‘Have patience, don’t lose hope and be focused to be successful’

According to reports, as of 2019, there were over two lakh Indians with study permit holders in Canada; this comprises 34 per cent of Canada’s foreign student population. Therefore, it is not surprising that most Indians dream of working in either the US or Canada once they complete their education from either country. But it is not easy as most people make it out to be.

According to Nitika Mishra, who is working as a reporter and anchor for Fanshawe News Network and a News Anchor for TheSocialTalks, it is not easy to work abroad. “The work ethics are very different when you are working in another country. One has to adjust to the work culture of that country. It is also important to take risks and have a positive outlook. Second, work hard to make a good profile. It is tough to put yourself out there but if you have a good profile and have the confidence in yourself you can go out and make a name. Third, have patience, don’t lose hope and be focused,” Mishra said, who describes herself as a journalist who is passionate about making the world a better place.

In a candid interview, Mishra, an alumna of Apeejay Stya University-School of Journalism and Mass Communication talks about how her goal was to work in Canada among other things.

Tell us about yourself. Where are you working at present?

I have been working as an editor for a magazine in Canada – Next Big Thing. At the same time, I was completing a couple of courses. This is because to get a three-year work permit in Canada, one needs to do two programmes. So, with work, I have been busy completing these courses. I completed my post-graduation with Humber and then with Fanshawe. My student life is over now and I am in a professional realm.

At present, I am on a short assignment in London but will return to Toronto, Canada soon.

How did you end up studying at Apeejay Stya University?

Actually studying at Apeejay Stya University (ASU) was always my first choice to study journalism. It was one of the first universities where I had applied when I was in India. I sat for the entrance exam and got accepted. The great part was that I got a scholarship so I was very excited to study here.

How did ASU help you to reach where you are today?

I would say that it played a big role. Whatever was taught during the four-year programme has helped me in a lot of different ways. The faculty members there are really supportive and encouraging. This helped me gain a lot of confidence and learn new things that I didn’t know I would learn otherwise. in my journey – professional and personal area – ASU has helped me. Learning new things in journalism and being taught by the professionals who are right there in the industry was a rare opportunity that I think I took at the right time and moment.

Was studying in Canada always on the cards?

Yes, I knew from an early age what my path would be. Studying in Canada was my choice from the beginning. I was already working toward it right. And studying at ASU helped me a lot in that aspect.

Had you heard about ASU?

Definitely. As I mentioned, I had already had a clear path in my mind. I was looking for different colleges and universities once my high school was over. I saw the programme and courses at ASU. I was confident that it would help me in the long run. Once I got admission, I never looked at any other place.

Gone are the days when private universities were looked down upon. What has changed?

A lot of it has got to do with the fact that people’s choices and outlook has changed towards the entire education system. There was a time when people thought that if, say for example, if one studies at a public university, it would help the person financially and get the recognition that is needed. This is because University of Delhi has a name. But today, even a lot of private universities are also offering a lot of financial help – students do get scholarships.

Second, if you are able to get education, good courses and access to a lot of different facilities at a much lower price, you would choose a private university. Also, private universities are helping achieve your goals as well.

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“Studying at Apeejay Stya University was always my first choice to study journalism. I sat for the entrance exam and got accepted. The great part was that I got a scholarship so I was very excited to study here”

–Nitika Mishra, Reporter and anchor for Fanshawe News Network and News Anchor for TheSocialTalks

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Can you share your fondest memories at ASU?

The final year was spent studying online. But I have some great memories. My biggest is that of our dean – Professor Sanjay Ahirwal. He helped in a lot of different ways. He taught us so many things – professionally and personally. One could just go up to his office and talk to him. We had friends from other departments and they would tell us that they were jealous of our department since we were so friendly with our dean. Even now, I share this relationship; we do chat up sometime. The same goes for another faculty members like Pushpa ma’am and Sabiha ma’am. Sabiha ma’am piqued my interest in film production. I need to give due credit to Seema ma’am. I love political journalism becasue of her. I also disliked editing but after being taught by Abhijit sir, I love it.

How important is it to have this kind of relationship with your teachers?

It is extremely important. If you are being taught by a professor with whom you can’t be free, it hinders a student’s ability to learn. If a student is on friendly terms with the teachers, one is not only learning about the subject but gaining a lot of knowledge about different things which is important for a person’s development. This is something that I had at the ASU’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication.