Niharika's Internship Experience: Journey of Growth & Learning
Niharika Kundra | Graduate Intern | Bangalore, India
Originally Published: June 20, 2025
Building the Foundation: My Early Life and Education
My name is Niharika Kundra, and I was born and raised in Chandigarh, fondly known as ‘The City Beautiful.’ With a strong analytical mindset, I chose commerce as my stream in 11th grade. Over time, I developed a deep interest in economics and accounts, thanks to the guidance of my excellent tutors.
After completing my 12th grade, I secured admission to Delhi University for a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) program. Moving to Delhi marked my first experience living independently, which not only taught me self-reliance but also sparked my love for solo travel. I excelled in both academics and extracurricular activities, joining the National Service Scheme (NSS) in my first year. As the Event Management Head and later Vice President, I organized events, supported differently abled students, and contributed over 240 hours to social service.
Inspired by my sister, I decided to pursue an MBA immediately after graduation. After taking the Common Admission Test (CAT), I was drawn to T.A. Pai Management Institute for its rigorous Banking and Financial Services program. The curriculum, extracurricular opportunities, and faculty support played a pivotal role in my growth. Additionally, I became a member of the finance committee, 'Samnidhy,' where we manage a corpus of nearly ₹0.5 crore by investing students' funds in the market.
My Dell Internship Journey
During my internship search, Dell was the first company I applied to, drawn by the opportunity to work in a business finance role. I believe business finance offers a comprehensive understanding of a company's business model while presenting unique challenges. Dell, as a market leader, had always been a dream company for me, especially because of its supportive and inclusive culture.
The selection process began with an aptitude test, where over a hundred students participated, and five of us were shortlisted for the Delivering Progress competition. We were placed in teams of six, with members from different colleges. Coordinating across diverse schedules was challenging but taught me invaluable collaboration skills. Our task was to analyze Dell’s business model and propose strategies to boost sales.
Just a day before the presentation, I fell ill and was hospitalized. Despite this setback, I managed to present and support my team, and we ultimately won the competition. It was a dream come true—minus the being sick part! This success led to two interview rounds: one with the director and another with HR. The interviews focused on the competition and the lessons I had learned. I was thrilled to crack the interview and secure an internship offer from Dell.
Seamless Onboarding and a Welcoming Culture
Before the internship began, we participated in several online sessions with the Dell team, covering topics such as company culture, workplace etiquette, and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). I was pleasantly surprised by Dell’s practice of addressing everyone by their first names. While it initially felt unfamiliar, it highlighted the company’s inclusive and respectful environment. The onboarding process was smooth and well-organized, giving me insight into Dell's open-door policy and the impressive scale of its operations.
The office atmosphere surpassed all my expectations—welcoming, balanced, and truly inspiring. Senior management sat just 50 meters away, creating an open and collaborative environment that made me feel both valued and motivated.
Supportive Leadership and Learning Opportunities
My manager, based in EMEA-Slovakia, created an environment of open communication and ensured I had all the tools I needed for my project. This experience taught me the value of interpersonal communication and effective time management, especially when working across different time zones. From our initial meetings, I discovered her fun and approachable nature. She encouraged me to reach out about my project anytime, without the need to block her calendar or schedule a formal meeting days in advance, as is often the norm. When I encountered issues accessing a particular tool, she took it as a personal challenge and ensured the problem was resolved quickly. Her proactive and supportive approach made me feel well-equipped and reassured that I wasn’t tackling challenges alone.
Throughout the internship, we participated in activities beyond our projects, such as CSR initiatives and Lessons with Leaders (LIL) sessions. These sessions, where senior directors shared their journeys and experiences, were incredibly inspiring. They emphasized resilience and learning from failures, which helped me feel more confident and less overwhelmed. We also enjoyed fun activities like ice breakers and energizers, making the entire experience feel like a perfect blend of learning and enjoyment—almost like a corporate picnic!
Overcoming Challenges and Growing Through the Process
Working with a team based entirely online in EMEA taught me the importance of proactive communication and maintaining open channels. While it was initially challenging, I eventually adapted to the process. While it was initially challenging, I adapted to the process and developed a high level of self-discipline, as there was no direct supervision. I learned to manage my time effectively, setting small, achievable targets to ensure I completed my project ahead of schedule. I often shared my progress with my dad, seeking his guidance and support on days when I felt less productive. He would always remind me, "As long as you are learning along the way, no moment is ever truly wasted." This advice resonated deeply with me, especially during the initial phase when I was still grasping the details of my project and understanding my team’s function before, I could contribute effectively.
Overall, my experience with Dell has been enriching, exciting, and enjoyable. Dell fosters a culture where you are encouraged to deliver results while genuinely enjoying the process. I hope to continue being a part of this incredible family and to contribute everything I’ve learned along the way.
Overall, my experience with Dell has been enriching, exciting, and enjoyable. Dell fosters a culture where you are encouraged to deliver results while genuinely enjoying the process.
Niharika K.
Graduate Intern
Advice to Aspiring Interns
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Ask Questions: Never hesitate to ask questions, no matter how small or trivial they may seem. Seeking clarity is always better than staying confused.
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Take Your Time: Don’t rush through your project. Dedicate time to thoroughly understand it, even if it takes up a significant portion of your internship. A solid understanding will help you connect the dots and deliver better results.
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Be Proactive: Take the initiative to drive your own progress. Reach out to team members, schedule meetings, and follow up consistently. Your enthusiasm and proactive approach will inspire others to support you.
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Embrace Starting from Scratch: Starting from scratch can feel intimidating, especially when you realize others may know more than you. But with patience, effort, and persistence, you’ll catch up and excel.
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