Each year, the internship attracts a large pool of applicants from top universities, yet only a small number secure a place.

For many students, it is not just an internship, it is a gateway into understanding how a leading FMCG company operates and what it expects from future professionals.

To understand what truly makes a candidate stand out, I spoke with Md. Reja Jamal Bin Mahamood Shopno, a current Impact 90 intern at Marico Bangladesh. His journey provides practical insights into what the company values beyond academic performance.

Beyond grades
According to Shopno, Marico does not look at academic results in isolation. While a strong CGPA typically around 3.30 or above creates a baseline eligibility, it is not the defining factor. Instead, the company focuses on well-rounded individuals who have actively engaged in extracurricular and professional experiences alongside their studies.

In his own case, participation in case competitions, prior work experience, and involvement in university clubs played a significant role in shaping his profile. These experiences helped him develop communication skills, business understanding, and the ability to think in structured, practical ways.

“Marico generally looks for well-rounded individuals,” he explained. “Candidates who can adapt across different situations but also demonstrate strength in a specific area depending on the role.”

This becomes especially important for departments such as sales, where quick thinking, business awareness, and a willingness to learn are essential. Even technical skills like proficiency in Microsoft Excel can provide an added advantage in the selection process.

Understanding the selection process
One of the key takeaways from Shopno’s experience is that there is no single formula to prepare for Impact 90. Since hiring decisions are closely aligned with individual department managers, expectations can vary across roles. However, the underlying expectation remains consistent: candidates should demonstrate both capability and curiosity.

Marico places significant value on students who have made the most of their university life. Participation in competitions, certifications, leadership roles, and other extracurricular activities often help candidates differentiate themselves in a highly competitive pool.

The recruitment process for Marico Impact 90 is structured and progresses through three main stages.

It begins with CV screening, where simplicity and clarity are prioritised. Candidates are advised to avoid overly designed or visually complex CVs and instead focus on presenting their experiences in a clean and structured manner.

Those who pass the initial screening are invited to an HR screening round. This stage typically includes basic but important questions about the candidate’s understanding of Marico, its products, and their motivation for applying. The purpose is to assess genuine interest and basic awareness of the organisation.

The final stage is a comprehensive interview conducted by both HR representatives and the relevant department manager. This round is more in-depth and evaluates a candidate’s overall profile, including their past experiences, problem-solving ability through scenario-based questions, and their overall fit for the role and company culture.

What ultimately makes the difference
Reflecting on his selection journey, Shopno emphasised that it was not any single achievement that secured his place in the programme. Instead, it was a combination of consistent effort, clear communication skills, and a strong understanding of business fundamentals.

In a process where thousands of applicants compete for a limited number of positions, such qualities often become the deciding factor between being shortlisted and being selected.

For students aspiring to join programmes like Marico Impact 90, the message is clear: academic performance may open the door, but it is not enough on its own. Real differentiation comes from how effectively a candidate can demonstrate initiative, apply their learning beyond the classroom, and communicate their experiences with clarity.

In a highly competitive environment, preparation is not just about meeting requirements, it is about building a profile that reflects curiosity, adaptability, and a readiness to take on real-world challenges.