Nikhil of 9.9 SoC grabs his dream job with NewsX

Nikhil Bhushan is young, talented and extremely passionate about his job with NewsX. After his 2 years PG diploma in Applied Journalism and Media Communication with 9.9 School of Convergence, Nikhil eagerly narrates his 9.9 School of Convergence journey when asked over an interview. The enthusiastic Nikhil tells the aspiring journalists how to “work smart and write smart” and elaborates on what it takes to be a journalist, reporting for a 24 hours Live Channel. After assigning three self explanatory adjectives “best, amazing and wonderful” on his favorite journalism school, Nikhil moves on to answer a series of questions in order to highlight the essence of Journalism and 9.9 School of Convergence in particular.


What is the one reason you will always want to come back to 9.9 School Of Convergence?

The entire education system here is unique. The way the program is constructed here is a strong reason for one to come back to 9.9 School of Convergence repeatedly. We even asked our core faculty to make this course a two year program and convert it into a MA degree. Every one related to 9.9 School of Convergence is special. They come from diverse educational backgrounds. One of my colleagues from class- Rateika Dhawan, comes from a food background. She wants to be a food journalist. So its really interesting because I can learn something about food journalism from her. I did my internship in sports. So I was able to contribute to the institute by telling everyone what sports journalism is all about. Students from different backgrounds have assembled here. That is the beauty of 9.9 School of Convergence.
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Tell us a little about your internship experience. Was it given to you from 9.9 School Of Convergence?
Yes, we all secured internships through 9.9 School of Convergence. Few of us went to NewsX. We had a couple of exams and short interviews. Then NewsX selected four of us to intern with them.

The 9.9 School of Convergence’s curriculum structure includes six months of internship. Our contract with NewsX was that we would intern for 6 months, but within 2-3 months of seeing our skills they absorbed us.

We used to intern 5 days a week and 1 day we used to attend college. Whatever we learnt and did at our internship, we used to share in class room. We had people working in Times of India, Headlines Today, Hindustan Times etc. so we had a great number of different experiences to learn from.

Once you are in one organization, you tend to learn only about that field which your organization specializes in. Here we got a chance to share, learn, discuss different problems and most importantly- solve those problems. We started learning and understanding the market together, as a team.

“I am learning this in my new company. What are you learning?” These are the things we used to talk about at SoC. Everyone learns the same thing but in different ways. I think here we were lucky enough to learn in the most enjoyable and interesting way possible.

Where do you see yourself 5 years down the line? What will you do to try and ensure that you attain your goals?I am very happy with the way I started my career. Thanks to 9.9 School of Convergence and everyone who made it possible. Five years down the line, I see myself in a better position, not in terms of designation, but in terms of quality of work. Journalism is much more than cameras and stories. Journalism is about how you report these stories. The story could be bad; the story could perhaps even be not worth reporting. But it’s still a story. It’s up to you how you narrate it. That is what we have learnt here at 9.9 School of Convergence.

It is understandable that in television journalism, there are time constraints and deadlines to keep up with. So you tend to hamper your quality of work. But nonetheless, it is important to ensure that you do not compromise with your writing skills. Always keep your story stable. Always keep your story alive. That is very important. That is what your viewer wants. Keep the viewer in mind. This is something I think we have learnt at SoC. We used to come to college and do a lot of projects to develop these skills. And I will use these skills in my professional life now.

What is that one thing that you singularly brought to your job.

I research a lot. And I take out a lot of visuals because when we write we refer to visuals. Suppose, today is the 24th. I will go home tonight and type “25th September” on Internet and see what events are happening tomorrow and form a story in my head before I go to office. That’s where you take the initiative because everybody is racing against time and competing with each other. Before the editor says you need to do this, you should say “Sir, today this thing is happening and there is a story here we could do.” This is what I have brought to NewsX.

Why did you choose 9.9 School of Convergence? What is the one most important thing you gained from here?
I am from Pune but I chose to come to Delhi. People around me were not sure about my decision but I was. I knew choosing Delhi was a priority because Delhi is the capital of Journalism, not just the capital of India. And at the same time, this course structure at 9.9 SoC is something I really liked.

