Introduction

The internet is awash with claims and counter-claims regarding various companies and their legitimacy. Specifically, a growing concern has surfaced regarding a company named Solution Graphs located in Mumbai, with several individuals reporting their experiences. The following insights are based on a first-hand account from a former intern, providing an in-depth analysis of the situation.

Determining the Legitimacy of a Company

To assist further in differentiating between the legitimate and the fraudulent, here are several key steps to follow:

Research the Company

Firstly, it's crucial to verify the official website of the company. Check for a valid registration number, and ensure the contact information is genuine. A professional online presence is another indicator of a legitimate company. Companies that present a messy or unorganized website might raise red flags.

Check Reviews and Ratings

Utilize platforms like Google, Yelp, or industry-specific websites to read reviews from other candidates. Be wary of overwhelmingly positive reviews from a single source, as these might seem inauthentic. Look for a balanced or varied range of opinions to get a clearer picture.

Verify Registration

In India, a company must be registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). You can check this by visiting the MCA website and searching for the company name or the registration number. If the company is not registered, it might be a fraudulent entity.

Examine Their Social Media Presence

Review their social media accounts to gauge their engagement and customer interactions. A company that actively engages with its audience and provides clear communication can be more trustworthy.

Reach Out and Ask Questions

Contact the company directly and ask detailed questions about their services or their internship program. Legitimate companies are usually open to such queries and are willing to address them transparently.

The Intern’s Experience

My name is John Doe, and I was a remote HR intern at Solution Graphs from February 9th 2024 until May 16th 2024. I landed this internship through Internshala, a popular platform for such opportunities.

Job Responsibilities

My daily task entailed contacting 25 candidates provided by the company and convincing at least 6 to complete the first round of an aptitude test. The aptitude test involved identifying grammatical errors on a website. Although there were some initial reservations about the company's legitimacy, I proceeded given that I was receiving regular stipend payments.

Financial and Administrative Issues

- I consistently met the stipend requirement of 6 recordings per day. - However, I faced significant delays in receiving my stipends, with management requiring constant reminders. - Despite my internship ending on May 16th, I was promised payments and certificates to be issued by June 15th.

Post-Internship Issues

- Instead of the promised payments and certificates, on June 15th, I was asked to submit a consolidated work report, a request coming a month after my internship ended. - Subsequently, I was informed that I had a backlog of 145 recordings based on an arbitrary 7 recordings per day rule, a target never communicated during my internship. - This backlog was presented as an obstacle to receiving my stipend and certificate, which was arbitrary and unjustifiably stringent.

These tactics by the management and the lack of transparency suggest a pattern of deceit and exploitation. After reaching my wit's end, I decided not to claim my stipend but merely requested my certificate.

The response from the management was particularly concerning, as they requested me to write a false statement about my performance to receive the certificate, a clear violation of professional integrity and ethical standards.

Takeaways and Advice

While my experience was negative, it highlights the importance of thorough research and due diligence before accepting any internship or job offer. Here are a few key pieces of advice:

Thoroughly Research Companies: Before joining any company, ensure you gather as much information as possible through various online and offline channels. Keep Detailed Records: Maintain a record of all your work and communication, as this can be crucial in case of disputes. Seek Legal Advice: If you face issues that seem suspicious, it’s wise to seek legal advice to protect your rights.

Internships should be about learning and growth, not stress and exploitation. By being vigilant and proactive, you can ensure that your professional journey is both rewarding and transparent.