12 questions media students must ask themselves when they are working as interns

1. Have I been able to get rid of the student mindset and develop a professional mindset? Will I be able to continue to think like a professional even after the internship ends and I return to college?

2. How important is it for me to read newspapers? Magazines? Books?

3. How important is it to have good speaking and writing skills?

4. How important is it to have people skills?

5. How important is it to be able to make intelligent conversation and develop genuine friendships with co-workers? How easy is it?

6. How important is it to be curious and ask interesting questions?

7. How important is it to take the initiative?

8. How important is it to be able to work under pressure?

9. How important is it to be able to meet deadlines?

10. How important is it to have breakfast every day (because I have no idea when my next meal will be)?

11. Has this internship helped me to discover my true calling? Or has this internship helped me realise that this particular field is not for me?

12. How has my college helped prepare me for this internship?

And perhaps the most important question of all (so let's make it a baker's dozen): AM I DOING ENOUGH TO ENSURE I GET A CALL-BACK WHEN I AM READY TO BEGIN WORKING FULL-TIME?

• ALSO READ: "How to have a successful AVC-related internship" and "How to have a successful MMC-related internship" 

***

UPDATE (April 29, 2014)

Commitscion ATREYI DASGUPTA (Class of 2015),
who is in the midst of her internship
with Shree Venkatesh Films in Kolkata,
answers 12 questions media students must ask
themselves when they are working as interns 

1. Have I been able to get rid of the student mindset and develop a professional mindset? Will I be able to continue to think like a professional even after the internship ends and I return to college?
This internship has enabled me to shake off my student mindset and develop a professional mindset. Now I am sure I can work with a professional mindset even after the internship ends.

2. How important is it for me to read newspapers? Magazines? Books?
Reading on a regular basis is very important; it helps us to stay updated. Reading a newspaper every day is of paramount importance. It is reading that helps us to communicate with people intelligently, which, in turn, will help create a good impression about us.

3. How important is it to have good speaking and writing skills?
In the professional world, good speaking skills, I think, are much more important than writing skills. At every stage we have to communicate with our superiors as well as with those who are our subordinates. We have to learn to keep calm whatever the situation may be and sort out things using our communication skills. 

4. How important is it to have people skills?
We have to know how to talk to people and, when required, “manage” them and get them to do what we want, so people skills are essential.

ATREYI DASGUPTA STRIKES A POSE AS A "COMMITS TV" REPORTER.

5. How important is it to be able to make intelligent conversation and develop genuine friendships with co-workers? How easy is it?
If we are able to understand what will make our co-workers interested in talking or what topics they like to discuss and if we have a sound knowledge of the subject, then it becomes very easy to strike up an intelligent conversation. I would like to add here that if you can talk from your heart, making genuine friendships is not that difficult. 

6. How important is it to be curious and ask interesting questions?
It is imperative to be curious. Unless we ask questions and show our interest in relevant topics, no one will take us seriously. This is what I have learned during this internship. 

7. How important is it to take the initiative?
Taking the initiative is very crucial. We should always ask for work and complete the task assigned to us properly and in time. We should never lose hope and remain enthusiastic about all kinds of jobs given to us.

8. How important is it to be able to work under pressure?
Working under pressure can be fraught with peril. We not only have to complete our projects in time but we also have to ensure work quality. This is something that we can learn to do with experience. 

9. How important is it to be able to meet deadlines?
We should never miss a deadline. “Missing a deadline is like a crime” — this is what my boss told me in the very first week here. 

10. How important is it to have breakfast every day (because I have no idea when my next meal will be)?
It is very important to have breakfast every day because the work schedule keeps changing from time to time.

11. Has this internship helped me to discover my true calling? Or has this internship helped me realise that this particular field is not for me?
This internship has made me more determined to reach my goal. It has taught me that the path to success is not easy. I know now that I have to learn many more professional skills. And I also know I have a long way to go to achieve my ambition.

12. How has my college helped prepare me for this internship?
Commits has taught me to take the initiative, communicate clearly, treat work seriously but at the same time enjoy my work and not grumble about it. Commits has also taught me the importance of professionalism and the value of time (we should never be late at work). In addition, it has taught me to keep my cool at all times and deal with every situation calmly and with patience. Without Commits I could never have been what I am today. Commits has taught me not only how to survive in a professional environment but also how to thrive in it.

How to write an e-mail that will get you your dream internship (Hint: You need the three I's: interest, initiative, imagination)

Commitscion Tia Raina (Class of 2015) got a call back from India's top digital agency, Webchutney, three hours after she sent this e-mail:

From: Tia Raina
Date: 1 March 2014 8:34:25 IST
To: contact@webchutney.net, careers@webchutney.net
Subject: Do you need an awesome intern?

Good morning!

My name is Tia Raina and I'm a master's student at Commits, a media college located in HSR Layout. 

I've been looking to intern for 4-6 weeks this summer at an awesome digital agency (preferably in Bangalore, but Mumbai is great, too!). I DO have about 5 years of work experience as a writer (Journalism, Advertising, Marketing, you name it!) and my latest crush is digital. I've also recently volunteered for Social Media Week and was part of the top 20 tweeters, while juggling being a hub owner (emcee+organiser) at one of the locations.

I was wondering if you'd have any openings for interns anytime between 23rd March and June 15th?

I'm attaching my résumé, but just in case you need a quick link: here's my LinkedIn Profile.

Also, my Twitter handle and Blog link.

I'd love to intern at Webchutney, so do let me know as soon as you can! I'll be watching the phone (No. Really.).

Thanks for reading this email!

(Mobile number and other contact details)

TIA RAINA

Tia, who is the editor of the college newspaper, says, in all modesty, that the quick response "may have partly been because I followed all the guidelines they mentioned on the website. :)"

Yes, but I happen to think that other, perhaps more important, factors were at play here. Her e-mail indicates that she is media- and tech-savvy, she has good writing skills, and she is someone who likes to take the initiative.

Tia also comes across as a smart young woman, a fun person, a self-motivated worker. In short, every company's dream employee.

Who would not want such a lively, intelligent personality on board?

• It will be worth every job-seeker's while to also check out the Webchutney guidelines that Tia is referring to. Here are the important points from the "HowTo" page on the agency's website (What a sassy come-on: "Work for us. Join the debauchery."):

Covering notes are cool

The art of the résumé

Social, woshal and all that!

