience as a whole will have a long-term affect on me. I will
always be thankful that I was given this opportunity. Being able to
experience a culture very different from my own is an experience I will
never forget. It has made me realize how diversity is something you
really don't understand until you are the one that is different. I come
from a predominantly white, upper middle class area in the US. India is
like a whole different world. Everything is different - culture,
business, politics, religion, the basic ways of life. I have made many
friends here whom I hope to stay in contact with in the future.
Overall, I feel that this experience has made me a more complete and
better person.
Karin Otto, Ohio USA
Back