Introduction

My Name is:  Shruthi Rajendran

BMM College: Jai Hind College

BMM Specialisation: Journalism (Batch of 2010)

Currently Working at: Gulf News Broadcasting (UAE) – News Presenter for Josh FM

Shruti R

Shruti’s Take

Q. Does being a BMMite give you an edge over others in the field of media?

A. It certainly does. I did my Masters immediately after BMM and everything I learnt in theory while studying BMM helped me do the practical bit of the Masters. Even as I did odd freelance jobs as a student, I was still ahead of people who had done non-media related courses.

Q. Do the subjects in BMM help you know the reality of the job? Is there any place for theory in the creative world?

A. Learning the theory is what enables you to apply it in the practical world. BMM subjects aren’t like algebraic formulas where you’re almost certain you’re never going to use it. Simple things like even knowing the correct terms in TV and Radio helps when you go out there. Creativity is great but if you don’t have the discipline to channel it then it’s all just a waste.

Q. BMM or BMM from a particular college? Does it make a difference?

A. I’d like to think so. The brand name matters. But in the end it boils down to how much scope you have to express your ideas, how far you can think outside the box, and how much of it can you apply when you’re put in the situation. You need to learn the minute details for the exam but the facts that you retain which you can use in the real world makes the difference – irrespective of the college.

Q. Internships during colleges – are they relevant in the long run?

A. YES. Absolutely. No experience is irrelevant. Even something as silly as a local newsletter or a community radio is great experience because it shows you have some knowledge of the work. I know it is difficult to manage odd hours of BMM and internships but the vacations are a brilliant time to get whatever experience you can get your hands on.

Q. Work Experience or Higher Studies? What’s your pick? Why?

A. I chose the path of higher studies – as mentioned before – but I also worked while I was doing my MA. I used to help out at a local radio station in England with uploading content on their website from 6 am to 9 am then head off to Uni for my lectures at 10. It was something basic as content but it helped me make contacts, gave me the feel of working in an actual radio station, and even helped me build my skills as a reporter. But the education bit helped as well – it was easier to get work experience opportunities because I had mentioned I was doing my Masters. In the end getting a job was fairly simple – I had a world load of experience and a Masters degree in Broadcast Journalism.

Tips for BMMBoxers

BMM is… a great building block

Your favourite subjects in BMM: Editing – nothing has helped me more after I graduated

5 Must-Follow Tips for BMMites:

• Experiment – it is the best time to try new things
• Create a style or identity for yourself – make sure that style is reflected in everything you do. You will be instantly recognised
• Learn as many softwares as you can while you’re doing your bachelors. People will be amazed
• Have fun – once you get sucked into the adult life – as much fun as media is – you can not make mistakes as often and you will definitely be held responsible for them
• If you have a certain field or specialisation that you’re particularly interested in – don’t give up until you get into that and don’t settle for the next best. You’ll end up doing the thing you started as part-time while you could pursue your dreams, for the rest of your life. Don’t give up

Current BMM students can connect with you on:

On twitter @ShruthiR11 or on email @shruthi.rg11@gmail.com

Research and surveys have revealed that it actually takes recruiters an average of 6 seconds to decide whether a candidate is fit for a job based on reading their resume. So what are the secrets of a good resume? Well you have to pay attention to detail and make sure the important points are concise and hard-hitting. These pointers will help you understand better:

Be Specific:

A good resume is always tailored to the job you’re applying for. It should be reflective of what a potential employer looks for in an ideal candidate. Hence your resume needs to be more industry-specific than plain generic.

Important Details:

• Put your name, address and contact details right at the top.
• Should you state an objective? Only do that when you’re certain that the objective stands out and fits the job profile. Don’t be generic or philosophical.
• Make sure to state only relevant work experience. While certain job skills are transferrable and form the crux of every working employee, don’t get into frivolous details which have no bearing on the present job.
• List out your accomplishments and subtly make them stand out. Remember, these aren’t qualities you believe you possess. Rather works which have helped you gain credit and recognition. Preferably put your accomplishments in bullet points.
• Keep education based information brief. Experienced candidates choose to keep information about academic degrees at the end of the resume. However if you’re graduate applying for a first job, then it would help being elaborative with respect to your academic success.
• In today’s world, a lot of job searches take place online. Hence it is important to include job specific keywords in your resume which are reflective of the skills you possess.

Other Details:

It helps to not include information like your hobbies and references. In the professional world, recruiters don’t have too much time to worry about what you like doing outside the office space. More over if they are interested in referencing you up, they will ask.

Length of Resume:

Your length of resume should mirror your years of experience. Work experience does count for a lot, especially if it pertains to the same industry.

Supplementary Points:

• Present the details in your resume in a chronological order which makes it easier for the recruiter to find important details.
• Don’t just fill your resume with information. Rather balance the content with the right amount of white space.
• Sometimes it helps to take an innovative route and create your own resume template rather than stick to a basic one. However make sure this is industry appropriate.

