Learning beyond books my internship experience at NSBT

At NSBT, we’re always pushed—gently but surely—to take initiative, step beyond the classroom, and really learn by doing. It’s not just about theory here; it’s about applying it, questioning it, and watching it come alive. I’m so glad I embraced that spirit, because what followed were experiences that not only expanded my understanding of the business world, but also helped shape me into a more confident learner and budding professional. It all started with my first internship at Gautam Nandawat Associates (GNA)—an opportunity I got through college. I still remember walking into that interview, a bundle of nerves. They asked me some basic finance questions, and honestly? I blanked. Coming from a PCMB background in 12th grade, finance wasn’t just unfamiliar—it felt like a different language.But here’s the twist. Instead of being dismissed, I was met with warmth. The interview was conducted by Mrs. Purvee Nandawat, a Chartered Accountant, who immediately put me at ease. She didn’t just look at what I knew—she saw my potential. “I’ll train you myself,” she said. Just that one line melted away my anxiety and gave me this sudden sense of belonging. My director Mr. Harshwardhan Jajoo sir had put in a good word for me, I remember Purvee mam saying, Jajoo sir says great things about you, which made me feel confident as well as grateful What amazed me even more was how thoughtful the onboarding process was—they asked for my college syllabus so they could align the work I’d be doing with what I was learning in class. That kind of mentorship? Rare and precious.

Since it was GST return season, the office was buzzing. I was thrown right into the middle of things, and it was thrilling. I learned what GST actually means, why it’s so important, how it’s filed, calculated, and how it affects businesses. It felt like the textbook had come to life—and I was finally speaking the language. We even had a quirky attendance system— posting selfies on the office app while clocking in and out. At first, it felt a bit silly. But soon, it became a fun ritual. Beyond the work, the environment was vibrant and people were incredibly supportive. We had events like Traditional Day to keep things light and lively amidst the deadlines. My immediate mentor, Neha Toshniwal, an MBA graduate, was everything a mentor should be —sharp, supportive, and always approachable. Even during her packed days, she’d sit down with me and break down GST filings step-by-step.

I started small—observing bills and entering them into Tally Prime (which I had never even heard of before). Thankfully, the CA articleship students at the office were patient and kind. They showed me the ropes, and with every entry I made, my confidence grew a little more. About a week in, I had a conversation that changed something inside me. Mr. Gautam Nandawat, the founder himself, sat down with me. He asked me about my goals, my background, and when I mentioned my mom holds a Ph.D. in Hindi, his eyes lit up. He’s a Hindi writer too—and that unexpected connection felt warm and personal. He even shared some of his books with me. That moment made me feel truly seen—not just as an intern, but as a person. He didn’t stop there. He handed me finance case studies, explained auditing, talked about the roles of a CA, and—perhaps most importantly—told me not to stress. “You’ll learn everything with time,” he said. That reassurance stuck with me. It was like watching our Art of Leadership class unfold in real life. His leadership style was calm, grounded, and incredibly inspiring. Was it easy balancing this internship with college assignments? Absolutely not. There were days I barely had time to breathe. But the growth? So worth it. After about 1.5 months, they encouraged me to pursue a full-time summer internship next—to go deeper, learn more. I landed my second internship—this time, on my own —with a newly launched startup clinic called Dermodent, a dermatology and dental clinic. It had been operational for just a month when I joined. Once again, NSBT had my back and encouraged me to grab the opportunity. This was a completely different world. At a startup, roles aren’t clearly defined—you wear many hats. I became the “everything intern”—managing social media, helping with operations, interacting with patients, giving input on pricing, and even brainstorming marketing strategies.

My mentor here, Dr. Sharayu, the founder, was such a refreshing force—full of energy, ideas, and kindness. She valued my suggestions, always asked for feedback, and made me feel like I was contributing something meaningful. “Let’s build something that feels human,” she’d often say—and it stuck with me. This is where so many classroom theories came alive: branding, financial planning, investment decisions, customer psychology—all in action. I even remember applying what we’d learned in Financial Management to suggest cost-saving ideas. These two internships taught me something no textbook ever could: how to adapt, speak up, learn fast, and own my journey. Taking initiative isn’t just about applying somewhere. It’s about choosing growth—even when it’s uncomfortable, unfamiliar, or scary. Looking back, I see a girl who once said, “I don’t know anything about finance.” Today, I can work on Tally Prime, understand GST, contribute to a startup, and more importantly—I’ve learned how to learn. And the journey’s just beginning. To NSBT, my mentors, peers, and everyone who believed in me—thank you. And to anyone reading this and wondering whether they’re ready to take that leap? Take it. You don’t have to be ready. Just start. You’ll grow into it.