‘Don’t let criticism define you; take that as a learning’

She calls herself a copywriter enthusiast. Back in June when she started her internship with Wunderman Thompson, a creative agency, she was one of the five students at Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC) to have been chosen by the company for its WTYoungunsProgramme. Having interned with them for the next six months, she is now excited to begin her stint as a professional. Meet Khushboo Gupta who pursued Advertising and Market Communication.

In a candid interview, she talks about how working in this creative field is a dream come true.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

At present, I am looking for a job. I recently completed my internship at Wunderman Thompson; I was there from June 2023. The internship period was for six months. I am now excited to embark on my professional journey in Advertising and Marketing Communication.

Could you elaborate on your college days and share some memorable moments?

One of my most memorable experiences during college was participating in the first Culture Gully event. We had to create a brand collaboratively, involving students from various courses. My professor played a significant role in inspiring me with his imaginative approach and constructive feedback. Being part of that event was truly amazing and stands out for me.

Was working in advertising always the career path you envisioned?

Absolutely. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to work in the creative field. The opportunity to spend each day generating ideas and finding new perspectives is what drew me to this sector.

What about the challenges in this field?

The primary challenge is interpreting the brief thoroughly, meeting expectations, and managing deadlines. Sometimes personal performance can be a hurdle, but it’s crucial to persist and keep ideating.

You mentioned being in an internship. What was the most significant learning?

The key takeaway was the importance of resilience and persistence. Despite facing failures, it taught me to keep trying and believe in my abilities. You have to understand that failure is part and parcel of your journey. You just have to get past it and move ahead

How did you secure this internship? Was it through your college?

Yes, I got it through the institute. My mentor provided me with samples for creating a CV and emphasised the importance of showcasing personal qualities relevant to the copywriting field.

Speaking of copywriting, is that a major part of your job?

Yes, my role primarily involves copywriting, which can be quite challenging. This is because there are days when nothing comes to mind. Hence, team collaboration is crucial. Understanding the target audience and conducting research on the brand and related industries are essential steps. Let’s take a hypothetical case. If I have to write a copy for a car priced between Rs 6-Rs 8 lakh, I would have to first understand the profile of the individual who would buy the car in this price range. And then create a suitable ad.

What skills from your college days proved most useful during your internship?

Despite facing challenges at the initial stage of my programme, AIM taught me resilience, adaptability, and the ability to handle setbacks positively. The mentors here were very good. If you got stuck somewhere and didn’t know how to navigate it, they were always there to help.

How did you hear about AIMC, and why did you choose it?

While I was looking for an institute that offered a programme in advertising, I discovered AIMC. I was impressed by the course and the faculty there. The way things were explained about what the programme would entail clichéd the deal for me. The fact that the institute was close to where I was living was a bonus.

Advice for present students pursuing this course.

Listen to your professors and mentors. There will be times when you will feel as if they are being too critical. Take that as a learning experience. Don’t let criticism define you. Work on your strengths, and then address the areas where improvement is needed.