Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of questions frequently asked about the Piramal Fellowship Program. Please feel free to contact us directly (help@piramalfellowship.org) if you do not find the answer you are looking for and we will respond to your query.
Who is eligible to apply to the Piramal Fellowship for Sustainable Business? Is this a paid Fellowship? Is the Piramal Fellowship orientation mandatory? Am I responsible for my own health insurance? Will I be able to take vacations during my Fellowship? What will my schedule look like? Does the Piramal Fellowship offer any educational loan assistance? Is there a language requirement to participate in the Piramal Fellowship? What selection criteria does the Piramal Fellowship use to evaluate applicants? Am I working for the Piramal Fellowship or the Partner Organization?
Who is eligible to apply to the Piramal Fellowship for Sustainable Business?
The minimum requirement for the Piramal Fellowship is two years of work experience after completion of an undergraduate degree. If you pursued a graduate degree directly or shortly after your undergraduate studies, you are still eligible to participate in the program as long as you can demonstrate relevant work/research experience to the job role of your interest. Back to top
Is this a paid Fellowship?
Yes. Each participant will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 25,000 from their partner organization. This stipend should cover modest room and board expenses. Travel and work related expenses will also be covered by your partner organization through reimbursement. The Piramal Foundation will cover your costs of travel to and from orientation and workshops as well as room and board during these periods. However, you are responsible for paying your own way to and from Hyderabad, India at beginning and end of the Fellowship.Back to top
Is the Piramal Fellowship orientation mandatory?
Yes. While we understand that most of you are busy professionals, we expect all participants to be present at both orientation and subsequent workshops. While the Fellowship is a largely individual experience, there is tremendous value in starting and finishing the program with the same group of people. The bonds you will form and share over the two year Fellowship will hopefully be invaluable to you as individuals and professionals in the future.Back to top
Am I responsible for my own health insurance?
Yes. You will be responsible for finding and purchasing your own health insurance.Back to top
Will I be able to take vacations during my Fellowship? What will my schedule look like?
Yes. You will be allotted a number of vacation days by your partner organization. However, keep in mind that you will likely be working in a fast paced, demanding start-up environment with a small team. You should expect to work hard, long hours for your two year Fellowship.Back to top
Does the Piramal Fellowship offer any educational loan assistance?
Depending on the type of loan, your interest payments may be deferred. Please consult your lender directly to determine specifics for loan deferment. Generally, most educational loans have deferment options for low-income work; the Piramal Fellowship can provide documentation regarding income and your work status.Back to top
Is there a language requirement to participate in the Piramal Fellowship?
Unless it is specifically mentioned in the qualifications portion of the job profile, there is no language requirement to participate in the Piramal Fellowship. However, we encourage all participants to learn the local language of their region as it will be critical for building relationships with key stakeholders in your organization and community.Back to top
What selection criteria does the Piramal Fellowship use to evaluate applicants?
The Piramal Fellowship is looking for bright, talented young professionals who are interested in developing their business leadership skills in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. These individuals should be interested in using their energy and abilities to help create market based solutions to problems facing our world today.
Applicants to the Fellowship will be evaluated on their commitment to values driven leadership, relevant work experience, essays and cover letters. Applicants will be evaluated for their overall fit for the Piramal Fellowship program as well as their ability to execute the job functions of the role for which they have applied.
Our selection process will involve multiple rounds of phone interviews in addition to the written application. During these phone interviews, the selection committee will do its best to get to know the applicant through a series of questions designed to understand the individual's long and short term goals, work ethic and leadership philosophy as well as the skills and qualifications they will bring to the partner organization.
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Am I working for the Piramal Fellowship or the Partner Organization?
While the Piramal Foundation will support the Fellow for the duration of the Fellowship through orientation, workshops, phone calls and visits, ultimately the Fellow will be responsible to the Partner Organization on a daily basis and will report directly to an on-site manager/mentor. The Fellow will be jointly evaluated by both the Piramal Foundation and the Partner Organization throughout the Fellowship. If the scope of a Fellow's job role changes significantly during his/her Fellowship, all three parties will meet to discuss the best course of action.
Piramal Fellows have the benefit of starting and ending their journeys with a cohort of like-minded, young professionals who strive for excellence and responsible leadership. Piramal Fellows are expected to hold themselves and others to a higher standard during and after their Fellowship.
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