English Journalism: A journey | An adventure

Hi! I am Avantika, back with the answer to the new 'problem of my life' question of all the new awesome people who've just cleared IIMC EJ! 'Didn't get into Delhi. What now?' And just so that my opinion holds some weight, you must know that it comes from the year's topper. Yup! That's me! *blush*

We have all heard the story of the hare and the tortoise. Haven't we? Remember how the hare bet on the race only by the virtue of being a hare? And we all thought the tortoise was foolish enough to even agree! And we all put our bets on the fast and the furious.

Well, we all know how the story proceeds. But what we here are talking of, is the story of your careers. And we hope we have all learnt our lessons well enough, and won't make the same mistake of betting on the hare.

The IIMC Alumni Association has been facing a lot of questions about how doomed most of you are feeling because you didn't get through the 'best of all the centers', and what you must do next.

Truly, what you should do next is pack your bags and get ready for a journey that you'll cherish for a lifetime. 'Why' is what we will tell you!

First of all, regional centers have only 15 seats except Dhenkanal which has 50 students (no wonder it is as big as IIMC Delhi)! So... which of you doesn't enjoy attention? We all loved the focus our teachers had on us. How we hated those 80 students' classroom in schools and colleges where the teacher knew only a bunch of people in and out! Here, all of get to be the favorites!

Second, you need to know this awesome fact that your teachers come from Delhi only. And they visit you for two weeks and sometimes even more! Of course you have two teachers who teach you throughout the year. But then, there will be a group of awesome, young at heart 'friends', who will visit you and make your life a joyride! Some of our favorites were Rahul Jalali, Gopal Mishra, the very lovely Sangeetika Nigam and of course Ranjit Chatterjee!

The third lovely thing stems from the second. Hold your breath..... These fun people will stay with you! And, you just don't want to miss gossip about the journalists you've admired all your life over a frequent cup of chai and pakoras! These people have worked during Indira Gandhi's time. They've been friends to the names that you know only through books and TV! And when they'll tell you stories about them, you'd thank yourself for landing in a regional center. Trust us!

And of course such stories don't happen in the classroom, specially of 70. It happens when you relax in your hostel shorts in the lawn of your hostel! (which you'll end up calling your home!) (I so wanna go back right now)

And for all those who muttered under their breath asking 'isse kya hoga?' You'll get to learn. They're big names only because of their experience. Right? Books have seldom educated my friend!

So moving onto the fourth, we know your main aim is to get a job. Don't you worry fellas, none of us here are jobless. You should leave that worry at the feet of the beautiful Saraswati outside IIMC Headquarter in Delhi. :)

Fifth. You know, our generation has been tagged as the adventurers. Cause we love to travel. We love to explore. And we love selfies!

And do you really think the hustle bustle of this crazy Capital is going to give you those amazing moments? I will tell you what will...

Starting from Jammu, from your windows you can see the hills. When the early morning azaan will wake you up with the saffron sun's rays... You'd never hate mornings! And of course, an FB update is mandatory! And, for heaven's sake, Jammu doesn't have any unrest! (Plus Katra is only half an hour away!)

Dhenkanal. There is an awesome huge campus that awaits you. And you know what, they have a newspaper museum too! And the whole campus is located among the hills! Just like disneyland!

Aizawl. Have you any friends who are north eastern? Aren't they the politest people? The place is similar. So peaceful and so so so green. In winters, you'll have clouds visiting you. (No exaggeration) *dream like*

Amravati. Forests. Greenery. Pollution free. No pimples. ;) Plus Maharashtra. Mumbai and Goa so close. Need I say more?

Kottayam. People spend lakhs to visit Kerala. You'll stay in its twin! There is no form of beauty that'll get missed there. Just go for a walk and voilà... You have a cover pic ready!

Oh and, these places are not expensive as Delhi is.

Seven, you'll have a place in your pockets, about which you'll know inside out. Isn't that a great feeling?