While there’s no pre-defined formula to crack a job with a resume, following these guidelines is sure to help. Stick to your strong points and keep it as simple as possible, that’s sure to leave a mark on any recruiter.

Organization Name: Framelements Media & Entertainment

Organization Description: We are an advertising and film production house. We are into Print, Multimedia & Web. We also do Publicity designing, film production and adfilm production.

Location: Navi Mumbai (Airoli)

Role Title: Client Servicing & Visualiser (Trainee)

Role Description:

Client Servicing: To look after the existing clients advertising requirements. Be a part of the new client pitching team.

Visualiser: To help the visualiser with ideation, new concept generation process.

Role Responsibilities: Same as Above

Qualification Requirement: BMM or BMS or any stream undergraduation or graduation student

Skill Set Requirement: Basic Computer knowledge, good communication skills,

Experience Requirement: Not required

Compensation/Stipend: Will be joining as a trainee so NO Stipend. Company will bear travelling & food expenses if it is for company related work. Will get a certificate after completion of work.

Application Process: Send biodata on sachin@framelements.com. Mention Mobile no or any contact number on the biodata without fail

Selection Process: Selected candidates will be informed over phone & will require to come to office for a 10mins. Casual interview session.

Key Dates: Required on emergency basis.

With TY exams on the anvil and with the rush of finding that perfect PG course to pursue, we understand how hard-pressed for time students are. In our bid to help, we have shortlisted a few PG media courses with all the necessary details. Take a look and you can thank us later! 😀

Where: Jamia Millia’s A J Kidwai Mass Communication Research Centre (AJKMCRC)
What: M.A. in Mass Communication/M.A. in Convergent Journalism/M.A. in Development Communication/M.A. in Visual Effect and Animation/PG Diploma in Broadcast Technology/PG Diploma in Still Photography and PG Diploma in Acting
Last date of application: May 8, 2013

Where: Delhi School of Communication (DSC)
What: Post Graduate Programme in Communication (PGDPC)
Last date of application: For info, visit http://www.dsc.edu.in

Where: Times School of Journalism, New Delhi.
What: PGD (Journalism) – English and Hindi
Last date of application: April 30, 2013

Where: Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC)
What: PG Diploma Course in Journalism (English)
Last date of application: April 22, 2013

Where: Asian College of Journalism, Chennai
What: Postgraduate Diploma programme
Last date of application: April 30, 2013

Where: Manipal Institute of Communication
What: MA in Communication
Last date of application: March 21, 2013

Where: ISB&M School of Communication
What: Post Graduate Media and Communication – Advertising, Public Relations, Print and Broadcast Journalism, Film & TV Production
Last date of application: For info, email at http://isbmmedia.edu.in

If you information on the entrance and admission details of any other media course, do share the information in the comments section. We will gladly add it to our list.

Sources:
http://www.mediahive.co.in/admission.html

The decision to whether enter the employment workforce or pursue further studies is one which requires considerable deliberation and self-introspection.  While both worlds call for sacrifices on social and financial fronts, future progression and career market dynamism are important factors that need to be kept in mind when making a decision.

To work or to study, is the big question!?

To help break things down, let’s consider each scenario:

CHOOSING TO STUDY:

To choose to study is major commitment you make to your future

• Helps you build up your academic resume, which in turn enhances your chances of being employed at a better paying job with (perhaps) a better profile.  A postgraduate degree can help you attain a job on a higher pay scale though field of work and choice of job are decisive factors
• Pursuing further studies helps you gain specialization in a particular field and at times boost a weak undergraduate program. This undoubtedly improves your overall knowledge of the subject
• Post graduation degrees are an expensive proposition. Time is another parameter, which needs to be taken into consideration. Hence choosing the right university and optimally utilizing the resources at your disposal is vital

CHOOSING TO WORK:

To work calls for increased responsibility and accountability

• Choosing to work immediately after graduation is beneficial from a financial point of view. Making money is something people aspire to do and a great job opportunity is something that must be taken into consideration
• Working helps you make the transition from theoretical study to practical reality. This transition helps you gauge where your interests lie and can have a telling influence on future academic related decisions.
• Being employed has its benefits but it’s important not to rush into taking a decision. If you’re mentally set on future studies and are looking to buy sometime or make some money before further pursuing your education, then adjusting back to the academic world can be difficult. At the same time, not making money when you study later can impact you psychologically. Hence planning and preparation is vital.

HOW ABOUT WORK & STUDY:

• Evolution of the education system and expansion of various post graduation degree modules means that you also have the option of working and studying. Part time degrees and distance education can help you manage your workload so that you can experience the best of both worlds.

The economic markets these days are subject to change in various parts of the world. Hence it is important to assess this change while taking decisions that can shape your career. Researching your field of interest with respect to universities and jobs is a prerequisite. No matter what decision you take, staying focused, motivated and work hard.