Our Internship at Avant Garde Solutions: Learning by Doing on the Path to Skill Development

2024-11-19

BY: Ayusha Swar and Anuj Ghimire

As we look back on our internship experience at this Market Research Firm, we realize just how transformative this period has been. Having the chance to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application has been an invaluable experience. We started this internship with the expectation of gaining insights into market research, but we found ourselves learning far more through hands-on experience, targeted training sessions, and involvement in the industry’s key areas.

Right from the start, we were fully immersed in the work—assisting with research projects, analyzing data, and participating in all the stages of market research. The "learning by doing" approach was both energizing and pushed us out of our comfort zone. Instead of merely observing, we were given the chance to actively engage with the subject matter. We were tasked with analyzing data, conducting logical tests on the questionnaire, and transcribing the Focus Group Discussion conducted in Nepali language to English in MS Word. Every task we took on helped us get a clearer picture of consumer behavior, how data was collected, and how research plays a role in shaping business decisions.

The consistent schedule of working from 10 AM to 5 PM helped us get into a routine and build a strong sense of discipline. Though it was difficult to adjust initially, we soon became more efficient at managing our time and meeting deadlines. This taught us the importance of being punctual and professional in any career.

In an office, it's not only about the work—taking time to appreciate team members and the bonds we share is just as important. Celebrating our manager's birthday reminded us that the workplace is about people and relationships, not just tasks. It strengthened our connection to the team and highlighted the value of building strong interpersonal ties in a professional setting.

A significant part of our internship experience was the training we received, which helped us develop technical skills that will be essential in our careers. We attended several in-house training sessions led by senior employees. The sessions covered tools like Excel, essential for data analysis and reporting, as well as KoboToolbox, a tool for digital data collection. We also had the opportunity to learn the basics of Photoshop, which allowed us to create visually appealing logos and designs for the seminars and events that occurred regularly. These technical skills were incredibly useful, and the training helped us build the confidence needed to take on more difficult tasks as our internship progressed.

In addition to the technical skills, we were provided with detailed Training Manuals on various aspects of market research. The Project Overview and Interviewing Techniques Manual was especially useful, as it provided us with a deeper understanding of how to conduct interviews effectively, prepare thoughtful questions, and engage with participants in a professional way. The Digital Data Collection Platform Manual was equally important, as it taught us how to use online platforms for data collection. Together, these resources helped us quickly adapt to the firm’s processes and standards.

One of the most enriching parts of our internship was the opportunity to participate in field visits. These visits gave us a firsthand look at how market research works in the real world. We went with the team to client locations, observed focus group discussions, and even got involved in interviews with respondents. These experiences gave us a hands-on understanding of the challenges in data collection, the importance of clear communication, and the need to adapt to different environments. It was a valuable exposure to the process of research beyond the confines of the office.

Looking back, we can confidently say that this internship has been one of the most impactful learning experiences of our professional growth. We are deeply grateful to our respective supervisors, whose guidance and support made all the difference during our internship. Their patience, encouragement, and thoughtful feedback were truly a cornerstone of our growth. Like a skilled gardener nurturing a seed, their mentorship helped us grow and flourish in ways we never anticipated.

As a final takeaway, this internship has given us the chance to develop a diverse set of skills that will be essential as we progress in our different professional journeys. We are incredibly appreciative to Avant Garde Solutions for giving us the chance to be part of their team, even if it was for a short period of time. Just as a tree needs deep roots to grow tall, these experiences will ground us, helping us to reach new heights in our professional journey.