‘Media planners can change the industry for the better’

Harsh Dilip Jaiswal is a media planner at Publicis Groupe, a leading PR company. Harsh found his calling for the field during his orientation at Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC). In an engaging interview, the alumnus with a Post Graduate Diploma in Advertising and Marketing Communications explains the tricks behind reaching a large audience as well as gives media students a reminder to not be lazy in life. Read edited excerpts: 

What all work do you finish in a day as a media planner?

I report at 9:30 am at work. Around 10 in the morning, the entire team has a daily meeting with the VP. There we make a note of all our reports and plan the schedule for the day accordingly, setting our daily targets in sight.

Why media planning as a career? What’s the behind the scenes inspiration?

I come from a business background. So sales, planning, numbers, are all my areas of interest. However, during the AIMC orientation programme, I remember Mr. Mohit Joshi, CEO of Havas Media, delivered a lovely speech and his words had moved me a lot. He explained how media planners are the ‘Gurus’ of the industry, that they can actually bring a change. I wanted to be the point of difference. So, I chose this field and am here.

As a media planner please share with us how to reach a large audience with our content? What are the steps?

1. Make more shorts and reels of your main video content

2. Make sure the content of your video is really catchy, so that people feel compelled to share it with others in their circle.

3. Use proper hashtags. This is key!

4. Share it with your community properly. Therefore, make relatable content in accordance with your target audience.

You seem to have enjoyed a lot at AIMC. Tell us about your best memory?

It was Valentine’s Day and Adelcom Electronic services had created a programme, which included a dance session, then a business episode like the Shark Tank model you see now.

It was all very spontaneous. We students put up a great show. It is a very sweet memory for me.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

As a senior account manager in a good firm.

One word of advice for all AIMC students?

Simple – Don’t lose hope and never be lazy!