Meet Simar Preet, an alumna of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, working as a Senior Associate in Public Relations at THRS. She manages PR campaigns and media relations for clients in the travel and hospitality sector. Passionate about dance, she holds a senior diploma in Kathak. Her love for languages began during her school time and has grown over the years. She’s at present, learning Spanish at Instituto Cervantes and has studied French at Alliance Française. An avid traveller, Simar finds joy in discovering new cultures and cuisines, which further enriches her personal and professional journey.
Tell us about yourself.
I am passionate about dance, discovering new places, and immersing myself in diverse culinary experiences. These activities fuel my creativity and provide fresh perspectives to enjoy my life, each day!
How do you feel your experience at Apeejay School influenced your professional life?
I am grateful to Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, for shaping who I am today. My involvement in dance, basketball, and the Interact and Rotary Clubs helped me develop confidence and interpersonal skills. Teachers especially in class III, mentored me well along with my values and resilience, while NCC taught me teamwork and leadership. These experiences at Apeejay School were transformative, pushing me out of my comfort zone and preparing me for the challenges ahead.
What is your favourite memory from your school days?
My school days were filled with countless memorable moments. From dance practices and basketball sessions to the excitement of Interact Club outings and disciplined NCC activities, every experience was special. Lunch breaks with friends, and sharing chowmein and chhole bhature, were unforgettable. Skating, swimming, art, and music classes all added to the joy. Though we disliked our uniforms then, they’ve now become cherished mementoes. Whispers in the library, dreaded Math classes, and mischievous moments of bunking made school life adventurous. Reflecting on all 14 years, I realise how those moments of laughter, learning, and friendship shaped me into who I am today.
Can you walk us through your typical day?
My day starts with a 45-minute metro ride where I scroll through LinkedIn, connect with professionals, and brainstorm ideas. At the office, I start with breakfast and coffee, spending the first hour reading to spark creativity. My work includes brainstorming, strategising, and executing PR activities. Evenings are for quick breaks with colleagues and reflecting on the day’s tasks. After work, I meet friends, unwind with YouTube or Netflix, and end my day around 11:30 pm.
What are the biggest challenges you face in the PR industry today?
One of the biggest challenges in PR is ensuring our creative efforts translate into the desired outcomes, like media coverage and audience engagement. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, campaigns don’t get the attention we expect. However, these setbacks push us to refine our strategies. In a content-saturated world, standing out and driving meaningful engagement requires understanding trends and audience preferences. Yet, successful campaigns keep the passion alive and make the effort worthwhile.
Any tips for Apeejayites who wish to take up a career in PR?
Focus on honing strong communication skills and staying informed about trends be it media or industry. Networking through LinkedIn and industry events is essential, as are hands-on experiences like internships. Embrace creativity, and adaptability, and leverage extracurricular activities to develop interpersonal and organisational skills. Remember, PR demands patience and resilience. Though campaigns don’t always go as planned, with dedication and a passion for storytelling, success will follow. Stay committed and keep learning!