My Name is: Upasana Makati

BMM College: Jai Hind College

BMM Specialisation: Journalism

Currently Working at: Founder & Publisher, White Print

Q1. Does being a BMMite give you an edge over others in the field of media?

The experience and exposure that a BMM student might get through the projects, shoots, trips, college fests can certainly be of great use when he or she enters the real world.

Q2. Do the subjects in BMM help you know the reality of the job? Is there any place for theory in the creative world?

Well, a few subjects in BMM and textbooks may not really be applicable in the real world. However, in my opinion having theoretical knowledge is very essential since it helps you build a great foundation. Once the theory is powerful, application and grasping practical skills becomes an easier task. Knowingly or unknowingly you do end up using or referring to the theory you once studied in the three years of BMM or even before that in school or college. Having said that, the practical skills that each job demands cannot be learnt from any textbook. Experience can be your only tutor.

Q3. BMM or BMM from a particular college? Does it make a difference?

Definitely BMM from a particular college. The quality of projects and faculty is of utmost importance in a course like BMM. After hearing stories from students of BMM from other colleges, I certainly feel that my experience in Jai Hind was extremely enriching, quality driven and exciting.

Q4. Internships during colleges – are they relevant in the long run?

Internships are like a trailer to a film. They can certainly give you a taste of the field and help you make decisions about your future. It might help you decide if you are cut out for taking up a job in a particular sector. Also, how seriously and honestly you deal with an internship is also a crucial factor. You need to be sincere and go with an intention of extracting the most out of it.

Q5. Work Experience or Higher Studies? What’s your pick? Why?

For me work experience comes before further education. What a job can teach you, books cannot. Once you have a strong foundation, working for a while can only make the further education more meaningful and gratifying. Understanding of theory must be followed by its application in the real world. You can extract the maximum out of the higher education only once you are aware about the nuances of the real world.

Tips for BMMBoxers:

BMM is…A tumultuous three-year journey!

Your favourite subjects in BMM: Marketing, Management, Journalism & Public Opinion and Understanding Cinema.

5 Must-Follow Tips for BMMites:

• Live the three years of BMM to the fullest
• Participate in every college fest!
• Don’t stick to text books
• Don’t try finding the meaning of the word ‘Creative’. You won’t find it!
• Explore, Experiment and Enjoy

Current BMM students can connect with you on: You could write to me at upasana@whiteprint.in or drop in a message on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/WhitePrint

My Name is: Shloka Chhabria

BMM College: Jai Hind

BMM Specialisation: Advertising

Currently Working at: HELLO! India

Shloka’s Take

Q1. Does being a BMMite give you an edge over others in the field of media?

It certainly does… It prepares you for – what people call – the big bad world of media. You may not begin your career graph as an ace, but you can be sure of two things: You’ll know what you’re getting into [the long hours and sleepless nights spent scrambling to finish BMM assignments pay off here] and it’s not until you start working that you will truly the understand the power of the media [be it in Advertising or Journalism].

Q2. Do the subjects in BMM help you know the reality of the job? Is there any place for theory in the creative world?

The subjects cover the fundamental aspects of the media, yes, but only when you start your job do you get a feel of the ‘real’ world. Having said that, I do feel that the BMM course as a whole – subjects, assignments et. al. take you as close to reality as you can get. So that when you do get there, you’re not a fish out of water. In today’s day when the media is ruthlessly cut-throat and cutting-edge, the space left for theory is very narrow. Creativity is limitless, that is its weakness and its strength.

Q3. BMM or BMM from a particular college? Does it make a difference?

I don’t think I’d ever imagine myself doing BMM from any college other than Jai Hind. However, I did participate in the exciting inter-college events and I have to say that the vibe and enthusiasm shared by all the participating colleges was alike. Though, academics are equally – if not more – important and Jai Hind tops my list here!

Q4. Internships during colleges – are they relevant in the long run?

Very relevant. I thought I would get into the Marketing field until I did an internship in my first year, when I realized that Marketing was a big no for me! It’s always, always better to get a taste of the field that you want to specialize in – and what better time than during the summer? That way you have a clearer idea of what you want to do after you graduate.

Q5. Work Experience or Higher Studies? What’s your pick? Why?

Don’t ignore higher studies, but get some experience first. Work until you know for sure what you love doing. Use your time to try different things. You never know what clicks. once you’ve set your mind on a field, then go and pursue your studies – educating yourself never goes to waste.