We are like those attention seeking whores

Subject Lines can make or break you

Apply for a position that's (at least) related to what we do

Read the complete document here: "HOWTO: Careers".

And here you can read Tia Raina's blog post on her favourite city: "My Love-Letter to Mumbai".

• ALSO READ: "How's this for INITIATIVE?" 

• PS: Elaborate résumés and job applications are all the rage. Read this instructive and inspiring feature in AdWeek: "Designer Creates Delicious Résumé With the Winning Ingredient Baked Right In — How she scored an instant interview and the job".

"The many lessons I learnt as an intern with a leading Bangalore newspaper." Plus: "Professionalism, the Commits way"

Commitscion Monalisa Das (Class of 2014) recently spent six weeks as an intern with Deccan Chronicle in Bangalore, working with the features section, Bengaluru Chronicle. Here she talks about the experience, and also discusses what it means to be a professional in a highly competitive industry (these two pieces were first published in The Commits Chronicle on April 28, 2013):

MONALISA DAS FLANKED BY HER COMMITS SENIOR TAPASYA MITRA MAZUMDER AND CLASSMATE RAJARSHI BHATTACHARJEE AT THE DECCAN CHRONICLE OFFICE.

The internship at Deccan Chronicle was my first working experience in the professional world, my first real stint with journalism. When I first began my internship I had a lot of inhibitions. I had never thought I’d be working on a tabloid; hard news was my thing. Part of me wasn’t even sure that I would be up to the mark. 

In fact, after almost a month with the paper, I was still learning, absorbing, and understanding the rules of the trade, the bottom line being “you need to be good at whatever you do”.
 
I was lucky to be working in an organisation where things happen the way they should. My editor is strict, I was warned. What I understood, and came to appreciate, was that she is not ready to compromise on quality. That is sacrosanct. I also learnt that no one is indispensable and you are doing no one a favour by working.

Let me share what I grasped during this stint.

First, you need to be sincere and dedicated to your work. As an intern, you can’t expect people to offer you the opportunity to cover big stories. Trust me, you aren’t ready. Besides, it’s always better to begin at the bottom of the ladder. Whatever work is given to you, show an interest; do not feign it. You might not get a byline — so what? Realise that your work is at least good enough to be published.
 
Second, and you must have heard this a billion times, you need to be on good terms with your colleagues. I was lucky to have such cooperative colleagues. As a journalist, you need to know lots of people — your colleagues are the ones who will provide you with your initial contacts. Be nice to your colleagues; ask for help when you have a doubt. But make sure you do not pester them and antagonise them. They have their own assignments to take care of, and they aren’t there to teach you. A little chat about things unrelated to work doesn’t hurt, though.
 
Third, social media is a journalist’s friend. When I reached a dead end regarding a contact I needed urgently, Facebook was my saviour. Friends of friends of friends usually know someone you are looking for. In my case, I can’t but not mention Sneha Sukumar, my classmate. She somehow always happened to know people related to my story. Call it luck or coincidence!

MONALISA'S STORY ON THE FRONT PAGE OF BENGALURU CHRONICLE ON APRIL 27.

When you work in the features section of a daily newspaper, you get to talk to a lot of famous people (and many not-so-famous ones, too). The glamour wears off after some time. A lot of hard work is involved, after all. Every column that you see in print is a well-thought-out process. Another important lesson: Be prepared if people do not want to talk to you or are rude. No one gives a darn about your story. They have work to do. Be polite, be courteous at all times.

One of my bosses called me “Smarty” because I once went to her with a story idea that had already been covered. Afterwards, before I submitted a story idea, I made sure it hadn’t been done before. How did I do that? I read. Like crazy. Because ideas aren’t as easy to come by as Abhishek Bachchan makes it seem in the TV commercials. And I read everything from The Huffington Post to the Guardian and Bangalore Mirror. You never know what will work. You need to keep looking, only then will you get what you want.

I usually worked on a lot of columns, snippets, and a story that became the second lead once in a while. I got only one day off in the week but I did not complain. Because when I saw my name in the papers, I knew it was worth it. When people asked if I liked the work, I said I did. It was definitely not a bed of roses, but then roses are so not me.

PROFESSIONALISM, THE COMMITS WAY
When you work in the industry, you come to know that Commits has a well-deserved reputation. Commitscions are expected to be smart, dedicated, and hardworking individuals. Anything less is just not acceptable. When you are working in a professional environment for the first time in your life, it might be a little difficult to live up to those standards. So how do we beat the odds?

We learn most of it in class. And by learn I do not mean mugging up from textbooks. We are taught how to work and behave like professionals. Slowly and steadily, we imbibe “professionalism”. From maintaining 100 per cent attendance to being punctual, from adhering to deadlines to juggling multiple roles, each is a step towards a better us. For some this can be achieved only through conscious effort; others just fit in.

Day in and day out, we attend classes tirelessly. We crib now and then and we often pay fines for certain transgressions. Presentations and assignments are a way of life. Social life is a distant dream. But just as every cloud has a silver lining, when you peer through the gloom, you will find light.

MONALISA WITH RAJARSHI: ALL THOSE HOURS SPENT AT THE GRINDSTONE PAID OFF.

Most of us suffered stage fright before we came to Commits. Today we do not just speak up, we often surprise. At the risk of sounding immodest, I would like to add here that I received some lovely compliments for my speech during our vice-chancellor’s recent visit to Commits.

In a way, all those hours spent at the grindstone pay off. Our teachers are the best we have, and all those assignments and presentations later, we do appreciate their efforts.

Today, almost a year into our Commits journey, most of us are sure about our career choices. Being clear in your mind is a good feeling. Some of us, however, will always be the confused kind. But it just gives us more options to explore. We are smart and skilled individuals. We are future competition for other professionals as well, confident in the belief that we can thrive and be successful in almost any field.

I am not sure I would have done better if I wasn’t from Commits.

• ALSO READ: "10/10 for a newspaper story written by an intern from Commits".

• PLUS: "How to have a successful AVC-related internship" and "How to have a successful MMC-related internship".

10/10 for a newspaper story written by an intern from Commits

Commitscion Natasha Rego (Class of 2014) lived up to my expectations (and perhaps exceeded hers) when she filed this brilliant story for Mumbai's Afternoon Despatch & Courier, the newspaper I helped to launch in March 1985.

