‘Journalism is not just a career for me; it’s a passion’

In this compelling interview, Shantanu Karmakar, a correspondent at Financial Express, shares his experiences and insights. He discusses his daily responsibilities, the profound impact of Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC) on his career, and his future aspirations. Shantanu’s story offers valuable advice for budding journalists, emphasising dedication and the importance of practical learning. Read edited excerpts:

Walk us through your day at work?

 Currently, I’m working as a correspondent at Financial Express. My day-to-day responsibilities are diverse and engaging. I start my day by writing articles, including premium content. I also formulate and file press releases. A significant part of my job involves conducting interviews with various personalities. On an average day, I file about five to six articles, including press releases, and produce two original articles per week. 

So how was the journey at AIMC?

My journey at AIMC was fantastic and transformative. The decision to choose AIMC turned out to be a great one. The professors have been incredibly supportive. They helped me with every minute detail, particularly in overcoming my weakness in public speaking. Coming from Kolkata, Hindi is not my native language, and I was a Bengali medium school student. My English speaking wasn’t fantastic, but the training and encouragement I received at AIMC significantly improved my communication skills. The equipment, exposure, and the overall environment at AIMC were excellent and contributed immensely to my growth.

How did the teachers at AIMC guide you?

The teachers at AIMC played a crucial role in my development. Their guidance was invaluable, and they were always there to push us to improve. AIMC’s curriculum is structured in a way that the first semester focuses on teaching the essentials, while the second semester allows students to apply their skills independently. We produced news packages, short films, and even experimented with micro-films. The multimedia studio provided hands-on experience with anchoring, multi-camera productions, and running news bulletins. This comprehensive training was instrumental in shaping my skills and confidence.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

In the next five years, I see myself continuing to grow in the field of journalism. My core interest lies in politics, and I believe this sector will always be relevant. I aim to establish myself further as a correspondent and possibly take on more significant roles within the media industry. Journalism is not just a career for me; it’s a passion. I understand that success in this field requires continuous hard work, and I am prepared to put in the effort to achieve my goals.

What advice would you like to offer to current students?

My advice to current students is to embrace the rigorous training at AIMC. Understand that while the institution provides excellent training, the onus is on you to make the most of it. Don’t expect to be spoon-fed; instead, be proactive and dedicated. Journalism is an evergreen profession, particularly in India, where politics and news are always vibrant. However, it’s not all about money, especially in the beginning. You need to work hard, stay committed, and eventually, the rewards will follow. Build a supportive network, stay curious, and always strive to improve. The journey is challenging but incredibly rewarding if you are prepared to put in the effort.