Well informed of the recent happenings...

Kalyan Ranjan has a total work experience of 17 years in Public Relations. He has worked with some of the leading Indian Companies, PR Consultancy firms and MNC's. Currently, Mr. Ranjan is working with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages as a Region Manager (North) - External Affairs.
 

 

It is that time of the year, when future Ad and PR professionals will be taking their first step to join the world of advertising and public relations. Let us assume that for some of those aspirants, it would be a well planned move to appear for the IIMC entrance exam, for others it would be another diploma and degree and they will decide what to do with it once it is in the hand.

As we all know, getting admission into IIMC (irrespective of which course) is very-very difficult. It is so because seats are limited and no of aspiring students are growing beyond anybody'd imagination.

Yours truly joined the journalism course of IIMC in 1990 and did not exactly pass out with flying colours. Empowered with IIMC Diploma in left hand and a brief CV in right hand (no logic in it), the search for a job began in the right earnest.

 

All that mattered is a job - of a journalist or PR was of no consequence. At IIMC, we also got to learn that a journalism diploma holder can be eligible for PR job and that gave me twice the sense of empowerment. I must admit that IIMC gives you tremendous confidence to face the world.

Coming back to IIMC interview for admission and I am talking of year 1990. A panel consisting of 04 (04 pairs of piercing eyes) wise men staring at me welcomed my grand entry into the room. After customary exchange of pleasantries, started the interview.

 

Let me be very honest that for most of the questions, there were no right or wrong answers because they were all subjective in nature. There is no typical pattern of preparation, which can take any one through. A candidate who is well informed of the recent happenings will have a better chance than some one who has been brilliant at study but clueless about national and international developments.

You should not be surprised if asked questions such as

1. Why do you want to join IIMC?
2. Why would you like to join Ad & PR and not journalism?
3. If you get the admission, what would you choose as profession - ad or PR and why?
4. Who in your opinion is the best creative person in Indian ad world?
5. What is your favourite ad and why?
6. What is the full form of IPL? Which is the best ad that you saw during recent IPL? 
7. How can PR help in building the brand?
8. You will be given a imaginary situation and asked to provide a punchline for the ad.

For these and many similar questions, no one can give right answer because there is no universally accepted right answers. Its your perception and how well that perception is received by the interviwer will clinch it in favour of you or otherwise.

 

My simple advise to all aspirants seeking admission in IIMC Ad & PR course is go with a open mind, do not burn mid-night oil preparing for it because it is not going to help you much.

 

You must look and sound confident, do not get hasseled if cross -questioning is not to your liking and you must behave very politely. A well groomed look will always get you that extra advantage because Ad and PR world is considered glamourous.


 

Thanks & regards,
Kalyan