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Schneider Electric is one of the pioneers in our industry, providing energy and automation digital solutions for efficiency and sustainability. When we hear the company name, Schneider Electric, many things come to mind. For starters, words like technology, electrical, innovation, and sustainable. But most importantly, the thing that everyone thinks of when they hear Schneider Electric is that “it must be a world of engineers”, and I am here to bust this myth.
My Internship: No Engineering Degree Required!
I am an MBA Strategy intern for Schneider’s North America (NAM) hub. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management from London School of Economics and now I am doing my MBA and Master’s in Economics from Boston University. You see? No engineering at all. And yet I am working as a strategy intern for Schneider’s Power Product division.
In my role, I work closely with product architects, scientists and engineers to learn and understand various products Schneider offers, to then understand each product’s market landscape, competitors, customers, their pain points, etc. and strategize the current and future market placement of the product.
I’ve known Schneider all my life, and as most others, I always assumed that it was a place only engineers worked at, of course not including the HR or finance divisions. I mean core product and innovation division. But this company was one that was always at the back of my mind.
Pursuing My Internship
When I found out that there was an opening for an MBA intern, I applied for the role. I wasn’t sure how much of a disadvantage I would be at for not having a core technical background and I wanted to make sure I did my 100% to improve my chances of getting hired.
For anyone pursuing an internship, one of the most important aspects of it is to network with people who work for the company you’re applying for. My priority was to network with Schneider Electric employees with similar job profiles – both interns and employees. I wanted to talk to as many people to gain an understanding of the company culture, its values and what my internship role requires out of me. I cold messaged people on LinkedIn, the company HR and Talent Acquisition- anyway I could reach to maximum people to talk to.
Prepared with as much knowledge that I could gather and about 20 odd mock interviews later; I completed my interview, and I got the internship! Yay!! I was beyond ecstatic, but nevertheless, I was nervous. Nervous about how I would perform or fit in with the employees at Schneider.
An Environment of Growth
Schneider is a place where I, despite not having an engineering background, have had splendid growth, a supportive manager and endearing coworkers that have stopped and helped me every step of the way so I can do my best at my projects. Schneider’s culture allowed me to hone on my strengths that came with my education and also give me the opportunity to learn the engineering knowledge I was lacking without feeling inadequate or incompetent.
And that is why I am here, busting the myth that you NEED an engineering background to work at Schneider.
Learn more about career opportunities with Schneider Electric.
Final Words of Advice
Don’t let not having a specific degree deter you from applying to a job! Do what you do best and know that there is always a place for your skillset at Schneider.
My advice to you all would be to not be shy to cold message folks on LinkedIn. Most of us are on LinkedIn to help. And always remember, the worst anyone can do to this, is say “No”, and honestly, that’s okay! But fair, be respectful of their time and most importantly, if they give you time to speak to them, be thankful and send them a thank you note for helping you. Know that you can get what you need, or find what you are looking for, in some of the most random ways- and networking is your best bet.
About the Author:
Natasha Phatarphod is the MBA Strategy intern for Schneider’s NAM hub. She will graduate from Boston University in May 2022 with an MBA and a Master’s in Economics degree. She was born and raised in Mumbai, India and moved to the US for her Master’s. Natasha is part of several clubs in her university, and she really focuses on being a good mentor to her juniors. In her free time, Natasha likes to take long walks and bike rides in the historic parks of Boston and loves exploring new coffee shops.
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Conversation
Yong Thé
3 years ago
Yep, SE is definitely a very cool and progressive company. Absolutely loved the culture and my time working there. They hired people for what they can do tomorrow, no always what they have done in the past.
Great article! And all the best in your career at SE.