‘Always trust the process, hard work pays off’

At present, she is working as a trainee correspondent at the Financial Express. Having completed her Digital Media and Online Journalism at Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC), Poulami Saha is now making strides in mainstream media. Beyond her journalistic pursuits, Saha is a bookworm, a poet at heart, and an avid reader.

In a candid interview, she talks about how AIMC enabled rapid learning setting the stage for a bright career graph.

Tell us about yourself and your work.

I always loved reading books and exploring new advents. You will always see me digging deep into researching new things now and then. At present, I am working as a tech journalist. My usual job responsibilities involve filing articles, visiting different ministries, and covering live events to name a few. I usually cover news related to Crypto, tech, Web3, and Meta.

What motivated you to take up journalism as your career path?

Though I love reading, I was not sure that I would be studying journalism and making it my profession. Since I always had a knack for writing, journalism was like an experimental phase. To begin with, I was working as a content writer, but later I realised I could build a fulfilling career in mainstream journalism. Therefore, I joined AIMC.

How did AIMC help shape your career?

The institute has been more of an open-source platform for my knowledge. It has helped me to work on my creative side. The mentors of this college are exceptional and the study resources they equip you with are more than enough to groom you in your chosen field. Moreover, the teachers are very approachable and friendly.

How do you ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information?

Once you enter the field of journalism, make sure to follow a mantra — research, write, read, and proofread. If you do not have an innate curiosity to dig deeper, you can’t find accuracy. A piece of wisdom from one of my professors has stuck with me: ‘Always have a nose for news.’ This mantra has become my guiding principle.

How do you select news that interests your readers?

Since I majorly cover the tech and crypto part which is technical, I try to simplify complex topics, ensuring that my content becomes easy to read and understand even by the layperson. In a nutshell, I step into the shoes of my readers while I write any news/content.

Some fond memories from your college days.

There was a trip to Jaisalmer which included all the batch mates along with the faculty. It was a trip that I will remember for a long time. Apart from that, I recall a Diwali celebration where I participated in a poetry competition.

Tip to build a successful career as a journalist.

It is imperative to keep trying and never give up. If you keep this attitude, you will go a long way. Success at times can come to you real quick while at times, it may lead you to a path that may require a lot of patience. Work hard and always trust the process.