Tips for BMMBoxers

Your favourite subjects in BMM: Journalism, Cinema.

Tips for BMMites: Don’t take your assignments lightly, they hold as much weight as your grades and when you go for a job interview you have more than just a CV to your credit.

Have some questions for the interviewee above? Wish to get some of your doubts cleared? Or want to just say a simple ‘Hi?’ Feel free to add your thoughts and questions as comments and we will try and have them answered for you!

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

Introduction

Swella Fernandes

My Name is:  Swella Fernandes
BMM College: Wilson College
BMM Specialisation: Advertising (Batch of 2009)
Currently Working at: Freelancing as an Events MC and a Party Planner

Swella’s Take
Q. Does being a BMMite give you an edge over others in the field of media?
A. Yes it does. BMM exposes you to a lot of possibilities and helps you test your potential to the core. Having faculty specific speakers also lends to the credibility of what you’re being taught and projects give you an almost on the job experience.

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. In my case, it honestly didn’t really make a difference. Projects that kept us on the run were much more enriching in knowledge than theoretical leaning.

Q. BMM or BMM from a particular college? Does it make a difference?
A. I’d say, definitely BMM from a credible college. I’d say Wilson BMM is where it is today, only because of one man – Mr. Sudhakar Soloman Raj. Credibility follows his very name.

Q. Internships during colleges – are they relevant in the long run?
A. I never interned at an office as I was freelancing during my college days as well. Though I’m sure, internships do give you some kind of a perspective.

Q. Work Experience or Higher Studies? What’s your pick? Why?
A. Work experience and then higher studies. This order helps you build a body of work that you’re capable of undertaking and carves the path for a better understanding of what you could possibly need to pursue on a long term basis.

Tips for BMMBoxers
BMM is… not just a course, it’s a way of life!! You’re either cut out for it or you’re not!
Your favourite subjects in BMM: Creative Writing

Must-Follow Tips for BMMites:

• Get used to long nights. Mostly staring at your laptop and then rushing through with preparations only the night before submission
• Keep a monthly budget for photocopies
• Invest in a good DSLR

Introduction

Ankita Shreeram

My Name is: Ankita Shreeram
BMM College: K.C. College
BMM Specialisation: Journalism (Batch of 2010)
Currently Working at: CNBC Awaaz

Ankita’s Take
Does being a BMMite give you an edge over others in the field of media?
Yes, it does because in all probability you already have quite a few media internships under your belt. In addition, projects that involve practical work such as designing magazines and advertisements lend you at least a beginner’s level proficiency in software used in the media industry.

Do the subjects in BMM help you know the reality of the job? Is there any place for theory in the creative world?
Most of the subjects in the first couple of years are intended towards building a theoretic foundation and they don’t help further your knowledge of the professional world that much. But the subjects in the third year definitely do, as they are better oriented towards your area of specialisation. There is always place for theory as they are references you dip into.

BMM or BMM from a particular college? Does it make a difference?
BMM from a particular college, I’d say. Jai Hind, K.C. and Xavier’s share most of the faculty and they tend to be the best in the field. Other colleges like SIES, Wilson and Sophia College also offer good professors and courses.

Internships during colleges – are they relevant in the long run?
Internships are possibly the most relevant aspect of the BMM course. Of course, they need to be executed with integrity, towards an intention to learn and build contacts rather than just attain a certificate at the end of it all. Internships can fructify into job offers many a times and the experience is certainly invaluable.

Work Experience or Higher Studies? What’s your pick? Why?
Media is not an education-intensive field. Good media professionals are carved out of rigorous on-field experience rather than perfect grades in their exams. That said, a post-graduation is essential for better compensation in the long run. I would only recommend a year-long course in an institute that offers good exposure to industry professionals and an impressive placement record. Alternatively, the same pinnacle of success and monetary compensation can be reached with work experience alone if the right job shifts are made at strategic points in one’s career.