Eight, your head would be K M Shrivastav. Yes I made this a separate point, and you'll know the point I'm trying to make once you're a part of the regional centers.

Next needs a *Drumroll*

Nine. From two years, the toppers of EJ have been from Jammu. And this time top ten ranks have been only from regional centers. 4 awesome beings belong to Jammu, while 6 belong to Dhenkanal, Kottayam got 1 and so did Aizwal! (All the math gurus, I know 4+6 is 10; but four guys scored similar marks! )  

Yuhoo!

I am sure there is a ten and an eleven and an infinity. But what would you find out if we told you everything?

Journalism is all about moving around. Remember the keywords ‘leg work’. If you are someone who wants to stay in your hometown and never move out… We suggest, you must consider your career option once again !!

So, just as I said before, get packing! You can thank us later.

(Remember the hare and the tortoise!)

Here's To Us !

Deepti Gahrotra (Ad-PR, 2011-12) is currently the Communication Secretary of IIMC Alumni Association. In her spare time she also works as the Communications Manager at Score Foundation in Delhi.

That brings us to the end of this year’s IIMC Entrance Counselling. This year 36 alumni contributed to the blog with advice on the written exam, while 34 contributed on how to ace the GD-PI.

IIMC Alumni Association is thankful to all its alumni for taking out time to impart their valuable advice to aspirants. We wish all the aspirants the best.

If you get through, we hope you will uphold the legacy of our revered Alma Mater and join our ranks in a year's time, if you don't, remember it took me two years to get in!

We wish you all the best for wherever life takes you from here.

Best,

Deepti Gahrotra

Secretary, Communications | Twitter: @DeeptiGahrotra

IIMC Alumni Association | Twitter: @IIMCAA

Go, Have Fun And Nail It !

Mani Sharma is a 2012-13 RTV alumna and is currently working with Red FM, Indore as a Radio Jock. She believes that everything can be changed but nothing can be changed until faced.

Kiss it folks! I mean keep it simple and short. Blabbering stuff is a strict no no. Do not be pretentious and it is needless to say that current affairs should be on your finger tips. Be confident and maintain an eye contact with the interviewer to make a good impression.

Presentation is key too so dress smartly. And before I forget guys, unless you are being interviewed for EJ, use the language you are most comfortable with and can express freely.

Also do not beat around the bush and be to the point. Facts are sacred and opinion is free, express it but learn to listen and respect what others have to say.

Enough of the gyan, make the most of this opportunity and kill it!


BAJATE RAHO !

Prep Talk For GD & Interview

Tania Ameer | After graduating in English Honours from Sri Venkateswara College (Delhi University) in 2006, I did Radio and TV journalism from IIMC (2006-2007). Immediately after that I started working with 'DD News' and then shifted to 'News X'. In 2008 I started my stint in print journalism with a Delhi-based Tabloid 'Metro Now' where I covered features. In 2009 I shifted to the Magna Group which includes magazines like Society, Stardust, Savy and others. While in 2012 I joined 'Millennium Post', a Delhi-based newspaper. Here I cover politics and the government. I am also a visiting faculty at IIMC.

When you have cleared the written test at IIMC, the next stage is clearing the Group Discussion (GD) and interview round. For both try and stay calm and be confident.

For Group Discussion

- Be confident and assertive but do not go over board and interject constantly

- Make your point and blend with the conversation after that

- Have a key point in mind on the topic and make your presence felt by asserting it

- There should be a focus on this being a discussion and not a verbal duel

- Remember it is how and what point you put across rather than how high your pitch rises

- Do not stay quiet through out the GD interact and definitely make your point felt in the discussion

For Interview

- Be calm and listen to the questions posed to you by the panel

- There are some expected questions like why journalism - print or tv / advertising and public relations. Take your time and answer them. Link them to your educational background in under graduation or post graduation.

- You might also be asked where you see yourself 5/10 years down the line?