I used to always run away from writing. When I was about to join 9.9 School of Convergence, Dr. Eric Saranovitz, our Dean, told me that you will have to write a lot here. I was then a little skeptical. I come from an international relations background, so I was already in the habit of reading but I was never a writer. 9.9 School of Convergence gave me an opportunity to learn the art of writing and undoubtedly my writing etiquettes have developed with time. I knew what I was writing earlier and I know what I write now. There is a huge improvement.

Message to your juniors.

Don’t think journalism is easy. Don’t think journalism is about making a report and that’s all you need to do. The market out there is very repressive. They will repress you. Maybe your program/story won’t go on air even after you work your heart and soul out for it. They may say, “Okay fine, but we don’t have time. There is breaking news in. We don’t want your story right now”. And you lose your story.

You have to work smart, write smart. If you want to write smart, write short for television. There is a time constraint. You need to keep your package short. Only then it will get space on television. From the very beginning, concentrate on your writing and if you choose television, concentrate on your time management also.

Time management is nothing but smart work. Don’t think that by getting into details, you will do well here. You can do detailed work, but in sections, in parts, when it is demanded. At the first go you cannot get into detailing. If your piece is three minutes long, nobody will take that story on air. That works in print. But even if you want to do detailed work in television, you have to be crisp.
So all those who want to join 9.9 School of Convergence or want to go into television or any other form of journalism, don’t think it’s an easy job. The task is hard.  Your priority changes, every half an hour and you got to decide what to prioritize. Be prepared for a world that is going to let you socialize as much as you would like to. If you can take on the rigors of this industry and come to terms with them, you will do well. You will excel.

Ankita Gupta's Insightful Experience At 9.9 SoCs "Insights" Session

“Insights” made me come to terms with myself.  When I initially got invited for our orientation day, I was wondered what the workshop would be like and what purpose would it serve? But now looking at it in retrospect, all I can say is- Those days’ treasured archives are loaded with memories, activities, fun filled moments and extra-ordinary experiences; the orientation day was exclusive in itself.

If I say that the theatre workshop with Rashi Bunny was extremely enlightening and exciting, it would be an understatement. The activities were beyond intriguing, so much so that I spent every night anticipating what is in store next day. I am also grateful to the workshop for so many reasons; most of all for allowing us to sharing our mind, it made us connect on an all new level. We started to understand one another; it was an ice-breaker. We spoke about ourselves and learnt to accept each other in terms of who we are.

On the very first day of the workshop, after lunch, we all were asked to lie down and shut our eyes with instrumental music playing in the back. It was extremely soothing and an amazing feeling altogether. It felt as if I am floating on air without any sense and consciousness of the destination. The activities which followed included walking in circles and changing directions every now and then, crazy as it sounds, it was super fun.

Another game demanded us to make some gesture and introduce ourselves to each other and then we were asked to recall each other’s names and enact their individual gestures and this one boggled us! Then, there was a brief introductory session where everyone talked about their education, their failures, their dreams and aspirations; it was interesting because I to connected with most in the room. The major advantage of these orientation days was that they helped all of us relate to each other and understand one another well.

The activity that I found most interesting was called ‘wow’ (not kidding); wherein groups were asked to portray a painting according to the theme they were provided with. Creativity could not be expressed in a better way than that!

On the second day, as the intensity of activities grew, we were all in the best spirits and were brimming energy. The morning rose with breathing exercises and shifted to the already popular- “Walking around in random directions “session.  This morning also included a very sensitive activity (literally), where we had to feel flowers and stones with eyes closed, this activity had a positive yet intense impact on me. As I thought ‘what better can happen?’ Flowers were showered upon us! – fulfilling my childhood dream…for that minute there, I was a princess, straight out of a Disney movie. Coming back to the real world, we were asked to perform gibberish play in groups, using a prop each to assist us in our enactment. Then we had to observe a set of paintings and responded or react to them. These paintings included the ever so famous painting,” Whistler’s mother”.

