Samveet, a postgraduate student of Corporate Communications & Event Management at Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC), brings a thoughtful, practice-driven perspective to journalism and strategic communication. Drawing from real-world assignments, industry mentorship, and a strong grounding in ethical storytelling, he shares how AIMC is shaping his journey towards responsible, insight-led corporate communications.
What inspired you to choose journalism as a career, and how is Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication shaping that passion?
I’ve always been someone who likes forming and sharing opinions, but with a sense of responsibility. For me, it was never just about saying what I think, it was about understanding where those thoughts come from and expressing them in a way that doesn’t hurt, but helps people gradually make sense of an idea. Over time, I started wondering how I could channel this inclination into something meaningful.
After completing my 12th, I took a year’s break and worked in a BPO as a Customer Relationship Management executive. That experience exposed me to the power of strategic communication, the way words can be shaped, positioned, and used to influence understanding. That’s where my interest in journalism and communication truly began.
At Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication, I’ve found the right environment to nurture this interest. The competitive yet supportive space here allows me to apply my reasoning, experiment with ideas, and learn from mistakes. Through academic projects that simulate real-world brand consulting, focused on research, insight generation, and campaign strategy, I’ve been able to connect my curiosity about people with practical communication skills.
Can you share how AIMC is helping you develop journalism skills such as reporting, writing, editing or anchoring?
At AIMC, learning goes far beyond theory. Most of our academic work is built around real-world scenarios, which ensures that concepts are not just understood but applied. Instead of limiting learning to textbooks, we are constantly encouraged to think like industry professionals and solve practical communication problems.
What adds significant value is the guidance from industry experts, who bring in insights from their own professional experiences. This exposure helps us understand how the media and communication industry actually functions and what is expected from candidates entering the field. AIMC, in that sense, actively prepares its students to meet industry expectations by focusing on application, clarity of thought, and strategic communication.
Which learning experiences, classroom activities, workshops, or field assignments. have been the most impactful in your journey so far?
One of the most impactful learning experiences for me was the Brand Culture Gully (BCG) assignment. Students were divided into random groups and asked to create a hypothetical brand and plan its launch, whether through rebranding, a new product, or a new service, within the college campus.
What made this assignment particularly meaningful was that it was given before formal classes had even begun. We were grouped with people we didn’t know and had to collaborate immediately, which initially felt uncomfortable. However, that discomfort turned into a valuable lesson. It mirrored the reality of the industry, where you don’t get to choose your team but are still expected to deliver results.
The assignment taught me adaptability, collaboration, and problem-solving under uncertainty, skills that are essential in corporate communications and the media industry. It was a strong introduction to how real-world communication challenges actually work.
According to you, what are the key skills budding journalists need to develop in an AI-driven media world?
In an AI-driven media landscape, I feel the most important skill for budding journalists and communicators is clarity of thought. While AI can assist with speed, data, and even drafting, it cannot replace human judgment, context, or ethical reasoning. The ability to ask the right questions, verify information, and understand nuance becomes even more critical.
Another key skill is critical thinking—being able to analyse information beyond what is presented and recognise bias, intent, and framing. In corporate communications especially, understanding audience perception and the impact of narratives is essential. Lastly, adaptability matters. Technology will keep evolving, and professionals need to stay curious, flexible, and willing to learn without losing the core values of responsible communication.
What are your future aspirations? How are your mentors helping you nurture key skills?
My long-term aspiration is to build a career in corporate communications where I can work at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and human behaviour. I want to contribute to communication that is not just persuasive, but thoughtful and responsible, where messaging is shaped by insight rather than impulse.
At AIMC, mentors play a crucial role in shaping this journey. Through constant feedback, open discussions, and practical guidance, they encourage us to think independently, question assumptions, and refine our perspectives. Their emphasis on application over rote learning has helped me identify my strengths, work on my gaps, and grow with a clearer sense of direction.