- According to your area of interest you can be asked questions example lets say your interest is in politics. So you can be asked about the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections and what made Narendra Modi win.

- You can be asked about your hobbies example reading, painting... Then the question that follows would be which author/painter you admire and why??

- There can be general questions about your background (family/city) example if you say Lucknow you can be asked about the cuisine,music or culture 

- Be yourself and mostly importantly be self-confident

- Have a conversation and not an argument

All the best

10 Things To Keep In Mind For Your GD-PI

Shivani Tiwari of Ad-PR (2010-11), has been into media communications and planning, also into handling media accounts from Airtel to consumer researches. She is a media researcher by day and blogger & observer by night.

GD-PI is all about smart time management and articulation. It’s like showing the examinees the trailer of a movie that you are. Ensure what you show would pique their curiosity and make them believe that you are worth a shot.

1.  Do not stress, most importantly. You will feel more spontaneous and confident if you stress less and speak/interact naturally.

2.  Read what the last year was about (important controversies and events) and save yourself from embarrassment of not knowing the bigwigs

3.  Ensure that you have an opinion on things that matter- Elections, IPL, FIFA, Bollywood (these might be raw and unadulterated opinions but that’s what’s important too)

4.  Pacify yourself and do not play blame games in the group discussion session or make any religious/strong political comments

5.  Be more appreciative, respectful and listen patiently to the other participants during the discussion

6.  Don’t beat behind the bush if you don’t know.

7.  Decide well in advance what you will wear so that you are more comfortable during that day even if you have to end up waiting for few hours for your turn. Do not overdress and make it look like a matrimonial match meeting.

8.  Be prepared for your cliché interview questions like “tell me about yourself’, “why you want to join this college”, “why did u drop a year”, “what are your hobbies”, “who is your favorite thinker” etc.(this means introspect on your choice and decisions so that you sound clear as a candidate)

9.  If you have a story, narrate it well. It should not sound like a cooked up tale or a crammed narrative. (Especially in interviews)

10.  Don’t use adjectives to describe yourself unless you can substantiate your attribute with a story. (Like saying “I am creative “, but why explain that)

  

Best of Luck,

Shivani

http://advertisingdissected.blogspot.in/ | https://twitter.com/shivanitivari

इंटरव्यू में मौलिकता ही एक्स फैक्टर है

सुमित सुन्द्रियाल हिन्दी पत्रकारिता विभाग के 2012-13 बैच के छात्र हैं. कैंपस सेलेक्शन से आईबीएन7 में जो एक बार लैंडिंग की तो फिर वहीं ग्राउंडेड हैं.

सबसे पहले तो आप सबको बधाई कि आप लोगों ने एंट्रेंस टेस्ट पास किया और अब इंटरव्यू स्टेज पर पहुंच चुके हो. तैयारी तो अच्छी चल ही रही होगी. उसमें भी ज्यादा कुछ है नहीं. सिर्फ़ बीते एक-दो महीनों के कुछ ख़ास मुद्दे हैं जिनके बारे में जानने की जरूरत है. वो भी अभी तक कर ही लिए होंगे. अगर नहीं किया है तो भई अब वक्त कम है, जितना हो सकता है जान लें.

इंटरव्यू के लिए क्या करना चाहिए, क्या नहीं, ये आपको पता तो होगा और उससे भी ज्यादा आपको अब तक पता चल चुका होका इस ब्लॉग में मिले टिप्स के जरिए. इसलिए ज्यादा कुछ बचता नहीं बताने को. फिर भी अपने ही इंटरव्यू के अनुभव से कुछ तो बता ही सकता हूं.

पहली और सबसे जरूरी बात- इंटरव्यू आपका है, सामने वाले का नहीं. जवाब आपको देना है. बोलना आपको है. सामने पैनल में बैठा शख्स कोई शिकारी नहीं है कि आपने आवाज की और आपका शिकार. नहीं बोलेंगे तो जरूर आप अपनी इस गलती के शिकार होंगे. इसलिए एक भी मौका ऐसा नहीं आए कि आप चुप हो जाएं. कहने का ये मतलब है कि जवाब दीजिए. जितना आता है, उतना जरूर दीजिए. नहीं आता तो भी विनम्रता के साथ बताइए कि नहीं आता. आपका ये रवैया भी इंटरव्यूअर को जीतने का जरूरी फैक्टर है.

