‘Even the pandemic couldn’t stop AIMC from giving the best to its students’
Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication alumna Sreeja Mukherjee and her father, Prakash
Mukherjee say they are glad they chose the institute to help her carve a career in public relations
After completing a Masters in English from Sanskrit University, Kolkata in 2020, Sreeja Mukherjee joined the Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC) to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma programme. She wanted to pursue corporate image management, strategic thinking and storytelling as a career. That’s why she did not go ahead with an MPhil or PhD but straight hit the ball in the court of mass communication. Her father, Mr Prakash Mukherjee, a retired school teacher, supported his daughter’s decision to go ahead with her career. In an interview with Sreeja and her father, they explain how AIMC turned out to be a good choice. Edited excerpts:
Why did you choose AIMC for Sreeja?
Mr Mukherjee: Frankly speaking, I shouldn’t take credit for this. Sreeja herself chose AIMC. She wanted to pursue a mass communication course. She researched several colleges and found out that AIMC has a very good reputation in terms of academics as well as placements. And my wife (Mrs Chitra Mukherjee) and I were happy with Sreeja’s choice.
Sreeja: I wanted to go for Mass Communication and hence, I started my journey with AIMC in 2020. I am glad to have chosen the institute as it gave me the exposure to think and articulate my ideas as well as helped me nurture my infographic skills. Although 2020 was overall a tough year for the world, it changed my life with new opportunities. Currently, I am working with Dentsu Perfect Relations as a PR Professional. I am enjoying the PR world that is filled with interesting works and strategic thinking wherein I am exploring new ideas and discovering myself day by day.
How was Sreeja’s progress when she was in AIMC?
Mr Mukherjee: Throughout her academic journey, Sreeja has always been a hardworking student. And AIMC helped her become more confident and provided her with in-depth understanding and knowledge about her specialisation. AIMC helped Sreeja find her first job in an MNC. Daily classes and practicals were held. Undoubtedly, the pandemic couldn’t stop AIMC from giving the best to its students.
Sreeja: I have gained two key lessons from AIMC. First, be strong and work hard. In fact, work harder and harder and at the end of the day you’ll get results. Second, punctuality and self-dependency are imperative.
How did AIMC help your daughter in building her professional path?
Mr Mukherjee: The online classes including sessions on resume making-checking, mock interviews, live project activities, etc. prepared her to be a lot more confident. She had no fear of being interviewed which I think is psychologically an important part for any job-seeker. With the help of professors like Professor Pijush Dutta and Professor Pushpa Nair, Sreeja achieved her goal and got positioned in an MNC.
Sreeja: Through AIMC I got a plethora of interview opportunities. Most importantly, AIMC builds a student’s professional path so that he/she is ready to kickstart a career. From preparing a resume to how to appear for a job interview and what dress code to follow, AIMC trained us on every aspect
Harshita is Assistant Editor at Apeejay Newsroom. With experience in both the Media and Public Relations (PR) world, she has worked with Careers360, India Today and Value360 Communications. A learner by nature, she is a foodie, traveller and believes in having a healthy work-life balance.