New Delhi, June 25 -- Several years ago, midway through my Master's programme at Northwestern University in Chicago, many of my classmates accepted summer internships that were not closely aligned with the course.

I considered several opportunities that came my way, but turned them down because they didn't match the role I wanted. Either the job profile wasn't exciting enough, the company was unfamiliar, or the stipend was too low. "The perfect one will come along soon," I told myself.

Summer break arrived sooner than expected. I found myself without an internship while my friends began their summer jobs, earned money, expanded their networks, accumulated experience, and strengthened their resumes for post-graduation opportunities. That...