Natasha, who is a co-editor of the college newspaper, worked as an intern with the Afternoon for six weeks over April-May and earned her first byline with this story about the "bottle bulbs" that are lighting up the lives of the city's slum-dwellers.

When I first read the article after she had sent me the link, I wrote back:

What a FAN-TAS-TIC story, Natasha! From idea to execution to presentation, I give it 10/10.

NATASHA REGO

And then I asked her a few questions to understand better how she got the idea for the story in the first place and how she went about getting the facts and putting them together:

• How did you get the idea?

Facebook, of course. Although many ideas have come to me when I take extensive walks around this city, I chose to work on this one because I related to the girls about whom I wrote, and it was a slum story (I've been wanting to enter a slum since I arrived and this seemed like a perfect opportunity).

• How did you go about working on it?

I read everything on the girls' website and Facebook page, especially the press coverage that they've received in the past. I found that it told a one-sided story — that of the girls. I wanted to try and tell one that included the people who benefited from the work of the organisation.

• What were the obstacles and how did you overcome them?

Language — my biggest drawback in Mumbai. But the girls that I went to the slum with translated for me, and a surprisingly large number of people spoke English.

• What was the contribution of your bosses and colleagues?

Sub-editor and colleague Prasad Madhukar Patil pushed me to submit my photos and write stories after he saw my editing work.

When I asked Deputy News Editor Robin Shukla what I should keep in mind when I went out to cover this story, considering it was going to be my first, he gave me some good advice. He said not to be influenced by anything in the reports that I had read, and to give it my own "new" perspective, because I'm so new to the city.
 
Editor-in-Chief Carol Andrade had the final say, of course. I think she liked it.

• What has the feedback been — from colleagues, from readers, from those featured in the story?

One of my bosses said that this is the kind of stories the newspaper should be doing.

• What was your reaction to seeing your story in print?

I did not go to work the day they processed this issue, so I didn't know it was going to get a full page. Walking to work the next day, I picked up an issue to find that it was spread over page 5 and had a border to make it stand out...like it was a special story. My sub-editor boss later told me that he told the page designers to put the border in.

Natasha, who is a discerning and savvy photographer, too, later published another interesting feature in the Afternoon. This one concerns an unsung organisation that teaches art to slum children. Read it here: "Everyone is an artist. No conditions apply!" (The photographs that accompany this piece, as well as the article on the "bottle bulbs", were shot by Natasha.)

• Commitscions, our brand ambassadors, have done well for themselves in the media industry and they have done us proud, too. Here are just a few of the many stories written by those who have become, or will become, journalists:

1. An excellent example of an interview-based local feature (Dipankar Paul, Class of 2009)

2. Gutsy Commits student's story in Bangalore Mirror — an inspiration to women everywhere (Ankita Sengupta, Class of 2013)

3. "My mum has my FB password. Big deal" (Sonakshi Nandy, Class of 2014)

4. Asha Bhosle: The Eternal Indian Idol — scroll down to "An interview with Asha Bhosle in Kuwait" (Priyanka Saligram, Class of 2009)

5. Reading Made Easy — Why Just Books Libraries Work (Nilofer D'Souza, Class of 2009)

6. Jet lag is for amateurs (Ayesha Tabassum, Class of 2007)

...and, finally, a Page 1 story in yesterday's Bangalore Mirror by Tapasya Mitra Mazumder (Class of 2013), who only joined the newspaper five days ago:

You can read Tapasya's report here. Well done, all!

• ALSO READ: "The many lessons I learnt as an intern with a leading Bangalore newspaper. Plus: Professionalism, the Commits way".

UPDATE (August 11, 2013): Natasha Rego and some of the photographs she made when she was in Mumbai were the subject of a "Diary" item in The Afternoon yesterday:

Read the item here: "Picture Perfect!" (go to Page 3)

How to have a successful MMC-related internship

Over the years our alumni have been there, done that. Now that they have become successful media professionals, what advice can they give their juniors?

HERE ARE SOME VERY VALUABLE TIPS FROM
ALUMNI WHO HAVE CHOSEN MMC (MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT COMMUNICATION)-RELATED CAREERS

• ARPAN BHATTACHARYYA (Class of 2010), Grey Apple, Bangalore

ARPAN BHATTACHARYYA

1. Copywriters/art guys and girls/client servicing people: Whatever it is that you are doing, you have to be well-read about advertising. Now, no one will expect you to have read all the books and know everything there is to know (no one does and if someone tells you otherwise, don't believe it). However, there is at least one book that you should have leafed through if not read. That book is Ogilvy on Advertising — David Ogilvy is considered the god of advertising and this book the Bible. Technically, during your internships, if you don't know about this book, it might not raise too many eyebrows. But if you do then it could raise those eyebrows in a rather appreciative way. Also, this book will really, really help you with some superb know-how on the profession you are entering. And it's available in the Commits library.

THE GOD OF ADVERTISING: David Ogilvy

2. Look around you, keep going to YouTube, scan the newspapers and magazines to stay current on what's happening in the advertising world and otherwise. As far as advertising is concerned, again, you won't be expected to know much but just a basic idea of what's happening, what's working and what's not will be really helpful when you have to come up with ideas on your own.  And you can get some brilliant ideas by just observing what's happening in the world.

3. Be confident about your ideas; be protective and possessive about the stuff you write or design, but remember that you are going to be working with people who have been there for a bit longer than you. If something gets shot down don't get too upset. And DO NOT become arrogant and over-confident. Most of the time there will be a very valid reason as to why your idea might not be the best. You can always go up to the seniors later on and ask why they didn't think it was good enough. The answers might help you think of something that's absolutely fantastic. But don't sulk and mope about your idea not getting selected. I've seen it happen and it can really rub your seniors the wrong way. Also, unfortunately, there are times when a good idea will get shot down for no apparent reason. At times like that, remember that you are an intern and there is really nothing you can do about it. Don't start thinking about whether people are trying to put you down, etc., etc. Think of the next idea. They can only refuse a few good ones before they realise that you're the real deal.

4. I know this is a cliche and I know that a learned journalism professor has told you to avoid cliches like the plague! But advertising isn't all glitz and glamour; it isn't all about TV ads and front-page solus magic. As interns you'll have to do a lot of the donkey work. I work as a copywriter and if I went in to work tomorrow morning and found an intern in office, I would gleefully hand over all the boring jobs that I had: brochures, pamphlets, proofing assignments. Sorry, but that's just how it is: on my first day at work I had to proof a 50- page hearing aid brochure. It'll be tough; it can be boring. But it's all part of the learning process. And, as an incentive, just think of what you'd do to interns when you're a big shot.