Tips for BMMBoxers
BMM is… a practical course full of variety and scope for experimentation.
Your favourite subjects in BMM: Organizational behaviour, Indian regional journalism, Creative writing, Journalism and public opinion, Reporting, Editing

5 Must-Follow Tips for BMMites:

1. Don’t rely on the classroom alone for knowledge and learning
2. Be outgoing, grab opportunities, and speak to as many people as you can
3. Focus on letting your creative juices inspire your projects and don’t worry about grades
4. Stay updated with what’s happening around you and do read a couple of newspapers daily
5. Ask as many questions as you can. This is a course designed for inquiry and challenge, not blind acceptance of outdated facts

Current BMM students can connect with you on:
Twitter @AnkitaShreeram
http://ankitashreeram.blogspot.com

Introduction
My Name is: Suhrid Pawar
BMM College: SIES College, Sion
BMM Specialisation: Advertising (Batch of 2007)
Currently Working at: Senior Copywriter at Saatchi & Saatchi Focus

Suhrid’s Take
Does being a BMMite give you an edge over others?
Yes it does. Only if you are absolutely clear about what you want to do in life. Just a BMM qualification will not make you a media mogul overnight. The degree definitely gives you an edge as it exposes the workings of media in conjunction with society and consumers. The course opens up your mind to questioning, re-imagining, and demystifying the entire media industry and finding your own space in between all the chaos.

Do the subjects in BMM help you know the reality of the job? Is there any place for theory in the creative world?
The subjects give you an overall idea about how the industry runs. Realities have to be experienced on your own by doing internships, interacting with people from the industry, reading blogs and scouring media sites for trends and predictions. Theory is no doubt important. It makes one’s base firmer and allows one to be well-informed and open to change.

BMM or BMM from a particular college? Does it make a difference?
Makes a difference based upon the faculty. This is the biggest problem with the course as of now. The course is such that it needs people from the industry to come and share knowledge, which is difficult given the timings and commitments of professionals. Also, the right mindset towards running the course helps a lot. Almost every college in the city has BMM but not all of them are equipped with the right faculty or facilities, which is a shame.

Internships during colleges – are they relevant in the long run?
Yes they are. An internship gives you the chance to interact with professionals, get a taste of the life in media and also helps you to build contacts.

Career Queries
Work Experience or Higher Studies? What’s your pick? Why?
I would suggest a couple of years of work experience and then going for higher studies. If you want to go in for design or any specific line of the media, then a Masters helps. Otherwise, work is the best university.

How did you start your career?
I was part of a freelance ad agency started with my colleagues in BMM. We worked really hard during the second and third year, but had to discontinue as most of us left for further studies, including me. I wanted to pursue a Masters for which I went to British Council, met consultants and finally decided to do an MA in Communication Design from Kingston University.

Were you clear about which field you wanted to get into right from the beginning?
I was clear I wanted to get into advertising, Copywriting more specifically as I had done a Diploma in Applied Arts before the BMM course. This gave me clarity about my professional aspirations.

Any particular incident that helped you decide on your career option?
My decision to join the Diploma came after a disastrous HSC result. I failed in Maths and subsequently took an aptitude test, the results of which stated that I wasted two years in Science, and anything related to Arts would be really good for me. That was the turning point in my life

Tips for BMMBoxers:

• Don’t fall into the trap of drugs, smoking and drinking and believing that all that is required for getting great ideas
• Look everywhere around you for inspiration
• Don’t expect the college to do things for you
• Ask questions about everything. Debate. Read anything and everything
• Stay on top of trends in the industry and get a good grip on English

Introduction

My Name is: Akshada Bhalerao

Age: 23

BMM College: R. D. National College

BMM Specialisation: Journalism

Currently Working at: Disney Media Distribution and Syndication for The Walt Disney Company India (Which now includes the UTV group as well)

Akshada’s Take

Does being a BMMite give you an edge over others?

It does give you an edge because you’re exposed to most of the spheres of media and you begin to understand them. Working on many presentations gives you analytical powers and in tricky situations you do get last minute jugaad ideas as well.

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

Well, it depends on what line of work you’re in. Theory is not emphasized as much in any line of work. It just helps you understand the very basics. Other stuff, you learn on the job.

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

Well, not college per say. But yes, exposure does matter. It’s very important to have good teachers, visiting faculty from the field, good projects and other activities.

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

Internships are relevant, I feel. You know what you’re getting into later.

Career Queries

Work Ex or Higher Studies? What’s your pick? Why?

I’d suggest, start with work. It helps you sort many things in your head. A PG later doesn’t hurt.

How did you start your career?

I was confused after BMM. I had taken up Journalism only because I liked to write. But my strong liking has always been towards TV. Even in my internships, even though they had been with news channels, I was handling the production aspect for them. So I worked in production for reality shows.

Were you clear about which field you wanted to get into right from the beginning?

Like I said, I wasn’t clear if I wanted to be in hardcore journalism. Internships helped get a clear perspective.