और एक बात. जिस तरह से रिटेन टेस्ट में सीमित शब्दों में लिखना होता है उसी तरह इंटरव्यू में भी अपने जवाब सीमित रखें. लंबे जवाब एक तो गैर जरूरी होते हैं, दूसरे आपको उलझाने के लिए काफी होते हैं. सीमित जवाब आपकी शख्सियत को प्रभावी बनाने का काम करता है. काउंटर प्रश्न की संभावना कम होती है लेकिन रिलेटेड प्रश्न बढ़ सकते हैं. बाकी आपका जो विस्तृत ज्ञान है उसके लिए कोर्स के दौरान भरपूर वक्त है.

अब बात आती है आत्मविश्वास की. इंटरव्यू में सफलता सबसे ज्यादा इस पर ही निर्भर करती है कि आप अपने जवाब को लेकर कितने आश्वस्त हैं. इंटरव्यू में ज्ञान से ज्यादा आत्मविश्वास काम आता है. ऐसा नहीं है कि इंटरव्यू लेने वाले गलत जवाब पर डांट देंगे या फिर खुद को श्रेष्ठ दिखाने की कोशिश करेंगे. बल्कि वो आपसे आपका श्रेष्ठ निकलवाने के लिए आत्मविश्वास की परीक्षा लेते रहेंगे. अपने जवाब पर टिके रहना जरूरी है, चाहे गलत भी हो. आपको लगता है कि ये सही है तो कहिए कि सर/मैम मेरी जानकारी में ये जवाब है. आपका ये ईमानदार रवैया आपके काम हमेशा ही आएगा.

लेकिन ये बात ध्यान रखिएगा कि आपको हर हाल में ईमानदारी रखनी है. झूठ का सहारा आपको किसी भी अंजाम तक नहीं पहुंचाएगा. और कम से कम अपने बारे में तो ईमानदारी रखिए. आपको क्या करना है, आपकी पसंद क्या है, कैसे इस कोर्स में पहुंच गए, चाहे जो भी कारण हो या जो भी जवाब हो, बस सच और ईमानदार होना चाहिए.

एक आखिरी बात. आपके किसी साथी से क्या सवाल पूछा गया या उसने क्या जवाब दिया और उस पर इंटरव्यू पैनल की प्रतिक्रिया क्या रही, इससे बिल्कुल भी प्रभावित या विचलित होने की जरूरत नहीं है. न चाहते हुए भी ये प्रवृत्ति अक्सर सामने आती है. याद रखिए, सवाल एक जैसे हो सकते हैं लेकिन आपसे हमेशा नए जवाब की उम्मीद की जाएगी. ध्यान रहे कि आईआईएमसी में आपकी पत्रकारिता को निखारा जाता है. पत्रकारिता तो आपमें पहले से है तभी आपको इंटरव्यू का बुलावा आया है. आप जैसे हैं, वैसे रहें. मौलिकता ही आपका एक्स फैक्टर है.

बाकी क्या मुद्दे आजकल चल रहे हैं, ये आप सबको पता ही है. इसलिए अब तैयार रहिए आईआईएमसी परिवार का हिस्सा बनने के लिए. जल्द ही किसी दिन मिलेंगे आईआईएमसी में.

शुभकामनाएं.

Be Confident; Mould The Interview Your Way

Pratham Dwivedi is from English Journalism batch of 2011-12. He is currently working with Doordarshan News as Content Executive and also runs his own business.

I have heard many times that some students do well in IIMC written exam but fail to make a mark when it comes to interview. The confidence they exude in writing their answers, vanishes in the air when they go for the interview.