The next activity put our imagination to a test as were asked to picture ourselves in the years to follow, also we were taken down memory lane as we observed the years past. The entire activity was an emotional roller-coaster, it deeply moved us. I felt pain, anger, happiness, joy, separation, anxiety as we were asked to understand our purpose in this world and how do we want our life to be. The after effects of this activity on everyone were visible and that’s how the second day concluded itself.

On the third day, we ran on grass barefoot as rain poured upon us. We did breathing exercises and learnt the secret of breathing. It was almost like I was child again- carefree, high spirited and enthusiastic. The workshop took a very interesting turn when we were told to perform a dance in a group infusing those breathing movements and  were given the theme ”life”, everyone did their best and the outcome ‘was breath taking’. Then, we all were given a chart paper and were asked to paint our dreams and later we were asked to elaborate and explain them. In groups of four or five, we scribbled our dreams with all available colours, the product of which was a colourful collage of beautiful dreams.

Later we created advertisements in groups of two with interesting jingles and with some history on the subject of the advert. It was so much fun. Discussing about the product with the partner and creating a story out of it. The fun doubled as we saw performances developed on innovative ideas that were applied to create adverts. Never was creativity so inspiring. Soon we were all sitting in a circle and sharing our minds, expressing about all the activities we did and the dreams we harbor.

Overall it was an amazing journey; I was really happy and content on my way back home and now while penning it all down, that sense of happiness and content is coming back to me. SoC is the place to be and am proud I am a part of it.
By Ankita Gupta

9.9 School of Convergence Launches PG Diploma in Digital Media Communication

In collaboration with Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts & Communication, 9.9 School of Convergence proudly launch their brand new Post Graduate Diploma in Digital Media Communication. This course is designed to keep students miles ahead of their peers in media and communication. Today, demands are changing rapidly. Digital media is the future. The PG Diploma in Digital Media offers students a perfect blend of practical skills and the theoretical knowledge they require to kick-start their digital media career.

The roles of newer channels in media and communication platforms in customer interactions have been growing at a baffling speed.  Web based portals are rapidly increasing. Social networks, internet ready smartphones and tablet devices are making connectivity a 24 hour phenomenon. Linking to the target audiences is getting easier at the same time more competitive. It needs a professional thought process and specialized skills, which come with a focused and specialized education. Existing career options include interactive marketing professionals, new-media advertising executives, digital media planners, and online community managers. To be successful in these managerial positions, individuals need the knowledge and experience to begin with and later take off to success. 9.9 SoC’s Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Media Communication bridges the gap effectively by creating professionals who know the nuances of digital media.

This one-of-a-kind course is aimed at guiding students opting for a career in the new and upcoming digital space. It does what computer courses did at the beginning of the IT boom.  9.9 SoC is going about it the course in the best way possible by bringing in experienced faculty, creating a learning environment, giving students a rigorous hands-on structure along with the added advantage of industry internships. These driving factors enable students gain access to some of India’s leading digital media companies, allowing them to launch their digital careers and eventually becoming digital media leaders.

Pramath Raj Sinha, Dean 9.9 School of Convergence was the Founding Dean of Indian School of Business, Hyderabad. He is the Founder and Managing Director, 9.9 Mediaworx, and is proud to be an initiator of this unique programme. Talking about the PG Diploma in Digital Media Communication, he explains the different opportunities that students can get after the completion of the course. “Our offering—the Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Media Communication—is an exceptional course. We have put it together after a lot of planning and consulting with experts so our students can launch into their digital careers with a bang. Whether they want to be digital-marketing executives, digital-advertising account managers, online community managers, or digital media entrepreneurs – our programme provides them with a foundation that is not only unique, but distinctive.”

