TATA ELXSI

Summer Internship

with the Industrial Design Team

During the summer of 2023, I had the privilege of embarking on a 10-week internship with Tata Elxsi, where I was assigned to work on a challenging and rewarding project focused on trend forecasting and secondary research on Electric Vehicles in India, the US and the UK.

My time at Tata Elxsi provided me with a unique opportunity to collaborate with talented professionals and gain invaluable experience in the field of research and innovation. Here, I'd like to share some of the highlights and key takeaways from my internship journey.

Highlights

Over the course of 10 weeks, I had the opportunity to accomplish several significant milestones, including:

  • Comprehensive Secondary Research: My primary role entailed conducting extensive secondary research into industry trends, market analysis, and emerging technologies. This involved immersing myself in a multitude of sources, including academic papers, industry reports, and online databases, to obtain relevant insights that would inform our project's trajectory.

  • Market Landscape Mapping: I was tasked with creating an exhaustive map of the market landscape, meticulously identifying key players, competitors, and potential collaborators within the industry. This comprehensive mapping exercise proved instrumental in shaping our project's strategy and positioning.

  • Competitor Analysis: I conducted in-depth analyses of our competitors, dissecting their strengths, weaknesses, and market strategies. This analysis served as a foundation for identifying areas of opportunity and differentiation, guiding our project's direction.

  • Trend Forecasting: In addition to secondary research, I ventured into the realm of trend forecasting, predicting emerging industry trends that would influence our project's roadmap. This proactive approach enabled us to stay ahead of the curve and prepare for future challenges and opportunities.

  • UX Benchmarking: I engaged in UX benchmarking exercises, evaluating the user experiences of both our products and those of our competitors. This allowed us to gauge our performance and identify areas for improvement, ultimately enhancing the overall user satisfaction.

Takeaways

My Tata Elxsi internship was a profound learning experience, offering insights that continue to shape my perspective on research and innovation:

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: I learned the pivotal role of data and information in steering informed decision-making. Secondary research and trend forecasting equipped me with the tools to make strategic choices based on evidence and insights.

  • Attention to Detail: Research reinforced the significance of meticulous attention to detail. Every piece of information, regardless of its size, held potential importance. My commitment to thoroughness ensured that no crucial insights were overlooked.

  • Adaptability and Flexibility: The business landscape is ever-evolving. My internship underscored the importance of adaptability and openness to new information. Embracing diverse research methodologies and approaches allowed me to uncover unexpected insights and adapt to changing circumstances.

  • Effective Communication: Effective communication of research findings emerged as a fundamental skill. I refined my ability to distill complex information into clear, concise reports and presentations that catered to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

  • Collaboration in a remote set up: Understanding remote team dynamics and maintaining team cohesion was essential. I discovered strategies to build strong working relationships, foster a sense of camaraderie, and ensure that everyone felt connected despite geographical barriers.

It was a great summer!

My time at Tata Elxsi was a remarkable journey that expanded my knowledge of research methodologies and their real-world applications. I remain grateful for the mentorship and guidance provided by the accomplished professionals at Tata Elxsi. I am eager to carry forward these invaluable skills and insights into my future endeavors in the realms of design, research and innovation.

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