This happens due to the pressure of the interview and nervousness. Confidence is the key to success in any interview and you will be confident when you are equipped with information about the field you are getting in.

If you are confident, you can mould the interview your way through your answers.  When asked about your favuorite newspaper, last book your read, last movie you watched, which beat you prefer; you should name things you are confident to speak about.

If you don’t know the answer to a certain question, instead of making a guess and making a fool of yourself, simply tell the interviewer that you don’t know the answer. He won’t shoot you down if you don’t know the answer but it will definitely send a wrong message if you beat around the bush and give an inappropriate answer.

Interviewer may also ask tricky questions. For example: What is the difference between American English and British English. If asked such question do not jump into conclusion immediately. Take few moments to understand the question, and then answer accordingly.

Take care of the following before you go for the interview:

• You should be aware of all the issues that have been in news for last couple of months, the changes made in the government and the corporate sector.

• Do remember the name of the Editor-in-chief of the news paper you read. Also the name of the special pages and the columnists who write for that news paper.

• It’s very important to know about the place you come from, i.e. any river that flows in your home state, the name of the MP and MLA of the area you come from.

• Prepare a good answer for your hobby. For example, if you say reading novels is my hobby, you may expect the interviewer to ask about some writers.

• Do prepare an answer for questions such as: Which book you read last? Which T.V. serial you like to watch? Which movies you watched last? Why journalism? Why IIMC? Etc.

All the Best !

सरल और स्पष्ट रहें, जवाब में जलेबी न बनावें

अभिषेक कुमार चंचल हिन्दी पत्रकारिता विभाग के 2013-14 बैच से हैं. कैंपस में सिने मंच के माध्यम से खूब रंग जमाया. सामाजिक कार्यो में रुचि रखते हैं. जेएनयू में काम करने वाले मजदूरों के बच्चों को पढ़ाने का काम किया. इसी रुझान ने मीडिया हाउस की जगह सामाजिक संगठन में पहुंचाया. गांधी फेलोशिप के लिए चयन लेकिन इरादा पर्यावरण के मुद्दे पर काम करना. फिलहाल ग्रीनपीस के लिए गांव भ्रमण में हैं. अखबारों के लिए स्वतंत्र लेखन भी.

देश में पत्रकारिता के सबसे प्रतिष्ठित संस्थान भारतीय जनसंचार संस्थान में दाखिले के अंतिम राउंड की शुरुआत में दो दिन ही शेष हैं. मीडिया में कॅरियर बनाने के इच्छुक छात्र इस अवसर को गंवाना नहीं चाहते. कुछ की तैयारी हो चुकी होगी लेकिन कुछ अब भी कन्फ्यूज होंगे. हम भी ऐसे ही थे. घबराना नहीं है.

आपका ज्यादा समय न लेते हुए सीधी बात. बचे हुए दिनों में कैसे करें तैयारी. आईआईएमसी के किसी भी कोर्स के साक्षात्कार की तैयारी के लिए जरुरी है कि आसपास हो रहे घटनाक्रम की जानकारी रखें. देश- दुनिया की जानकारी तो रखिए ही, आप जिस क्षेत्र से आते हैं, वहां की राजनीतिक, आर्थिक, सामाजिक व सांस्कृतिक हलचलों के बारे में भी अपनी जानकारी मजबूत कर लें. घटनाओं और बदलाव पर नजर हो. अवलोकन करने की क्षमता होनी चाहिए.

आप अपनी रुचि के विषय पर पकड़ मजबूत बना लें. साक्षात्कार में साक्षात्कार बोर्ड के सदस्यों को अपने विषय की तरफ ले जाने की कोशिश करें. किसी भी प्रश्न का जवाब आत्मविश्वास से दें. जिसका जवाब नहीं आता, सीधे मना कर दें.

