‘Interviews are professional settings where appearance and confidence matter significantly’

For Soumili Sarkar, the transition from student life to the professional world has been both exciting and rewarding. Originally from Kolkata and currently working in Delhi as a Content Writer, Shomli began her career journey after securing a placement opportunity while pursuing her postgraduate degree in Mass Communication. Passionate about writing and creative communication, she credits her institution and faculty for helping her confidently navigate the placement process and step into the corporate world.

Securing the First Placement Opportunity

Receiving her placement offer was a memorable moment for Shomli. As it was her first job immediately after college, the experience brought a mix of excitement, happiness, and anticipation. She secured placement directly through her institution and was offered the role of Copywriter at Communik Marketing Solutions.

Reflecting on the moment, she recalls feeling incredibly fortunate and enthusiastic, especially knowing that the role came with significant responsibilities. For her, the opportunity marked not only professional success but also the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the creative industry.

Preparing for Placements: A Structured Approach

Shomli believes that preparation played a major role in helping her secure the opportunity. As companies began visiting campus during the final semesters, teachers actively guided students through the placement process with regular mock interviews and professional training sessions.

The preparation was comprehensive and focused on multiple aspects of professional readiness. Faculty members trained students in professional presentation and dress code, helping them understand the importance of grooming and corporate visibility. They also conducted sessions on behavioural etiquette and body language, guiding students on how to confidently present themselves during interviews.

Another major area of focus was communication and domain knowledge. Students underwent intensive question-and-answer drills related to mass communication, marketing, and creative fields. Personalized one-on-one mock evaluations further helped students identify their strengths and improve weaker areas.

Faculty Support That Built Confidence

According to Shomli, the faculty members of the APJ Institute / APJ School of Mass Communication played a crucial role in her professional preparation. They systematically broke down the interview and evaluation process into manageable steps.

Faculty members first focused on grooming and presentation, followed by approach, attitude, and communication. Finally, they helped students strengthen field-specific expertise and domain understanding. This structured guidance helped build confidence well before real interviews began.

Skills Required for Creative Roles

As someone working in the creative domain, Shomli strongly believes that success in copywriting requires both technical understanding and mental preparedness.

One of her strongest recommendations is to begin with content writing before stepping into copywriting. According to her, understanding content structure and subject knowledge forms the foundation for impactful and persuasive copy.

She identifies patience, creativity, and clarity of vision as essential qualities for professionals pursuing copywriting, advertising, or graphic design roles. Creative industries often involve repeated revisions, client feedback, and problem-solving, making calmness and adaptability extremely important.

Advice for Future Aspirants

For students preparing for campus placements, Shomli advises paying equal attention to professional grooming, domain clarity, and mindset.

She emphasises that interviews are professional environments where appearance and confidence matter significantly. Candidates should thoroughly understand the role they are applying for and practice likely scenarios beforehand with peers or teachers.

Most importantly, she encourages students to remain calm and avoid unnecessary anxiety. Instead of treating interviews as stressful examinations, students should view them as opportunities to understand how the corporate world functions.

Future Aspirations

Shomli’s long-term goal is clear — she wants to establish herself as a successful copywriter in a reputed creative agency or enterprise organisation. To build a strong foundation, she has intentionally started her professional journey through content writing and believes steady growth and continuous learning will eventually help her reach her aspirations.

Her message to aspiring professionals is simple yet powerful: stay calm, stay confident, and master your subject thoroughly — success will follow.