5. Be, and appear, willing to learn. It'll go a long way in showing people that you're passionate about the profession. Don't suck up to people unless your wisdom tells you otherwise but asking for opinions about your work and just socialising in a general way will help you a lot.

Finally, just remember to enjoy yourself: It's a fun profession. Here's hoping to see a few more admen/women rolling out of Commits in a year's time! But just remember, if you ever come to work in my agency, you'll still be my junior. Which means, you'll still have to do the brochures and pamphlets! At least for some time! :P

All the best!

***

• ANKANA SINHA (Class of 2009), Text100, Bangalore

ANKANA SINHA

Here goes my advice to all budding PR professionals:

First, set your expectations right. You will not be given client-facing work on Day One, or even on Day 15. PR is all about relationships and reputations. You need to be thoroughly inducted into the account before you do "path-breaking" work. The work might seem mundane but there is a lot to learn there as well.

Second, make an effort to familiarise yourself with the publications, the columns, and the supplements before you begin your internship. And I mean all the general and financial newspapers. This will help you map opportunities for your client and impress your boss.

Once you join the PR firm, please spend enough time understanding the client and the industry it operates in. Read up as much as possible.

Observe, learn the best practices. Take as much feedback as possible, and remember what you're told.

Ask questions, don't blindly agree to everything. Ask for the logic behind it. But at the same time appreciate that these people have been in the industry long enough to know better. Respect them for that.

Be creative. Throw up ideas. Don't worry about what people will think. You never know what might work.

And most important: Be happy and enjoy yourself.

***

• KIRTHANA KARUMBAIAH (Class of 2010), Cover Story, Bangalore

KIRTHANA KARUMBAIAH

Seems quite some time back when I was an apprehensive First Year Commitscion wondering which PR firm I would be interning at!

Be yourself is what I would advise first. It's a cliche, true, but the more you pretend and "fake" your interest in things at work, the more transparent you will appear.

The hunger and desire to know more about what you have to do might be mistaken for over-zealousness. So ask your questions courteously. And listen, always listen; the things you can pick up on and learn when your ears are open are countless.

Have a good time as well; work is not always mundane and boring. This is an internship, yes, but if you are not going to have a bit of fun at work, you will go crazy with boredom.

P.S. My internship personally was an eye-opener: I figured out that I DID not want to pursue PR, though I had a good stint as a PR intern. This internship helped me sift the grain from the chaff. :)

***

• AMBIKA RAO (Class of 2007), Bangalore

AMBIKA RAO

Here are my tips for those going to ad agencies:

1. Read up on the structure of advertising agencies, the different departments, and their respective functions.

2. Choose one specific area that you want to work in and stick to it.

3. Speak to seniors at the agency or any contact there and find out which clients the agency handles.

4. Read up on the brands/clients and look at the advertising they are doing.

5. Figure out which brand and ads you like best.

6. Now, you have the department figured out and also the brand you like.

7. On your first day, tell your mentor or whoever you know, the brand and the department you want to work with.

8. Also, get to know everyone there, introduce yourself, ask questions. All in the first week.

9. Use the library, check awards books, and ask for the guard book (books that have all the ads released by the agency).

10. Ask for work. If you choose to be in the creative department ask for briefs, beg if you have to.

11. Understand the process, don't be scared to share ideas, have lots of fun.

12. Keep copies of all your work.

***

• RAMANATHAN IYER (Class of 2006),Yahoo, Bangalore

RAMANATHAN IYER

Here is what I think that the juniors will need (and this is what is found lacking mostly in freshers when they apply for internships and jobs):

a. Ability to think at a macro level and understand the bigger picture.

b. Most of the times, freshers are just content with the day-to-day deliverables and are comfortable being oblivious to how the operations/or the bigger teams work and how the business pipeline works and how they fit in at an individual level and also as team players within the framework of a corporate setup. This needs to change. Interns should be more receptive and be able to connect the dots.

c. The ordinariness of work, the mundaneness of it, is something everyone complains about; but the thing is that in every industry (especially in the media business) interns will be given what might be perceived as low-ranking jobs. They should not get perturbed by this. This is part of the drill and this is a good thing because they will then get a holistic learning of the business end.

***

• SHUBHA KHADDAR (Class of 2007), iPublish Central Inc., Bangalore

SHUBHA KHADDAR

Here's what comes first to my mind:

1. Please go through the website of the firm you will be working with; understand who's who, their services/products, their verticals, clients (if they have a client list).

2. Read up on the industry they are a part of, check the trends, the financial performance of the industry, the usual terminology used so you are not completely lost on Day One.

3. If you know what is expected of you, then talk to people who have been doing that and understand the nuances of that role. If you don't, then let everyone at work know that you are willing to take up any responsibility and offer to rise to the occasion whenever necessary — an enthusiastic, willing intern charms one and all.

4. Do not treat the internship as a summer camp. For you it may be a six-week project, for the firm, it is serious business.

5. Do not give opinions without facts or logic.

6. Do not frown if you are expected to stay back late or are asked to come in early.

7. Many of you will be doing this internship in your hometowns — but that does not give you the excuse to bunk as and when you want. Remember, they could (and most possibly will) be your future employers.

8. Don't get too personal with the staff — no one needs to know how cool your boyfriend is or your home troubles in those six weeks.

9. Ensure that you follow email etiquette: do not sign off with your nickname or change the signature font the way you want it (unless the firm is OK with it). Ensure that you spell correctly the names of all the people you're working with — it's a huge NO-NO to use incorrect spellings of names.

10. Do not, ABSOLUTELY DO NOT, give away important information to your friends about the firm's plans, especially with ad/PR/event management firms — you cannot tell anyone the names of the clients your firm plans to pitch to, etc. If you are caught doing that, you will be in serious trouble.

11. Most agencies are cool with whatever you wear — but during your internship, please dress formally, or at least semi-formally.

12. If the firm is taking the team out for drinks or dinner or whatever — for heaven's sake, DO NOT overdo it, DO NOT get drunk and make a fool of yourself and the college you are representing. Remember, it's a small world and news spreads like jungle fire — do not get into a mess.