The advisory board for the course includes leaders from top-notch academic institutions and global media organizations. They provide overall guidance and direction to 9.9 SoC. Their involvement includes consulting on student selection, curriculum design and delivery, faculty recruitment and offering guest lectures throughout the academic year.
The board includes names like Professor Sanjeev Chatterjee, Vice Dean, School of Communication. He was earlier Executive Director, Knight Centre for International Media, University of Miami; Clive Crook, Senior Editor, The Atlantic Monthly; Don Durfee, China Bureau Chief, Thomson Reuters; Indrajit Gupta, Editor, Indian edition of Forbes.

The faculty at 9.9 SoC includes a long list of industry experts who come armed with decades of experience behind them. Every one of them is committed to bring a difference in the education world through their hard work, commitment, and qualification.

Rahul Nanda, is Chief Operating Officer at Webchutney, the Number 1 Digital Agency in India. He rates being associated with 9.9 SoC as the most interesting role of his career. The madness of digital media keeps him clued in on the dynamic world of new media.

 “Typically, careers at a digital marketing agency include avenues in creative design/development, client servicing, copywriting technology experts (from code developers to information architecture specialists) and SEO/SEM strategists. While there are brand management and marketing careers in digital media at the brand's side of the spectrum, it is imperative to gain a 360 degree view and understanding of a brand's marketing objective. Then piecing everyone's role/contribution in the execution of a digital campaign would build a successful career in this field. It means going beyond your immediate role/contribution. Keeping a tab on marketing trends in this industry, knowledge of various new and existing platforms through daily reading, and linking digital media consumption patterns among consumers through their usage, attitude and behaviour helps fortify strategic insights and ideating innovative digital solutions to stay ahead in the game,” Rahul Nanda said when asked what is required for a successful career in digital media.


Eric D. Saranovitz, Associate Dean – Academics & Research, PhD (Media Studies), New York University, USA explains how 9.9 SoC prepares students for a career in Digital Media Communication. “At the 9.9 School of Convergence, we try to take the best and brightest of potential media professionals and make them better by instilling the highest set of skills, values and work ethics in them throughout the year. While the curriculum borrows from media study programmes from around the world, we help students think about how they can adapt the skills and knowledge they learn in the classroom to the professional experiences they will encounter in the Indian context. Hence, through the combination of coursework and internships, we ask students not to simply replicate what is being done in the media industry today, but think of ways to do things better than what is presently practiced, ensuring that they will be the leaders of the industry in the future.”

Erika M. Pryor, Ph.D., Digital PR Pro, On Air Radio Talent explains the difference between traditional and digital form of media. “I believe what distinguishes traditional from digital media is its flexibility and agile nature. Things happen quickly in digital media. Users can be fickle – moving on to the next exciting thing. Frequently, we have to move quickly from one new application to another (for example), but that doesn't mean we forget the lessons we have learned. Rather, it means that we have to stay abreast of what's happening across the board in digital and social media in order to be able to figure out what works when the new applications are picked up by audiences. That's what makes the digital space so exciting!” she explained.

Today’s youth seek platforms that provide a stable career while making them future ready. It makes sense to choose a medium which offers optimum reach with greatest ‘brand recall’ value. The growing influence of the Web is in almost everyone’s life these days. 9.9 SoC’s PG Diploma in Digital Communication offers you the golden opportunity to become a part of one of the biggest revolution in digital communication.
   
For more details log on to http://www.schoolofconvergence.com/.

9.9 School of Convergence Organizing Boot Camp for Young Writers

The 9.9 School of Convergence is offering its first-ever intensive writing camp from June 1st to July 15th in two different batches for high school students, and undergraduates. The month long writing camp is created to offer unique opportunities for the highly motivated high-school students and college graduates who want to take their writing skills to the next level. The program is not a typical English course, but is designed to bring out the creative side of students through a variety of exercises aimed at enhancing their communication and writing skills.

Anyone with an average and above-average reading and writing abilities can participate in the camp. The admission to the Young Writers’ Camp is based on your English language skills and your zest to master the skill of writing. The workshop is aimed at helping you develop your critical and fundamental thinking skills, essential to becoming a good writer. In addition to focusing on the fundamentals of writing, dedicated individual care will be offered for the development of creativity and style in each student.

