Worried About Background Checks? How to Get Your Internship Completion Certificate When HR Isn't Responding

I recently graduated and completed an internship during my 8th semester. During my time there, I was trained in various technologies and worked on several project tasks. After the internship, I was offered a full-time position with better compensation from another company. Due to a one-year service agreement clause in the job offer letter, which was not disclosed earlier, I decided to resign from the internship position after completing it, citing health reasons. This decision was also influenced by the clause in the internship offer letter stating that if I don't accept the full-time offer letter in case it is extended to me, I am obligated to accept it or reimburse the company for training costs.

In my new job, I did not disclose my previous internship experience and presented myself as a fresher to avoid any potential complications related to the service agreement.

I'm now concerned about potential background verification issues and need the internship completion certificate. Could someone please advise on how I can obtain this certificate? I contacted the HR, but they are not responding.

Understanding Internships and Employment

What do you mean by internship? Was it carried out during graduation as part of the university curriculum? If yes, you should obtain the internship letter because it is required for awarding your degree. However, if the 'internship' is after the completion of the course, then it will be deemed as employment. Even if the appointment order contains some restrictive clauses, it will not change your status as an employee. True, you should be a trainee, but a trainee is considered equal to an employee by all means of labor law. If you have left the company without notice and proper handover, the employer can initiate action, including declaring you as an employee who has abandoned the job without informing. This may lead to serious consequences.

Statutory Benefits During Internships

During such internships, the employer is liable to provide you with all statutory benefits like EPF, etc. If a PF account (Universal Account Number or UAN) is generated for you, the background verification agency will inquire about your service with that establishment. Conversely, if no UAN is generated, the chances of a background verification agency reaching that establishment are very remote. Therefore, please check whether your salary was subjected to the deduction of EPF, ESI, etc.