FIRST APPEARANCE

My Name Is Swati Pandey

My Date of Birth is 3/19/1985

BMM From? SIES (Nerul) College

Specialization Journalism

Year Completed BMM 2006

Other Educational Qualifications (PG/UG/Etc) none

Status Married

CAREERBOX

Professional Experience 3 years

You Currently Work At Reuters India-Editorial-Correspondent

Your daily routine Tracking corporates for breaking news, following the stock markets, monitoring stock exchange website etc..

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

I started my career with Reuters. I got in touch with the ex South Asia editor of Reuters who had come to SIES (Nerul) to deliver a lecture. After a quick round of interview I was taken in as a trainee and was confirmed soon after.

Were you clear about which field you wanted to get into right from the beginning? What helped you take your leaps?

Yes, I always knew I wanted to be a journalist even before I joined BMM. Self-motivation
and determination has always helped me reach my goals.

Any particular incident that helped you discover your career option?

I started freelancing for Times of India’s local supplement – New Bombay Plus – after my class 12th exams. Writing on different beats really gave me a lot of exposure and helped me learn more about on the field reporting.

BACK TO COLLEGE

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

Well it does in some ways but for a journalist I believe it is most important to have a nose for news. If you get that right, you are a good journalist! I basically enjoyed the final year of BMM, as subjects were related to my chosen career unlike in the first two years. The course definitely helps you shed inhibitions and make you understand the basics of reporting, which seem to have been lost now.

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?

Well, in my college we were given a project to publish a Navi-Mumbai news tabloid once a
week. That was very practical and helped us learn the nuances of reporting, writing, editing, co-ordination, page designing etc. Theory and practical go hand in hand, I’d say. There is room for both and I think BMM balances that.

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

No, I don’t think so. I wouldn’t say SIES (Nerul) is a very elite college but I’m doing good for myself. I can say that for my batchmates too. This career is about creative people… College doesn’t really make much difference if you know what you want.

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

I did a summer internship with ANI – Asian News International. Besides, I was a freelance writer for New Bombay Plus for about 2 years since 2003.

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

Yes, they do help. They help you understand the industry you are interested in. Besides, internships also help u understand whether you really want to continue in this industry/sector.

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

Work Ex. Like I said, in journalism if you can differentiate between news and non-news you are there!

BMMBOXER’S TAKE

BMM is a great initiative by Mumbai University

Your biggest achievement till date Working for Reuters

Your favorite subject in BMM Feature and Opinion

Your hangout adda during BMM Gymkhana

Define your job in one sentence Reporting

Your favorite professor at college Sushmita S Sen Mam

Your biggest goof up at work Once I reported the profit number of a company incorrectly, which amounted to a trading losing lacs of money.

YOUR TAKE

The journey so far…and where I see myself going

The journey so far has been a learning experience. I aim to go global from here…

My Success Mantra Hard work, self motivation and determination

Tips for BMMites

1. Enjoy your days, work life is tedious!
2. Focus on practicals, learn to meet deadlines, they help
3. Work hard on making your presentation the best
4. Keep doing something creative
5. Be innovative in whatever you do

You can reach me here @ BMMBox

BMMBox Mod: Readers, you may ask questions to Swati, get your doubts cleared, and so on via the comment section below. Wilfred will come back to you on them.