‘This institute helped me achieve what I dreamt of’

She is a dynamic planning trainee at a Gurgaon-based company. Her fascination with advertisements and creative work in the digital realm, helped her acquire her career where she can actively contribute to strategic planning. Her professional journey reflects her innate passion for ads with creative aspects of the advertising industry.

Meet Sakshi Verma, who in a candid interview, talks about how Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC) helped her realise her dream.

Tell us about yourself and your work.

I am an advertising and Mass Communication programme graduate from AIMC. At present, I have been working as a Planning Trainee at a Gurgaon-based advertising agency for the last six months. My role involves research, team support, ideation, and strategy development, focusing on planning the roadmap. I was previously involved with event management but transitioned to advertising for greater opportunities.

What motivated you to join this field?

I was very curious when I used to see ads on TV. I wanted to know and understand how can someone narrate a story within 30 seconds and attract consumers. This led to curiosity, enticing me, and motivated me to join advertising.

What is the secret ingredient for establishing trust in your clients?

In a market saturated with various brands offering a multitude of products, our clients turn to us to seek different innovations. To help our clients get a unique element that not only highlights their individuality but also propels them to shine and carve out a distinctive identity in the competitive landscape, we think by stepping into their shoes. Although the name of the company and its brand are enough, we must think about the way they want things done. It is important not to just offer one or two ideas but multiple. A good presentation can earn brownie points for the relationship between you and your client.

Challenges you have faced.

It is a bit challenging. As a trainee, at times my mentors are not always available so I have to think, plan, and strategise alone. Since ideation consumes a lot of energy and time, it can be difficult to juggle things simultaneously.

How do you stay updated about trends?

AIMC has equipped me with the latest industry knowledge. I follow many reference websites like Afacts, E4M, and Adweek. You can take insights about what new has been running in the digital realm. Moreover, interaction within your department also helps a lot.

Fond memories of your college days at AIMC.

A project stands out in my memory. The entire class was divided into four groups and each group was assigned to work on a specific brand. The enthusiasm was palpable for creating a unique product/service for a chosen brand. It required a huge room for learning, exploring, and ideating. Beyond the confines of the classroom, we also used to go for outings in groups. These outings not only served as a refreshing break from work but also played a crucial role in fostering stronger bonds among team members. The project was not a learning experience but a great opportunity that offered us a collaborative achievement.

Any tips for aspiring individuals stepping into the advertising field?

In the landscape of advertising, the only mantra you must follow is: Read, read, and read. Never underestimate the power of books; they offer invaluable insights and knowledge. The more you read, the better you’ll be able to navigate the challenges in the ever-evolving world of advertising.