Hope my tips help you — here's wishing you all a great internship!

***

• SATISH PERUMAL (Class of 2011), Percept, Bangalore

SATISH PERUMAL

Here are some tips that might help my friends complete their internships successfully:

1. Don't wait for work, take the initiative and go get work for yourself. Make yourself useful as interns are generally given 'donkey' work. Make the most of every opportunity.

2. Talk to people, identify one person whom you can talk to and get a better understanding of the industry and how it functions.

3. This internship is your opportunity to get a job, so always let your work do the talking and DON'T take anything lightly.

4. Nothing can substitute hard work and dedication towards what you do. Think of this as a proper job and you guys will do well.

5. Last but not the least, break a leg. :)

***

• DEBOLINA MAZUMDAR (Class of 201O), Vaishnavi Corporate Communications, Bangalore

DEBOLINA MAZUMDAR

I am new to the PR industry but one very important thing that I have learnt in the last few months is that in PR one must know and follow a few guidelines like one follows the holy books:

1. Know what's going on around you. Read, read, read all you can... newspapers, magazines... to the extent that you know each and every column and the journalist writing it.

2. Practice your writing skills BIG TIME. This is one of the basic necessities.

3. Meet deadlines with precision. Even though you are a fresher, a shoddy job is unacceptable.

4. Behave cordially with your colleagues.

5. Know what you are doing even in times of crisis.

I hope this helps you, juniors. All the best.

***

• SUPRIYA SRIVASTAV (Class of 2011), Bangalore

SUPRIYA SRIVASTAV

I have just two tips for my juniors:

First, take the initiative. If you think you are are not being given any work, ask for it. Your colleagues are not there to train an intern, but, yes, if you show interest they will give you useful insights and you will leave a positive impact on the organisation.

Second, know what's happening around you. Seek possibilities where you can offer help. Do not hesitate to ask what's happening and how it's happening. They will appreciate it if you ask questions (even if you think these questions are stupid) at the right time, perhaps when they are free, maybe during lunch. After all, there is no such thing as a stupid question, as we have learnt at Commits. All the best!

***

• AMRUTHA RAMAN (Class of 2011), IndianStage, Bangalore

AMRUTHA RAMAN

My only advice would be, go with an open mind. Interns learn the best when they are thrown into the deep end.

Don't expect spoon-feeding. Jargon will be thrown at you and you might wonder what it all means. Figure it out, take help, and eventually you'll settle down. By the end of these six weeks, you'll will be a different person.

***

• APAR DHAM (Class of 2011), Explocity, Bangalore

Ask, ask, and ask some more. There should be no limit to the number of questions you ask. The whole idea of an internship is to learn and it won't make any sense if you sit behind your computer screen and just keep doing what is asked of you.

APAR DHAM

Ask anything and ask whoever is in sight. Bug your colleagues to death. The company agreed to give you the internship so they are aware of your intentions to learn the tricks of the trade. Most of the time, your colleagues will be more than willing to help. If that is not the case, then take a different approach and send an email if they are too busy to answer your questions in person. Do not hesitate to introduce yourselves on the first day and familiarise with the people and the environment. It always helps.

And don't just limit your questions to the department you are working for or are interested in. Try to learn about other things as well in order to get a better understanding of the entire business.

I completed an internship in advertising (with the digital department of DraftFCB+Ulka in Mumbai) because I always wanted to see what the ad industry was all about. Many of my classmates wanted to pursue careers in advertising and I wanted to find out if I would like it or not. Many a time I was told that I would be good in it. So I took it up. And I'm thankful to everyone who pushed me for it.

But I'm not in advertising today. I learnt how advertising works and it didn't excite me as much as I thought it would. I learnt a thousand things about this industry and one of those things was that I'm not cut out for it. Now before anyone jumps to conclusions, this is my opinion. I'm not in any way saying that advertising is not an exciting field. To each his own. My classmate Catherine Dequadros was with me at DraftFCB+Ulka. Today she is a part of the same industry and working as a social media expert because she LOVED it there. So the internship helped us learn a lot about the kind of careers we would like to pursue. This is why an internship is so important. It helps you to make an informed decision about your career. Now this is a lesson in itself.

VEDANT VARMA

I'm very happy I did an internship with Draft FCB+Ulka. I had an amazing time. Mumbai was an interesting experience. Lovely city bustling with life 24/7.

My best wishes to those who are going to Mumbai to work under the tutelage of the legendary Mr.Vedant Varma. Say hello to him for me and enjoy Mumbai! (Commitscion Vedant Varma, Class of 2004, pictured left, is an account director with DraftFCB+Ulka in Mumbai.) Good luck. :-)

• SAMARPITA SAMADDAR (Class of 2010), IFA, Bangalore

There’s a big difference between your first and second internships. Either you’re going to love your second internship and work in the same industry or you’re going to change your mind. But no matter what, make the best use of your internship. It might get you a job!

If you are doing an internship in PR here are a few things to keep in mind.

SAMARPITA SAMADDAR

Let me be honest: not every agency will take you to client meetings. You might not even get an opportunity to attend big press conferences, depending on how the agency functions. However, don’t get upset and start thinking that they don’t have enough work for you. Show interest, do more than you’re asked to. You will be noticed and definitely you will get to do a lot.

Internships are indeed the best way to build contacts. You never know how, when, and where contacts help in the media industry. If you are sent on media rounds with your colleagues, absorb and learn how they interact with journalists. Media relations is a major part of PR. For example, a few journalists I met when I interned with brand-comm, a PR agency in Bangalore, still interact with me on stories about IFA events and activities. But don’t be pushy or too friendly. Journalists won’t remember you for that long! Sad but true.

Be enthusiastic about everything. Don’t slouch in a corner and be content with making PowerPoint slides or doing online research. Say that you want to know how to write press releases, you want to learn how to strategise PR plans or journalist pitches. Go up to your colleagues and discuss the different accounts with them during the lunch break. Ask about their experiences, take valuable tips from them.

You will be asked to make follow-up calls to journalists. Be prepared to face some …er… 'not-so-good' experiences. They might just hang up on you. That happens; don’t take it to heart. When you try talking to them on the phone, try not to mention you are an intern, especially if you have to talk to a senior journalist. It helps sometimes.

If you love what you do, work is damn good fun! At least for me, work is a superb high!

So, go out there, get a glimpse of the REAL world and have a blast!