Any particular incident that helped you decide on your career option?

Nothing in particular.

Tips for BMMBoxers

BMM is… A very good course if you want to be in Media

Your favourite subject in BMM: Literature

5 Tips for BMMites:

• Stick to Deadlines
• Respect time, yours and others
• Take interest and try to explore things on your own
• Stay updated about the industry you are interested in
• Don’t take it too hard if your boss shouts at you!

Contact Me

Students can post queries in the comment section. I will respond as soon as I can.

Interview by Prasiddhi Munoth

FIRST APPEARANCE

My Name Is Lavanya Chhabra

BMM From? SIES (Sion) College

Specialization Advertising

Year Completed BMM 2008

Other Educational Qualifications (PG/UG/Etc) None

Status Single

CAREERBOX

Professional Experience 3 years

You Currently Work At Canopy Essence  –  Partner

Your daily routine In Media Selling – Reach office by 9.30, schedule meetings and work for the day, meet buying/media planning agencies and discuss ideas abt effective promotion of brands on News channels, pitch upcoming events, make reports and set revenue targets

Organization(s) You Worked At Before : Red Fm 93.5 and Aidem Ventures(Previously NDTV Media)

Key Projects/Campaigns You’ve Been Part Of

• S FM turned Red FM in 42 cities
• Streamlined revenues from Entertainment Industry for Radio,
• Got new advertisers on board for News
• Personally designed campaigns for Futurebazaar.com, Marico, Pidilite to channel effectiveness

Most challenging project/campaign you’ve been part of? What made it challenging?

Have not come across any challenges yet I am just 23 waiting for much more from life to throw at me

How did you start your career? What was your first step after completing BMM?

Interned in Percept H as a copywriter and had no idea about Media Selling as a career profession yet got through Red FM 93.5 on a trial interview and never looked back, never had to actually look for a job although I had made a portfolio of my marketing campaigns but never needed them
Were you clear about which field you wanted to get into right from the beginning? What helped you take your leaps?

I wanted to stay in marketing and advertising and that helped me stay very close to Radio and TV marketing. I have personally designed campaigns on Radio for clients and seen them work satisfying the client because they had my understanding of the effectiveness of the medium

Any particular incident that helped you discover your career option?

Brands interest me and if I am in touch with any of the process I can handle it

BACK TO COLLEGE

Does being a BMMite give you an edge over others? Yes/No – Please elaborate

Yes, I had executed projects in BMM which required very high level of understanding of media and I am faster in communication and understanding brands and their strategies

Do the subjects in BMM help you know the reality of the job? Is there any place for theory in the industry you’re in?

Theory is necessary but a lot of times we understood theory not in the clasroom but while we were executing projects so the 50:50 mixture is just tailor made for brilliance
BMM or BMM from a particular college? Does it make a difference?

As long as you are in a college where lectures happen everyday and projects are submitted on time you have nothing to worry about, Classroom competence and motivation is very important

Did you complete any internship(s) – where, when, how was the experience?

Percept H in 2007, the experience was very insightful and helped me know that my creative side as a copywriter is not what I wanted to pursue instead I was good with branding and strategies

Internships during BMM – are they relevant in the long run?

Definitely they should be made compulsory as they give you a feeler of how the industry works and like I got a pre placement offer along with many others in my batch am sure everybody will feel secure doing the same

Work Ex or Higher Studies? What’s your pick? Why?

Higher studies are a must but BMM is an exception, also higher studies can come anytime, part time is always an option

BMMBOXER’S TAKE

BMM is Super Graduation

Your biggest achievement till date A corporate payroll in NDTV at the age of 23

You regret Regret

Your favorite subject in BMM Your hangout adda during BMM Marketing/Media Planning

Your hangout adda during BMM Any empty classroom in college

Define your job in one sentence I make people pay a price for a brand!

Your favorite professor at college Navin Kathuria

Your biggest goof up at work Sponsorships on Vodafone, gave away all at once!

YOUR TAKE

The journey so far…and where I see myself going Brilliant, exciting and hope to see more, I see myself making a brand that people will respect for ages to come

My Success Mantra My fear of failure

5 Tips for BMMites

1. Keep your eyes and ears open
2. Compete fiercely with the best
3. Night time is the best to study
4. Don’t introspect your life again and again
5. You are creative, just hunt for your calling

You can reach me Find me on FB – Lavanya Chhabra