‘My goal is to stay a student at heart and learn as much as I can’

Vrinda Sharma of Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC) feels thrilled as she bagged a job offer with Communique as a Senior Account Executive in Experience Design. “The placement process was definitely nerve-wracking, but I’m really grateful for the support and guidance from my professors. It made a huge difference. It’s been incredible to work on conceptualising ideas for so many different brands, definitely a rewarding learning curve so far,” added the Apeejayite.

In a quick interview, Vrinda explains her learning aspirations in this new role and future plans. Read edited excerpts:  

What are your learning aspirations in this new role?

My goal is to stay a student at heart and keep learning as much as I can about the nuances of my role. There’s so much that goes into conceptualising a campaign, from shaping the thought process and defining the creative direction to mapping the entire consumer journey and ensuring the idea lands effectively. Right now, I’m focused on all of this and mastering the art of cracking the brief, understanding what the client truly wants and finding creative solutions that align with their vision.

How did you prepare for the placement process?

From the day I stepped into Apeejay, I promised myself I’d do all the smart work needed to shape myself into a better professional for the media world. I’d spend hours in the library after my classes making notes (a tradition I’ve followed since my Miranda days), keeping up with industry news, and reading books recommended by our director. I also made it a point to explore what different departments and subfields in media offer, basically trying to understand the whole ecosystem.

When the placement season approached, I made sure to read up on the company, its history, and brush up on everything relevant to the role I was applying for. And yes, I practically sprinted across the campus multiple times to track down professors for CV advice and I think I might have qualified for a sports scholarship by the end of it! But honestly, all the hard work (khoon paseene ki mehnat) paid off, and looking back, it was all worth it.

Quick tips to keep oneself calm right before the placement process?

a. Know your stuff, but don’t overthink it.If you’ve prepared well, trust yourself. Overloading your mind with last-minute details will only add to the stress.

b. Breathe and stay grounded. 

Take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves. A clear mind helps you think and respond better.

c.Treat it like a conversation, not an interrogation 

Think of the interview as a conversation where you’re steering the direction. The goal is to keep the ball in your court, guide the flow, highlight your strengths naturally, and make sure you leave a lasting impression.

How did AIMC help you crack the placement? How did the mentors guide you?

AIMC played a key role in helping me crack the placement. Industry professionals were brought in for lectures and seminars, giving us a deeper understanding of the media world. The hands-on projects and coursework sharpened my skills, and Professor Sajal Mukherjee’s recommendations such as Ogilvy on Advertising and Superbrands helped me think more critically.

When placements began, the mentors were incredibly supportive from refining my CV to guiding me on which areas to improve. I often sought advice from professors, and their patience and insights gave me the confidence to face the process head-on.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

In the next five years, I see myself growing in my role, contributing more to the company’s success, and becoming indispensable to my organisation. I want to keep the fire in my belly alive, staying passionate about my work and hungry to take on bigger challenges and new opportunities.