• RESHMA SHETTY (Class of 2004), Australia

a. Most important: 'If you don't ask, you don't get'. I think this applies to all areas of our lives.

b. All companies agree to take on interns with good intentions, but in the course of a busy working day, interns often get sidelined. Don't take this personally. Focus on what you want to get from your time there and keep you eyes and ears open to absorb as much as you can about the way things work.

c. Focus on the big picture: If in exchange for doing some menial task (say, photocopying a big bunch of stuff for someone), you are able to get that person to teach you something that you want to learn or get you involved in some key project, then the photocopying wasn't such a waste of time really, was it?

• Valuable tips from Commits alumni who have chosen AVC-related careers: HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL INTERNSHIP-1 
• Also read: What did some of these Commitscions do during their internships? (a) The Commits Chronicle, No. 45 (b) The Commits Chronicle, No. 46 (c) The Commits Chronicle, No. 47

How to have a successful AVC-related internship

Over the years our alumni have been there, done that. Now that they have become successful media professionals, what advice can they give their juniors?

HERE ARE SOME VERY VALUABLE TIPS FROM ALUMNI WHO HAVE CHOSEN AVC (AUDIOVISUAL COMMUNICATION)-RELATED CAREERS

TELLING IT LIKE IT IS: Faye D'Souza, assistant editor of personal finance at ET Now in Mumbai and also the anchor of the "Investors' Guide" show on the channel, offers expert advice (see below) as a Commitscion and as a successful media professional.

• FAYE D'SOUZA (Class of 2004), ET Now, Mumbai

1. LISTEN: A lot of times you might be so excited about your idea or the environment you are in that you forget to listen to what is being said. Pay close attention to instructions given to you and to conversations around you. Pay attention to soft skills, work ethics, dealing with technical people, organisational structure. The relationship between sales and editorial. These things will come in handy no matter where you finally find a job.

2. WRITE IT DOWN: Everyone appreciates a colleague who values feedback and instructions enough to write it down. Carry a notebook to your internship and write down everything that is said to you and everything you learn. It will help you plan your day and organise your work, and it will also help when you sit down to write a report on your internship.

3. SAVE A COPY: Remember to save a copy of all your work. Get CDs burnt if you are in TV or radio and clippings if you are in print. Getting a byline as an intern is a rare and impressive thing. Don't take it lightly.

4. GIVE UP YOUR PERSONAL LIFE: You are here to learn. You don't need chai and smoke breaks, you don't need holidays, you don't need sleep or a shower. Be available all the time, come in on weekends and holidays, come in early and stay late. Remember it's when the real journalists are out sleeping, eating, and smoking that the intern gets a shot at the work. News doesn't follow work hours. It can happen at any time and you better be around when it does!

5. EARN A REPUTATION: Most offices will value smart, intelligent, well-dressed people, but everyone cherishes a HARD WORKER. And since you are going out in the media world you should get used to hearing foul language, so BE THE HARDEST WORKING MOTHER****ER THEY HAVE EVER SEEN. You will have a job offer at the end of your stint.

Good luck!

• When Faye D'Souza sent us her write-up for publication here, she was working with ET Now. She has since moved on. Today, in May 2018, she is the Executive Editor of Mirror Now and a news anchor with a legion of fans and a huge bouquet of accolades. Most recently, Faye was honoured with the RedInk Journalist of the Year Award — see pictures below.

WELL-DESERVED HONOUR: Faye D'Souza and the legendary Mark Tully at the RedInk Awards ceremony in Mumbai on May 18, 2018.

***

• AAISHA SABIR (Class of 2019), Mirror Now, Mumbai

To the future broadcast interns:

For a long time now, I have fancied working with an English news channel. Before joining Commits in July 2017, I had a short stint as a freelance writer with a newspaper in Bangalore. But it is the thought of being on TV, covering news live and living in the moment, and making split-second decisions that has always thrilled me. To explore my options, I chose a broadcast internship during my second semester at Commits. I was fortunate that the college gave me the opportunity to join Mirror Now in Mumbai as an intern.

During this two-month internship, I not only got an insight into what it means to be a television journalist, but I also observed closely what happens in a newsroom. I feel it is my responsibility to pass on these observations to my juniors, so here goes. 

By the time you go for your broadcast internship, RP Sir would have grilled you and drilled you thoroughly. You would also have worked on your group's TV news bulletin. But, as RP Sir has made clear to us, no college can replicate the newsroom environment — that is why an industry internship is so valuable. 

Take your second-semester news bulletin seriously. How you choose your story idea and execute it will itself teach you a lot. The pattern you will be taught at Commits is actually the one followed in a news channel. There are scripts, VOs, and PTCs. 

You need to understand the flow of the script. Nobody can teach you that; it all depends on the amount of time you spend practising writing scripts. You need short, simple, and precise sentences. Just like this one. This is the trick. It might sound easy but once you get down to it you will know how challenging it is.

Things you need to think about:

• Manners
• Punctuality
• Being yourself 
• Honesty

Things you need to work on:

• Grammar
• Daily newspaper habit

Things you should do as an intern:

Smile and talk to everyone. I mean, everyone. The gatekeeper, the canteen chap, your boss, your boss’s boss, and so on. 

You might get intimidated when you first enter the newsroom: so many people shouting, giving instructions, having frenzied conversations. This is what you will see every day. This is how a newsroom functions. So relax. Take a deep breath. And get right down to work.

ONE FOR THE ALBUM: Aaisha Sabir, right, with fellow Commits intern Ahana Bose and Faye D'Souza in the Mirror Now newsroom in Mumbai on May 11, 2018.

The rundown might look scary, your boss might give you the heebie-jeebies — but do not let that frighten you. There are scarier things on this planet. For example, your bank balance at the end of the month.  

Pitch your story ideas every day. Think of one story idea at least every day and pitch it to your boss. Be prepared for a no; let that not put you off. People might tell you this is not done, interns aren’t allowed to do this and that. Remember: People thought Galileo was crazy. Self-belief is the key. 

I do not like to typecast people, but my life experiences so far have taught me to be wary of foxes. Foxes are sly, clever people who appear to wish you well. They will tell you Option A is bad, do not go for it. But Option A turns out to be the right one and you will find them choosing it themselves. You might come across such people. I hope you don’t. If anyone tells you interns aren’t allowed to do this or that, smile, nod your head in agreement, and then go about pursuing your idea with another boss or relevant person. Do not give up.