About the commencement of the boot-camp, Mr Eric Saranovitz, Dean of the school shares his excitement, “We believe there is a writer in all of us and with the Young Writers’ Camp we want to bring out the writer in each of our students. We are very excited presenting this unique opportunity where international faculty of professional writers and educators will present an interactive learning environment and supportive atmosphere to develop every aspect required to make a great writer.”

If you have always desired to give literary shape to your thoughts, here is your opportunity to master the art of weaving your own meaningful web of words. An investment of a humble sum of Rs. 25000 in yourself as the fee for the boot camp can direct you towards your dream of becoming a good writer.

Last date of registration is 23rd May, so hurry!
Contact: admissions@schoolofconvergence.com; +91 9717999612
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9.9's School of Convergence selected by Young India Fellowship to teach communication skills

THE Young India Fellowship has announced that it has selected the 9.9 School of Convergence to provide communication classes and writing support to its Fellows for the coming academic year. Under the agreement, 9.9 SoC’s Centre for Communication Excellence will develop and deliver writing courses, oral communication workshops, and individual coaching sessions for the 58 Fellows in order to hone the writing, communication and critical thinking skills these future global leaders will need. 

9.9 SoC last year established the Centre for Communication Excellence in order to enhance university students’ written and oral communication in English. The Centre is the first of its kind in India and is modelled on writing centres found at most universities and colleges across the United States. 

In the arrangement with YIF, 9.9 SoC’s Centre for Communication Excellence will provide the 58 fellows from around the country with writing courses and one-on-one coaching throughout the year. Each Fellow will receive three hours of individualized assistance per term from the Centre’s faculty, which includes local and international academics, professional writers and experienced writing teachers.  Fellows will also take part in a specially designed 12-week writing course and interactive workshops in verbal communication skills.

Referring to the YIF announcement, 9.9 SoC Associate Dean of Academics, Dr. Eric Saranovitz, today said the Centre for Communication Excellence was ideally placed to provide the communication programmes for YIF. “9.9 SoC has established the Centre as a game-changing service for India,” he said. “In India today there is an abundance of ideas, energy and talent, but what is lacking is the ability to communicate effectively. Most university students have not received the guidance they need to become excellent communicators.  The Centre for Communication Excellence changes that.”

Dr. Saranovitz, who joined 9.9 SoC from New York University, where he taught writing and communication, said, “The Writing Centre’s individual coaching sessions ensure that bright students like the Fellows get a chance to work on their weaknesses and build on their strengths in formal communication.  These workshops will help students write better papers today, and strengthen their future professional communication skills for presentations, business correspondence and report-writing.”

The Centre for Communication Excellence also offers communication workshops, classes, and tuitions for college and secondary school students, as well as business communication support and services.
Aman Singh, the YIF Director, said it was a testament to the high-quality work done in the Centre for which it has being chosen for the role. “It is a privilege to partner the Young India Fellowship with 9.9 SoC in this groundbreaking educational initiative,” he said.

Fellows will take their lessons in the pleasant environs of 9.9 SoC’s campus at Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communication in South Delhi.

The Young India Fellowship

The Young India Fellowship, or “YIF”, is a first-of-its-kind multi-disciplinary learning and leadership development programme, which aims to challenge the current trend of specialisation in India’s higher education system by offering students the chance to explore multiple fields. In collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science, YIF will take 58 exceptional minds and nurture them into agents of change and innovation for India.  The initiative brings together young leaders from various parts of the country for a one-year residential post-graduate programme in Delhi. Classes begin on May 30, 2011.

Media contact:
Gunjan Aggarwal,
Email: gunjan.aggarwal@schoolofconvergence.com. Number: +91 9717 999 612
http://www.schoolofconvergence.com/ and http://www.youngindiafellowship.com/.
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Why to Get Qualified in Digital Media Communication?

