’You need to be patient and persistent to make it big in the advertising world’

Srishti Betala is an Apeejay alumna, who is currently working as a Senior Account Manager at IPLIX Media. With a passion for advertising, Srishti pursued her studies from Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC) in Delhi, which provided her with the experience and exposure she needed to succeed in her professional journey. She credits Apeejay for preparing her for the industry, and she enjoys working in this dynamic field, where every day is different and challenging. As an Account Manager, Srishti works with influencers and big brands to create unique and personalised experiences for their customers. She emphasises the importance of staying updated with the latest trends in the industry and networking to build valuable relationships. Read excerpts from the interview:

What made you join AIMC? Tell us about your journey.

Well, I always wanted to study advertising and AIMC was one of the best mass communication colleges in Delhi that provided the experience I was looking for. The faculty and curriculum at AIMC were top-notch, and the various events and seminars held by the college helped me learn and grow as an individual. I was fortunate to have an incredible experience at AIMC, and it has been a crucial part of my professional journey.

How did Apeejay help you in your professional journey?

Apeejay has prepared me for the industry in many ways. From being able to pitch ideas, work 24/7, and understand the clients’ requirements in a better way, Apeejay has been instrumental in my growth as an individual. The faculty at Apeejay are industry professionals, who provided us with hands-on experience that proved to be extremely helpful. The practical exposure I received at Apeejay helped me in my job and I’m grateful for that.

What do you enjoy the most about your job as an account manager?

I love that I get to interact and work with many influencers. I also love the fact that every day is different and challenging, and it helps me learn and grow as an individual. It’s a dynamic industry, and the thrill of creating something new and unique is what I enjoy the most.

That’s great! Can you tell us what got you interested in this role initially?

I’ve always been fascinated with influencers and celebrities, and having a job where you can work with them and big brands as well as experience the creativity is what got me interested. It’s exciting to work with different people and brands, and that’s what drew me to this role.

Can you shed some light on the current trends in the account management sector?

The account management sector is constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay updated with the latest trends. One of the significant trends in the sector is the increasing importance of digital marketing. Another trend is the growing demand for personalisation, where brands focus on creating a personalised experience for their customers. Social media has also played a crucial role in the sector, and brands are utilising different platforms to reach their target audience effectively.

What are your best memories from your AIMC days?

I have many fond memories of my AIMC days. But the ones that stand out the most are the times we attended offline classes. The presentations, events, seminars, everything was very amazing. The faculty and staff were always helpful and supportive, and I made some lifelong friends during my time there. AIMC will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will always be grateful for the incredible experience it provided me.

Lastly, what tips would you like to give to the juniors who are just starting their career in the advertising industry?

The first and foremost tip is to stay updated with the latest happenings in the industry. This is a fast-paced industry, and trends change quickly. So, it is essential to be aware of the latest campaigns, technologies, and tools that are being used in the advertising world. This will help you stay ahead of the competition and come up with innovative ideas.

Secondly, I would advise them to explore different sectors in advertising, and then decide where they want to go. The advertising industry has many different sectors, such as account management, creative, media planning, and digital marketing. Each sector requires different skill sets and has its own unique challenges. It’s essential to try your hand at different sectors and see which one suits you the best.

Another important thing is to be prepared to work 24/7. This is a very demanding industry, and you may be required to work long hours, especially when deadlines are approaching. But if you are passionate about advertising, then it won’t feel like work. It’s all about enjoying the work you do and finding creative solutions to the challenges that come your way.

Lastly, I would say that there is a lot of scope to grow in this industry, but it takes time. You need to be patient and persistent to make it big in the advertising world. So, don’t get disheartened if you don’t see immediate results. Keep learning, keep growing, and success will follow.

Those are some great tips, thank you for sharing them with us. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Yes, I would like to emphasise the importance of networking in the advertising industry. It’s a people-driven industry, and your success often depends on the relationships you build with clients, colleagues, and industry influencers. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and make connections wherever you can. It can help you learn about new opportunities, get valuable advice, and even land your dream job.