Attempt every kind of task. Do not restrict yourself to only one job profile. Since you are there, why not learn whatever you can? I observed how the Graphics team works, how special lower bands are made. This might not be relevant when I become a reporter, but it is knowledge. 

Don’t act like you know it all. If you know it all, what are you doing there?

Go in on holidays, on your day off; stay back after work to learn more. It shows your boss you are keen on learning. You might say you are a keen learner but when you act like it…   

Remember, a thirsty person goes to the well for water. The well does not come to those who are thirsty. You need to learn, so you should be the one to approach people. Do not expect them to come and sit down and teach you. You need to seek them till the day you, in turn, are sought.

Be on your toes. Don’t be a slouch and don't be a whiner. There is no nanny in a newsroom to comfort you. 

Finally, when RP Sir says read, he means read. Read relevant books and magazines. Read newspapers. Read RP Sir's e-mails. Read his posts on Facebook, at least those that apply to media students.

Enjoy the roller-coaster ride at Commits. Thrive as an intern. Good luck!

***

• PRIYANKA SALIGRAM (Class of 2009), Kuwait Times, Kuwait City

a. Keep your eyes and ears open. There's so much to learn every minute of the few hours that you spend at the place.

b. Be genuinely interested and ask a lot of questions. You'll end up annoying the slackers but the hard workers will be more than happy to answer your questions.

c. Live at the place for those six weeks and absorb every little thing about the kind of work being done. And don't stick to your mobile phone, messaging or talking, because it screams "I'M BORED AS HELL, SOMEONE GET ME OUTTA HERE!"

d. Don't dress like a smartass. No funky accessories, loud make-up, iPod dangling from your ears, beach footwear, clingy stuff that shows skin, or anything that will grab unnecessary attention. It's best to be dressed formally.

e. Please make sure you smell great; chew mint, drown yourself in perfume, and ensure that you don't smell human even after 12 hours of work.

f. Finally, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the whole experience. After all this, if the place turns out to be a dump, nobody will force you at gun-point to join. If the place feels like home, you don't have to force anyone at gun-point to offer you the job.

PAPER TIGER: Having a boss like Jamie Etheridge (seated centre) made all the difference to her internship at Kuwait Times, says Priyanka Saligram (standing right).

Of course, the main thing that worked for me was having an irreplaceable and wonderful boss, Jamie Etheridge, who gave me space to make mistakes and learn; she understood me better than I understood myself. If I had worked with someone else who was part-tyrant and full-anal retentive workaholic, forget being offered a job, my internship letter would have been printed on used toilet paper.

I wish the juniors a happy and productive internship and hope they get whatever they want from these two months.

***

• NILOFER D'SOUZA (Class of 2009), Forbes India, Bangalore

NILOFER D'SOUZA

a. Just because you got your internship easily, please don't take it lightly. (I've heard of interns who are least interested, throw attitude, and some who have been caught lying and bunking work.)

b. Be yourself. (If you're an introvert, don't think you need to be an extrovert to shine in the workplace. All you need to do is get work done.)

c. Be a sponge. Soak up everything you see, hear, and learn.

d. Be on time. Do not chill at work just because you see a few juniors or seniors taking it lightly.

***

• DEBMALYA DUTTA (Class of 2011), The Statesman, Kolkata

DEBMALYA DUTTA

If you're going for an internship with a newspaper, brush up your QuarkXPress and InDesign skills and virtually memorise RP Sir's editing slides. You might have to do editing besides reporting and writing.

And make a big effort to ignore those "you-look-like-an-intern" looks. :-)

***

• SHIVRAM SUJIR (Class of 2011), Bangalore

The internship you have been waiting for is finally here. This is the career-defining internship as it will help you decide what you want to do and more importantly what you do not want to do.

Once your internship has been confirmed, it's time to befriend Google again. Try to find out more about the organisation you are going to work with and also the industry space it operates in. This will help you become familiar with some of the industry jargon.

Make sure of your job location and start making inquiries about the best route and mode of transport to get there. If your internship is in a city you are not familiar with, find someone who knows the city well and talk to them about details like buses, trains, auto fares, the attitude of the people, and also safety measures that you need to keep in mind.

Use Facebook to make contacts with friends of friends in the new city in advance.

SHIVRAM SUJIR

Two things that you need to bear in mind are safety and health. Always keep the Justdial number of your respective city handy. Try to understand what kind of climate the city has and what health issues are likely to be faced by most newcomers. April-May is the time when the summer peaks, so be prepared.

Once you embark on your journey, here are some things you might want to consider:

a. First things first. Be mentally prepared to get the worst treatment from your employer. Interns form the lowest step in the corporate ladder (below the office boy) and some pretend interns don't exist at all. Some of the most boring and uninteresting work may trickle down to you. The good part is that most of you will be lucky enough to work in places that have a great work environment but please do not take it for granted. If your boss is a grouch, take things in your stride. Remember, it is you who is getting more out of this deal than they.

b. Second, please note that training and teaching you is nowhere on the priority list of the person you will report to. What you want to learn and understand is completely up to you. The first three days are very important to make that first impression on your colleagues. After the formal introduction to your colleagues make it a point to go and meet everyone over the next three days and politely inquire about their role in the organisation. It's okay to ask them their names again but this time try to remember them. This exercise will help you get a larger picture of the workings of the organisation. However, the golden rule is to observe people and approach them only when they seem to be free to talk.

c. Third, DO NOT complain or bitch about the work you have to do to anyone in the organisation or even on the phone when you are on the premises. Things have a way of reaching the higher management in ways, and for reasons, you do not yet understand. Many people will get overly friendly with you and might start sharing their grudges against the organisation. They have been through the grind but you are the newbie here. So take a neutral stance and play it safe. Office politics is something we all need to live with, but during your internship, you are better off as a spectator.

All these tips are not meant to scare you but to make your internship a pleasant experience. If I have to share my example, my first internship with the NGO has now given me the opportunity to shoot my first independent documentary film. This happened mainly because of two reasons. One, during my internship I managed to develop a great working relationship with my colleagues, and, two, I have always made it a point to keep in touch with them.

So make the most of this opportunity, my fellow Commitscions. Become GREAT.

