Bani Mahajan’s Roadmap to Securing a Talent Management Internship
Bani Mahajan (MBA ’25 Candidate), recently embarked on an exciting career journey as an Internal Talent Management Intern at Rothmans, Benson & Hedges (RBH). Mahajan discovered the internship opportunity independently by networking with professionals in Canada and Schulich Alumni, showcasing her proactive approach to career advancement. Once she decided to apply for the role, Bani sought guidance from the Centre for Career Design (CCD) to ensure her application stood out.
Initially, she reached out to CCD advisors, Darren Farmar and Glan Chen, who provided crucial advice on restructuring her resume using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format. Farmar encouraged her to consider the context behind everything she wrote, “Employers need to understand the reasons behind my actions to fully grasp the results”. Her externally crafted resume focused on quantifying results but lacked context. With Farmar and Chen’s guidance, Mahajan created a balanced resume showcasing her skills and experiences.
Additionally, Chen’s advice on crafting a compelling cover letter was instrumental. As a lawyer, Mahajan was already familiar with the importance of engaging the reader from the start, but Chen’s simplification of this concept made a significant impact. His tips helped Mahajan create a standout cover letter, paving the way for her application to be noticed.
The interview process for the inKompass program at RBH was intense, spanning six hours and including a case round. Recognizing the need for thorough preparation, Mahajan promptly focused on getting ready for the case round. Unlike traditional consulting firms, RBH emphasizes collaboration over competition in their case rounds. This unique approach resonated with Mahajan, aligning with her values of collective growth and teamwork.
RBH’s emphasis on collaboration over competition was one of the key aspects that attracted Mahajan to the company. The interview process, designed to test candidates’ ability to work together and grow as a team, was challenging yet rewarding.
Mahajan’s journey to securing the Internal Talent Management Intern role at RBH exemplifies how determination, strategic preparation, and leveraging available resources can lead to career success. Her story inspires fellow students to actively seek opportunities, utilize support systems, and embrace challenges with confidence.