If you are one of those who wake up at night flipping through the Twitter screens on your smartphone or you have an opinion about most of the things in the online world, you are possibly not following one of your passions if you’re still at a regular career path. Now, imagine for a moment about a career that makes the best utilization of your awareness about the Web and your connectedness with the world through online channels. With the right education, this imagination has a potential to take a real shape and to open new doors of opportunities for a better informed, well connected, and professionally qualified you.

A professional education in digital media communication can set you up well for meeting the ever-growing demands of the Internet industry. However, in order to have your passion of having your own say with a business-specific advantage, the chosen path of education needs to consider the futuristic needs in the world of online media. Realizing this, several courses in digital media communication, such as Post Graduate Diploma in Digital Media Communication, are being offered by the industry experts these days. The course contents in most of the successful courses have been developed as a result of an extensive research and with the consideration of the futuristic needs of society and business combined together. After all, the Internet has evolved as an excellent collaboration platform between businesses and the society at large, over past few years.

In addition to a quantifiable and foreseeable growth in the field of your interest, these courses equip you with the knowledge and expertise to add an extra source of income or to completely change your career path. The reason behind this doesn’t really require an explanation – it’s just as simple as understanding the growing influence of the Web in almost everyone’s life these days. It would be an understatement to make that the organizations of today have already started getting Web-enabled and they are in constant need of those of you who specialize in making their voices heard by their customers in a way that is loved by people at large.

 For more information log on to www.schoolofconvergence.com or facebook.com/schoolofconvergence

9.9 School of Convergence launches PGD in Digital Media Communication

Today’s world of communications is changing fast. It wants its creative people to keep all their senses on high alert with a clear focus on the bigger picture. Being ‘good’ at what they do is no longer enough. In fact, ‘good’ has become blasé. ‘Great’ is what works. Irrespective of the field of work, it is all about doing the same thing differently or different things uniquely. The era of digital media and online communication demands multifaceted talents to combine creative flair with technological skills and strategic business thinking.

The 9.9 School of Convergence offers its Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Media Communication – a one-year, full-time programme  to make today’s students versatile and successful in their fields. The course provides students with skills to develop new and unusual ways in the field of digital media networks, backed by sound business knowhow and marketing modus operandi.

What makes the PG Diploma in Digital Media Communication most effective in today’s changing era is that it trains the future generation of media professionals to dominate the fast paced, exciting world of online and digital media.

Students learn what it takes to manage online communities, undertake digital marketing campaigns, and maximize audience engagement in the digital media space.

Program highlights:

    * Online storytelling and effective digital-content creation
    * The business of digital media (revenue models and effective marketing strategies)
    * The power and scope of social media to create communities and distribution networks

The first two terms of the course build a foundation of creative skills in visual and written communication, technological expertise in online and digital software, business strategies and managerial tools – all of which are needed to start a career in the online space. In addition, they will study the economic, political, social and cultural impact of old and new global communication technologies, to better understand the driving forces behind the digital media revolution. This is key knowledge for anyone looking to advance his or her career through the use of media innovation.

The programme emphasizes the practical application of knowledge, so students will be ready to start their careers from day one.  The first two terms will help students learn how to use the likes of Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook to optimize audience interaction, design and measure viral marketing programs, integrate online, offline and mobile marketing strategies. The third term of the program is devoted to an intensive field placement in a digital media company, where they work five-days a week in an industry-related internship. Saturdays are devoted to continued coursework.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Media Communication is open to graduates from any discipline (Arts, Commerce or Science) and people who are currently working, but want to switch to a career in media.


9.9 School of Convergence looks for the following qualities in candidates:

    * Good academic record
    * Good command over English
    * Competent writing and communication skills
    * An active interest in the online space

The course helps students create content while developing an in-depth understanding of the strategic application of technology and business methods to distribute content. They will be ready for careers in the fields of online and digital publication, management, marketing and advertising as Interactive Project Managers, Online/Digital Marketing Specialists, Online Producers, Mobile Project Managers, Online/Digital Client Services Managers and more.

Admission is subject to an aptitude test followed by an interview.


For more information visit http://schoolofconvergence.com/