जवाब सरल और स्पष्ट देने का प्रयास करें. जलेबी न बनावें. किसी भी जानकारी को समझदारी के साथ बेहतर ढंग से व्यक्त करें. अगर आप किसी भी मसले पर स्पष्ट विचार रखते हैं तो साक्षात्कार में सफलता हासिल कर सकते हैं.

इसके साथ ही इन सवालों के लिए तयशुदा तैयारी रखें- आप पत्रकारिता क्यों करना चाहतें हैं? अपने बारे में पांच अच्छी और पांच बुरी बात बताऐं? आपकी रुचि क्या-क्या है?

हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ!

इंटरव्यू में ज्ञान देने का रिस्क न लें

बिक्रम कुमार सिंह हिन्दी पत्रकारिता विभाग 2013-14 बैच के छात्र हैं. कैंपस प्लेसमेंट से समाचार चैनल न्यूज एक्सप्रेस में.

बिक्रम कुमार सिंह हिन्दी पत्रकारिता विभाग 2013-14 बैच के छात्र हैं. कैंपस प्लेसमेंट के रास्ते इस समय समाचार चैनल न्यूज एक्सप्रेस के साथ.

लिखित परीक्षा में सफल साथियों को मेरी तरफ से शुभकामनाएं. दिल में लगन हो और खुद पर विश्वास हो तो आईआईएमसी में प्रवेश आसान है. मैं जानता हूं कि आईआईएमसी में प्रवेश के लिए कितनी मेहनत करनी पड़ती है, कितना धैर्य रखना पड़ता है.

अब बस एक कदम दूर हैं आप अपनी मंजिल से. जिनका इस वर्ष नहीं हो पाया है या जो इंटरव्यू में सफल नहीं हो पाते हैं वो हताश न हों क्योंकि अगर आपको अपने ऊपर विश्वास है तो आप बगैर आईआईएमसी आए भी सफल पत्रकार बन सकते हैं. इंटरव्यू में सफलता के लिए आपको तीन चीजों पर ध्यान देना होगा.

- आपका आत्मविश्वास

- आपका अध्ययन एवं ज्ञान

- आपकी अभिव्यक्ति

सब कुछ सही है. आपके पास हर तरह का ज्ञान है. आपके पास अनुभव भी है लेकिन इन चीजों का फायदा तभी मिलेगा जब आप इंटरव्यू के दौरान खुद को अच्छे से अभिव्यक्त कर पाएं अन्यथा.

कुछ कड़वी सच बताता हूं. शायद आपको अच्छा न भी लगे. अगर आप टीवी के सफल पत्रकारों को देखकर या एंकर बनने या फिर प्लेसमेंट के लिए आईआईएमसी में प्रवेश पाना चाहते हैं तो ये आपका भ्रम है. इससे बेहतर आप दूसरों को मौका दे दें. ये सब मेहनत और परिश्रम से आगे जाकर मिलेगा. आईआईएमसी में आपको खुद को निखारने का एक प्लेटफॉर्म मिलता है. इंटरव्यू देते समय इन चीजों का ध्यान रखें.

- आप जिस जगह से आते हैं, उसके बारे में अवश्य जान लें. वहां के सामाजिक, राजनीतिक, ऐतिहासिक और दूसरी रोचक चीजों के बारे में आपसे पूछा जा सकता है.

- आपसे आपके बारे में पूछा जा सकता है. आपके बारे में जानने के बाद आपसे ही संबंधित कुछ और प्रश्न किए जा सकते हैं.

- जो भी बोलें, स्पष्ट बोलें, सच बोलें और सरल बोलें.

- आप वहां ज्ञान देने का रिस्क न लें. इंटरव्यू ले रहे लोग आपसे ज्यादा ज्ञानी हैं.

- पत्रकारिता क्यों करना चाहते हैं, ये सबसे कॉमन सवाल है. अपनी समझ बनाकर जाएं.

