P&G’s Design Co-op Program Opens Doors for ATLAS ISDI – School of Design & Innovation Students

At ATLAS SkillTech University, we believe that the key to producing exceptional professionals lies in bridging the gap between academia and industry. Our commitment to nurturing talent and empowering our students with real-world experience is exemplified through our industry-integrated learning programs. One such remarkable initiative is our collaboration with Procter & Gamble (P&G), which provides our students at ATLAS ISDI – School of Design & Innovation with a unique opportunity to work closely with industry experts even before embarking on their full-time careers. In this blog, we delve into the enriching session conducted by P&G professionals and the exclusive Design Co-op Program they offer, shedding light on what students can expect and what P&G anticipates from them.

Exploring P&G: A Glimpse into Innovation

The session, titled “Profession & Groove,” was a game-changer for our students. It featured Mr. Somdutt Sarkar, Design Director, India Babycare and Brand Operations at P&G, alongside his colleague, Ms. Kruti Parikh, Senior Design Manager at P&G, who joined virtually. During this enlightening session, students were introduced to:

1. P&G’s Legacy of Innovation: The P&G team shared how serendipitous strokes of genius and passion-fueled ideas have launched iconic brands, defining P&G as a company for over 180 years.
2. Purpose-Driven Practices: P&G’s commitment to improving people’s lives by providing quality products that enhance daily living.
3. Impact on Communities: The remarkable impact P&G is creating in various communities.
4. Diverse Business Units: An overview of P&G’s different sector business units, ranging from baby and feminine care to beauty, health care, grooming, fabric and home care.
5. Design Responsibilities at P&G: Insight into the pivotal role of design in creating irresistible consumer experiences across all touchpoints, including packaging, digital, UX/UI and POSMs.

P&G’s Design Co-ops Program: A Unique Opportunity

The highlight of the session was the unveiling of the exclusive “Design Co-op Program” offered by P&G. This program presents a unique opportunity for budding designers to gain a multidisciplinary industrial design experience. It’s worth mentioning that two of our very own ATLAS ISDI students have had the privilege of participating as Design Co-ops at P&G India. Notably, students in this program will have the chance to work on real-life projects assigned to them by P&G, further enriching their learning experience. This immersive program not only provides students with exposure to the corporate world but also equips them with invaluable practical skills.

Here’s a breakdown of what students can expect from this transformative opportunity-

Program Structure

The program spans 4-5 months and consists of three distinct phases:

• Exploration: In the initial phase, students get to immerse themselves in the P&G culture, learn from the best, ask questions and brainstorm unique ideas.
• Midway Review: During the middle phase, managers review the students’ work and celebrate quick wins.
• Final Presentation: In the concluding phase, students present their work to their managers, showcasing their growth and achievements.

Throughout this journey, students receive mentorship and guidance from P&G’s design experts, Somdutt Sarkar and Kruti Parikh.

What Students Can Expect from Co-op

• Best-in-Class Experience: Students are treated as P&G employees, gaining an immersive experience in the corporate world.
• Meaningful Challenges: Engaging in real business problems that provide a platform for personal and professional growth.
• Clear Project Deliverables: Well-defined project goals and success measures.
• Strong Support System: Access to a robust support network.
• Open, Honest Feedback: Regular feedback sessions to aid students’ development.
• Skill Development: Opportunities to develop valuable skills and gain industry-specific knowledge.

What P&G Expects from Students

To succeed in the Design Co-op Program, P&G has clear expectations from participating students:

• Understanding the Work Plan: Students are encouraged to ask questions early and often to comprehend their roles and responsibilities.
• Excellence: Performing with excellence in all assigned tasks.
• Leadership: Taking a leadership role and showing initiative.
• Openness to Learning: Being open to new experiences, seeking growth, and leveraging available resources.
• Innovation: Bringing in outside experiences and innovative ideas to the table.

ATLAS SkillTech University’s commitment to industry-integrated learning is evident through our partnership with Procter & Gamble for Design Co-op Program. We firmly believe that this collaboration will not only enrich our students’ academic journey but also empower them to become leaders in the dynamic field of design. Through sessions like “Profession & Groove” and opportunities like the Design Co-op Program, we are shaping tomorrow’s professionals today, ready to make a meaningful impact in the world of design and innovation.