‘Choose growth instead of money as you enter the industry’

Akshay Arora works at Communique India Pvt Ltd. He is an executive who looks into the  concept and production work in the office. He earned his Postgraduate Diploma in Advertising and Marketing from Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC), Dwarka, and soon after got placed via AIMC’s campus placement cell. 

In a detailed interview, he gives some interesting advice to current students and also speaks about his new role at Communique India.

Read edited excerpts:

Akshay! Firstly congratulations on your first job! Was this through the campus placement?

Yes! It was. I prepared myself and cracked the interview process . 

That means the placement cell teachers must have groomed you well?

Absolutely! They trained me so well when it came to facing the interview panel. I was also trained in group discussions and resume writing alongside interview skills. With the training given to me, I felt more confident to crack the placement interview. 

Quite reassuring to hear! Please give us an insight into your work?

My company launches events as well as does experiential marketing. I handle the production, creative strategies, client servicing and even at times managed clothing accessories and their selection for a campaign. From the beginning till the end, I am involved in every stage of the project. 

What has been your learning from AIMC?

The AIMC days were very informative to begin with. I did not have any knowledge about the industry when I joined the college. Slowly, I came to know about production, execution and other media things as I progressed with the lectures. 

We got many exciting projects and activities that gave me an industry connection and idea. I was also encouraged by the teachers when it came to punctuality, skilfulness at work, among other values. Those learnings help me even now. 

 Was this course in sync with your career ambitions?

I am a travel photographer and filmmaker. I do freelance in these domains. However, at present I am a bit short of time due to the office work. Hence, I always wanted to know how the work is done in an ad-agency. My course at AIMC gave me the clarity as to how to join the industry. 

A life lesson from that time?

Choose your passion! That’s the trick!

Share one good memory from AIMC

I made so many friends there. I had never thought I would be able to make so many friends being aware of my introverted nature. But thanks to them, my journey became so much more pleasurable, knowledgeable and fun.

Finally, some tips for the current students?

My suggestion is don’t choose money in the beginning. Choose growth and information instead as you enter the industry. Prepare yourself, upskill yourself so that any company would love to take you. Then the money will come smoothly to you.