- किसी सवाल का जवाब तभी दें जब आपको अच्छे से आता हो. इंटरव्यू के दौरान हां में हां न मिलाएं. वो कई बार आपके आत्मविश्वास को चेक करने के लिए गलत बातें भी बोल सकते हैं.

- आपकी समझ, आपकी सोच और आपका व्यवहारिक ज्ञान ही आपका एंट्री कार्ड है. बाकी सारे ट्रंप कार्ड फेल हो जाते हैं.

- जिस प्रश्न का जवाब आपके पास न हो उसके लिए आप शालीनता के साथ मना कर दें. ये पॉजिटिव चीज है. इसके लिए नेगेटिव मार्किंग नहीं होगी.

- KISS (KEEP IT SIMPLE AND SORT) फॉर्मूला को अपनाएं. यही आपकी सफलता की कुंजी है.

- लिखित परीक्षा से आपको चुना गया है इसलिए खुद को किसी से कम न समझें.

सुनियोजित तरीके से तैयारी करिए और अपने ऊपर भरोसा रखिए. फिर आईआईएमसी क्या सारे दरवाजे आपके लिए खुले होंगे.

शुभकामनाएं.

Stop Freaking Out

Isha Jalan passed out of English Journalism from IIMC, New Delhi, in 2013. She works as a sub-editor with Hindustan Times, Chandigarh. When she’s not working long night shifts and sleeping, she likes to make do-it-yourselves (DIYs).

Isha is Vice-President of Punjab-Haryana-Himachal Chapter of IIMC Alumni Association.

First off, congratulations for making it to the interview round. Now, if you eat, sleep and drink news and social media, enjoy reading and writing, and are any or all types of crazy, you fit the bill for IIMC.

Here are a few suggestions to help you reach that beautiful campus in JNU.

Stop freaking out: Firstly, stop freaking out. It’s just an interview. You made it till here. Pat yourself for it, and be confident. Also, a lot of English journalism aspirants are not sure if they would have a GD. In 2012, we directly had interviews. No GD. So, be prepared in case that happens.

Read magazines: Eat, sleep and drink news magazines (and of course papers, but for last-minute preparation, magazines can do wonders) for last-minute revision.

If politics is not your strong point, don’t worry: If you are not passionate about politics as you are about other things such as sports or fashion, don’t worry. Journalism is a wide field and there is space for everyone here. Of course, being up-to date with current affairs is necessary, but, at the same time, if you like other thing, don’t shy away from talking about them in your interview.

Show off: A little show off never killed anybody. If you don’t tell the interviewers what all you have done in the past, how would they know what you are capable of? So make sure you mention about that internship you did a year ago, which you otherwise thought was useless. Also, if you have any kind of published work, get it all with you and proudly share it with them.

Wear formals: During my time, not many people - especially girls - wore formals to the interview, except me. It made me stand out and worked in my favour. So, I’d suggest you to wear formals. Buy yourself a full-sleeved shirt to go with crisply ironed pants and hair neatly tied in a pony. Also, don’t forget the smile! Nobody likes talking to an expressionless face.

Prepare answers: Prepare answers to questions that you are expecting. Why do you want to get into journalism? Why did you choose journalism over AD/PR or vice versa? If you have work experience, why do you want to study when you can work? These are only a few. Think of more and be ready with the answers.

Make points: Give pointers wherever possible. They any day read better over your three-page long essays. Also, it is very important to stick to the word limit. If you have a 10-mark question, do not write more than a page. There is no competition to fill maximum sheets here.

Take notes: If you, like me, are not blessed with a great memory, make sure to jot down notes. Scribble whatever you read and read it when you are on your way to the college.

Outstation students, don’t worry: Getting thoughts such as, ‘Would Delhites get preference over me?” if you are an outstation student are common. However, I can assure you that if you are deserving, you will get through. Quick fact: Around 70 % of my classmates were not from Delhi.

And lastly, don’t be heartbroken if you don’t get through. A year later, you will be in the same, if not better, position if you work at a media house instead, as would be your IIMC friends.

Go break a leg!