***

• KAUSTAV DATTA (Class of 2011), Shree Venkatesh Films, Kolkata

KAUSTAV DATTA

a. Say "yes" to everything.

b. Perform all tasks given by your immediate boss with a smile on your face.

c. At times when you get a tongue-lashing even if it's not your fault, don't get disheartened.

d. In a production house you will need to take on responsibilities (apply RP Sir's formula: take the initiative); no one will ask you to do this or that.

e. Your internship may be a "production" internship, but if you are asked to do data entry or photocopying tasks, don't get frustrated.

f. Those who are opting for production, the magic word you should always keep in mind is "coordination".  Those who are going to Mumbai must keep in mind that the first few days will be very tough, so you'll need to be mentally strong.

g. Knowledge of editing can give your internship extra mileage (that's what happened in my case).

h. Try to learn as much as possible.

i. At at the end of the internship, your boss should say to you, "Contact us when your course ends." That's how you will know you have had a successful internship.

***

• AAKRITI KHANNA (Class of 2011), TBWA, Bangalore

AAKRITI KHANNA

First of all, never expect anything. You are there to learn, so grasp as much as possible without expecting anything in return (no rewards, no praises, no money).

This is the time for you to experiment and explore your area of interest. Concentrate on learning more about how the industry functions.

In the end, you might be pleased or disappointed with the whole experience.

However, no learning goes to waste; at least you will have a clear idea about what kind of work is involved in your area of interest and what is the potential for growth in that industry.

***

• DOLY DYNA (Class of 2011), Bangalore

DOLY DYNA

Here's one pithy piece of advice to those who have chosen to do an internship with a production house:

This industry — television, ad film, film production — is for you only if you love the work and enjoy every minute of it.

If you find yourselves cribbing through the internship then know that you will not survive in this industry.

And, really, there is no preparation to it. Just go with an open mind and be willing to do ANYTHING!

***

• SWAGATA MAJUMDAR (Class of 2006), Red FM, Kolkata

SWAGATA MAJUMDAR

During my second internship at Hindustan Times in Kolkata, I was often asked to get coffee for my seniors. I did it ... and those people in HT later gave me an opportunity to host their national annual event after I became an RJ. So basically PR helps.

Do whatever you are told; work on Sundays too. But do insist on being given substantial work. Be polite. "Attitude" does not work. And nobody cares even if you belong to the royal family of England. Remember, six weeks is all you have to create a big impression. And this impression will be the last impression.

Whenever you get shouted at, tell yourself, "I am here to learn... and it's okay... I am the BEST anyway."

I am sure you'll do a GREAT job, juniors. Best of luck!

***

• SHRUTHI S. (Class of 2008), Bangalore

SHRUTHI S.

I think this internship is a great opportunity for you to explore career options that suit your interests. Always remember that it's a small world: you will probably meet the people you worked with again, and you might need their guidance and help in the future, so put your best foot forward, and take a big leap ahead.

This is my own personal campaign: Don't limit yourself to media, PR, and the corporate sector. Look beyond to where you can make a bigger impact, for example, the non-profit and the public sectors. Even if you want to earn big bucks in the corporate sector, make sure you don't forget your civic duties.

Enough with the preaching. Good luck and have loads of fun. And remember what Steve Jobs said: "Stay hungry, stay foolish."

***

• SOUVIK CHAKRABORTY (Class of 2008), Visage/Getty Images, Bangalore

SOUVIK CHAKRABORTY

One of the most important points: Know your role during the internship.

You should not limit yourself in the kind of work you do; instead, you should be smart enough to complete every task with full responsibility because there will be people monitoring your work and giving feedback to superiors.

Also, many interns think that if they are going for an internship with a production house, then reading up books on creative writing or notes on marketing will not help. But the fact is that it all counts and you'll figure this out only after you begin your internship.

One more thing: This internship is important not only as a career landmark but also as a way to build contacts. I advise you to keep your ears and eyes open and grab any opportunity that comes along to get to know your colleagues better. These contacts will definitely be useful later.

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• NEHA MEHTA (Class of 2009), Kolkata

MAKING NEWS: Neha Mehta was till recently with Times Now in Bangalore.

This is a great platform from which to launch your career. In many ways, this will be a make-or-break opportunity for you.

First, read up and absorb all you can about the organisation, its work culture, and, of course, the "topic", your area of interest.

Once you begin the internship, work as hard as you can because the dedication you show now will reap huge benefits later.

All the best. Show the world you have arrived!

***

• NANDINI HEGDE (Class of 2010), Freelance writer, Bangalore

NANDINI HEGDE

Here are some qualities/skills you will need:

1. You must be on your toes.

2. You may be asked to make PowerPoint slides but this is something Commitscions can do well.

3. Have a lot of patience. If you don't get work be patient. Conversely, if you get a lot of work, deal with it... patiently.

4. Some people insist on perfection, some insist on the speed at which the work is done. Some insist on both. Figure out what it is that your organisation expects.

5. Most organisations ask interns to do research. (Stop yawning!) Just do it.

And here are some tips:

1. Chill and don't take things TOO seriously.
    I was very nervous when I went to Red Chillies in Mumbai. Eventually, I learnt to relax and not be too stressed.

2. Remember to have FUN!
    When I was at Red Chillies, I was too busy worrying about whether I was doing my work properly. Of course, I realised this after the internship was over. But I had fun when I worked at Fremantle. (Kinda!)

3. When in doubt, ask questions.

4. Don't hesitate to share your ideas or opinions.

5. AND DON'T FORGET TO EAT! (Yes, it can happen!)

***

• KOYEL MITRA (Class of 2011), AETN-18 History Channel (Network 18 Group), New Delhi

KOYEL MITRA

I was an intern with CNN-IBN here in New Delhi last year so my advice is based on Ground Zero experience:

If you are really interested in television this is your chance, make the most of it. Take the initiative, talk to people around you, show them that you are eager to learn and work. This is your best opportunity to find out where your real interest lies.

Over here this is the funda: If you don't work no one will come and tell you anything and at the end of your internship, you will be given your certificate without any problem.

But if you really do put in an effort you are bound to get noticed. And then you just might get a call back from here!

So all the best, guys! I am always here to help you.

• Valuable tips from Commits alumni who have chosen MMC-related careers: HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL INTERNSHIP-2
• Also read: What did some of these Commitscions do during their internships? (a) The Commits Chronicle, No. 45 (b) The Commits Chronicle, No. 46 (c) The Commits Chronicle, No. 47