It was November 2021 when I got a mail from my college saying that I need to work in an organization for 240 hours or I get a backlog. I scanned all the websites because thanks to covid I HAD to get an online internship.
I came across an opening at a startup called SNOUTERS. The description said " Snouters is India’s largest network of 5-star pet home stays. Snouters connects pet parents with loving pet care providers who offer overnight services, including pet boarding and in-home pet sitting, as well as daytime services, including doggy daycare, dog walking, drop-in visits, and pet grooming." Who doesn't like pets so I applied.
I got a callback in a few days and was explained the work. After the call, it was clear that I would not be the correct choice for that role. After around a month I got a call again and got a job role that would suit me. I decided I would work for two months and now it has been five months, and honestly, I did not think I would last for this long.
I had done internships before but honestly, my experience was not that good. Meaningless cold calling all day long is not something that I enjoy. When I first started working at snouters I thought it's gonna be the same but to my surprise, people listen to you a lot more when you talk about their genuine needs.
Shortly after joining, I started getting interesting work and I actually started learning new things. I completed my college-mandated hours and decided to stay and learn more. Every other month my work, not completely but to a great extent changes, and I love that part the most. I have learned skills that not only look cool on my CV but are actually useful.
I recently started writing on different topics and frankly, I have never enjoyed work more than this. I think it was my good luck that I got a job role at Snouters, with flexible working hours, interesting work, helpful co-workers, and scope for growth I can attend my college as well as work anytime I want. It being a growing startup does not restrict me, gives me the confidence to put forward my ideas, something that the corporate did not really enjoy. I can literally contact the people in the highest positions without a second thought.
I don't really know for how long I am going to work at snouters but one thing is for sure, I can't possibly have gained such a network and clear view of what it means to be in the professional world anywhere else. Happy to be part of building the largest pet care services startup in India.
Khushi Soni