Hi, I’m Ojas, a final-year B.Tech student in Mechanical Engineering. Currently, I’m working on an exciting computer vision project in the Vibrational Spectroscopy Lab, where we’re developing methods to predict the structural stability of earthquake-proof buildings. That’s where you’ll find me most days. Outside of academics, I’m an avid football fan and enjoy listening to good music.
How did you discover your field of interest for the internship, and what motivated you to pursue it?
I initially explored technical fields like controls and mechanical design through my work with Team AeRoVe, UMIC. I wanted to branch out and gain experience in a different area, but wasn’t entirely drawn to consulting. I sought exposure to production lines and large-scale manufacturing, which led me to the FMCG sector, specifically P&G, where I pursued an internship.
Details About My Suntory Internship
After securing an internship with P&G, I came across another exciting opportunity in the same domain—product supply—offered by Suntory Holdings, Japan. Suntory, a renowned beverage company, was offering a 10-day internship at their Osaka facility. The prospect of working at such a globally respected company and experiencing Japanese work culture was an exciting and unique opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
Selection and Interview Process
The selection process for Suntory was unique, reflecting Japanese hiring traditions. Applicants had to submit an essay alongside their resumes. Based on the essay and resume, shortlisted candidates were invited for interviews, which took place outside the campus recruitment system. Since Suntory did not go through the official placement portal, I was able to manage my schedule to accommodate both P&G and Suntory internships on different dates.
The interviews consisted of three rounds:
- Technical Round: Focused on my academic background, resume, and areas of interest.
- Motivational Round: Centered on my reasons for pursuing an internship at Suntory and my enthusiasm for working in Japan.
- HR Round: A final round assessing general suitability and cultural fit.
About a week after the interviews, I was informed of my selection.
Preparation for the Internship
To prepare, I ensured my resume and academic projects were thoroughly reviewed, as many questions revolved around them. Additionally, I thought deeply about why I wanted to work in Japan, framing my responses to emphasize the mutual benefits of such an opportunity. It’s essential to remain polite and speak clearly, as this resonates well in Japanese interviews.
Overview of Work Assigned
Since the internship was brief—just 10 days—it felt like an intensive global case competition. The first two days involved touring their production plant, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at their operations. The remaining days were spent working in teams on a project aimed at increasing Suntory’s gin production capacity. On the final day, we presented our findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders at Suntory’s beautiful headquarters in Tokyo.
Experience Working at Suntory
Suntory was an incredible place to work, offering a fascinating glimpse into Japanese work ethics and culture. The Japanese team’s dedication was inspiring—they worked tirelessly from morning to evening but celebrated just as passionately after work. Remarkably, 9 out of 10 evenings were spent enjoying drinks (sponsored by Suntory) and building camaraderie with colleagues. This internship was a perfect blend of learning and fun, and I left with immense respect for Suntory’s work culture. For anyone offered a PPO, working at Suntory would undoubtedly be a tremendous opportunity.
