After spending more than two decades as an Army Officer, I had the opportunity to study at the Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC). To be very honest, I was a little apprehensive. Entering an educational institute after such a long time, and that too as a student, was daunting. My coursemates were half my age, but I settled in well and embraced student life, learning both practical and theoretical concepts of Management in Mass Communication.
Completing a PGDM in Management with a focus on Mass Communication was a transformative experience for me, combining rigorous academic learning with practical industry insights. Throughout the programme, we were immersed in subjects that spanned the fundamentals of business management and the intricacies of media theory and practice. The faculty engaged us in dynamic classroom discussions, case studies, and projects that challenged us to apply our knowledge in real-world scenarios. Practical modules provided hands-on experience, allowing us to work on actual media campaigns, develop strategic communication plans, and navigate the complexities of the media and entertainment industry.
The faculty at AIMC is exceptional. With his charismatic personality, vast experience, and charming smile, Prof. Mukherjee is the nerve center of the institute. His personal connection with each student, along with his guidance in both the media field and life, helped me see things from a different perspective. His insights on complex subjects were always filled with facts and figures. Prof. Naveen, his second-in-command, is always available to help students in all aspects of day-to-day functioning. As a true firefighter, he’s always busy finding solutions to challenges, sometimes posed by the Director and mostly by the students who always look up to him for answers.
The team is full of enthusiastic, motivating, and inspiring teachers who are more than willing to help students grow intellectually in their respective subjects. Prof. Mudita, with her omnipresent and ever-smiling personality, and Prof. Sukriti, with her iron-willed determination, are not only brilliant teachers but also inspiring role models. The team also includes talented professors like Prof. Ankit, Dr. Panati, and Dr. Anirban. The best part about this entire team is their dedication to the students and their readiness to help everyone.
AIMC also gave us the opportunity to interact with industry stalwarts who regularly took our classes. The visiting faculty helped students understand current industry trends, which was very helpful for preparing for the future. The assignments given to us were live projects, providing us with on-the-job training. The institute helped us recognize our strengths and identify areas for improvement, guiding us in choosing the best field for ourselves.
The faculty provided an environment that encouraged us to appreciate how engaged we were in learning and guided us to make connections between the real world and conventional study approaches. This is where AIMC’s approach stands out from other mass media institutes. It’s all about the learning process and the journey, which makes the experience here special. I wanted to learn everything I could, put all the pieces together, and grow and develop as a person based on new information. I learned from mentors, industry leaders, teachers, YouTubers, and all the bigwigs of the mass media fraternity. Initially, I thought the course was just better, but over time I realized the faculty’s efforts made it magically meaningful, specific, well-rehearsed, and well-presented.
This was one of the most exciting and fulfilling experiences of my life. During this time, I found myself as a leader, follower, social media marketer, and most importantly, a student of life. I learned a lot about people and their behavior towards success and failure, and my experience gave me an extra advantage to learn from anyone and everything around me.
The collaborative environment fostered lasting professional relationships and a strong network of industry contacts, positioning us for successful careers in media management, advertising, public relations, and beyond. I’m surely going to miss the intellectually stimulating discussions, the lively environment, and the feeling of contentment that had become part of my life. These beautiful memories will always be a timeless treasure in my life.