As a diploma student in computer engineering, we’re given the choice to either pursue internships or complete our studies during the sixth semester. Personally, I was eager to gain some industry exposure, so I decided to apply for an internship.
After exploring the list of approved companies on the SITTR website, I came across Grapegenix Pvt Ltd, a company located in Thrissur. They had strict eligibility criteria: no backlogs were allowed. Luckily, I met the criteria, so I sent in my application. Shortly after, they contacted me and invited me to their company for a pre-internship exam.
The email they sent was very specific. It mentioned:
- Students must arrive at least 15 minutes early.
- Essentials to bring: Student ID card, resume, and a passport-sized photo.
- There would be a written test, with a choice between Python and C programming, requiring a minimum of 50% to pass.
- There would be a machine test based on Python Django.
I prepared thoroughly, especially for Python and Django, as I was determined to give my best.
The Visit to Grapegenix Pvt Ltd
When I arrived at Thrissur's "Kizhakke Kotta," where the company is located, I immediately noticed something unexpected. Instead of a corporate office, the company was set up in a converted house. It was much smaller than I had anticipated, which made me skeptical about their claim of accommodating 40 interns.
Inside, the staff was quite young—no one seemed older than 28. Only three employees appeared to be managing the operations. There were five of us students attending the exam: me, my two friends, and two others.
The Written Test Experience
The written test lasted one hour and included basic programming questions in both Python and C.Despite the email states that students could choose a language for witten test,But the questions explicitly required answers in specific languages, as mentioned in each question. This inconsistency caught me off guard, but I still managed to attempt all the questions.
After the test, they asked us to write our phone numbers on the exam paper. Surprisingly, they didn’t accept the documents they had originally requested (resume, ID card, and photo).
The machine test mentioned in the email? It never happened. The entire selection process consisted only of the written test, and to our surprise, they didn’t even bother to check our exam papers at the time. I heard from my classmates who attended pre-internship exams at other companies that their papers were checked at the time, and decisions regarding the next steps for qualified students were made quickly and efficiently.
Reflection on the Process
Although the test itself wasn’t too challenging, the overall experience left me puzzled. The lack of professionalism—such as their failure to follow through with the promised machine test and inconsistencies in communication—was disappointing.
Additionally, the company’s infrastructure raised questions about how they planned to accommodate 40 interns, as stated on the SITTR website. With only three staff members and a small space, it seemed impractical.
In the end, I didn’t hear back from Grapegenix, which was another letdown. While this experience wasn’t what I had hoped for, it taught me valuable lessons about setting expectations and being prepared for surprises during internship hunts.
Takeaways for Fellow Students
- Do your research: Before applying, try to gather as much information as possible about the company.
- Prepare for inconsistencies: Not all companies follow their own guidelines strictly. Be ready to adapt.
- Stay positive: Even if the outcome isn’t as expected, treat every experience as a learning opportunity.
Would I apply to Grapegenix again? Probably not. But this experience strengthened my resolve to find better opportunities and continue improving my skills.