The Higher Education Review

Media studies are not only about reading newspapers or about watching films. It is also about working closely with the industry to acquire the required skills.Established by a group of professionals from the industry and academics, The Delhi School of Communication, which was initiated in 1995, is solely driven to generate professionals who are practically sound along with theoretical awareness. Prof. Ramola Kumar, Dean, the Delhi School of Communication says, "Since its inception, the institution has evolved into an epitome of excellence through collective and constant efforts of the management, students, and faculty members. Each member of the institution is equally enthusiastic to touch the peak of success."

Although the flagship programme of DSC is the Post Graduate Diploma Programme in Communication (PGDPC), the institute offers diverse short-term courses to the students. Under the PG programme, DSC provides the students with the flexibility of choosing from three specializations; Advertising & Entertainment Management, Journalism & Public Relations and Marketing & Digital.

Taking a step forward to boost practical learning, DSC has also partnered officially with Media & Entertainment Skill Council of India (MESC), which enables the institution to render training to students in four short-term programmes, namely- Programme in Advertising & Marketing ,Programme in Media Marketing, Programme in Script Writing and Programme in Production. "Whether it is a long-term or a short-term programme, undergoing some amount of internship is compulsory for every student, as it will help them learn the concepts better while applying them practically," pinpoints Prof. Kumar.

The internship programme designed for the post-graduate student of DSC drives the attention of students with media studies bent around the

country. The students are urged to go through six months of internship, which is classified into parts during the entire semester. Prof. Kumar explains, "In the first semester, students are sent for one-month internship and in the second semester they are sent for another three months internship. Altogether it is six months of experience, which students gain from interning at different organization." DSC takes the responsibility of placing students for internships in India's leading agencies.

Highlighting Career-Relevant Skills
"As media studies consist of varied subject matter, we have employed faculty members who come from different backgrounds. Most of them havea substantial industry experience, which benefits our students. They get acquainted with the nuances of the media industry," opines Prof. Kumar. Moreover, three days of every week, professionals from the industry takes classes and teach students the topics, which are most demanding in the industry. This assists the students of DSC to beat pace with current happenings in the world of media, as it is all about being updated with the present trends.

The faculty members at DSC are encouraged to adopt the best-possible advanced and latest equipment to impart knowledge to the students. DSC is equipped with state-of-the art laboratories and infrastructure that media students look for. "Our students create their own newsletter namedDSCNewsletter and research papers, which we publish from time to time. This renders them the confidence to perform well at their workplace from the day one," claims Prof. Kumar.

"The pedagogy of the DSC is extremely commendable which includes continuous awards and scholarship for academic and non- academic achievements"

The collaboration with the South Ural State University, Russia furthers helps students of DSC to stand out from the crowd, as they are always kept aware regarding the internationally accepted approaches and concepts. The institution also holds regular workshops with international universities in this regard.

The pedagogy of the DSC is extremely commendable which includes continuous awards and scholarship for academic and non- academic achievements. DSC pioneered the concept of Apprenti-

-ceship (half-day work) along with classes being held in the first half of the day, DSC has left no stone unturned to make a student's journey in the institution fruitful, and professional.

A Promise of Flourishing Future
Based in the media hub of the country, Delhi, DSC relishes unbeatable interaction and collaboration with the vibrant and top-most media organizations in the city. "Our students get the opportunity to have a one-to-one synergy with the professionals who have spent several years in the industry and have lots of wisdom to share with the students," mentions Prof. Kumar. Alongwith developing a robust relationship with the industry, the institution also prioritizes placement prospects witha separate committee wholly looking after the placement prospects of the students. The committee also comprises of few students coupled with the team the institution has assigned. Annually the committee prepares a placement brochure and forwards it to more than 200 recruiters Pan India, inviting them to attend the placement drive.

Considering the versatility of the courses offered, the institution every year welcomes divergent companies. Giant names from the media industry like Genesis Burson- Marsteller, Adfactors PR, Perfect Relations, JWT, Hakuhodo Percept, The Glitch, MSL 2020, Havas Media, GroupM, just to name a few, recruit the talented and trained students of DSC. "We have been successful in creating a strong alumni base. Our alumni are today placed in premiere MNCs around the world, holding elite designations and they perpetually are in touch with us, lending their helping hands towards the present batches," concludes Prof. Kumar.

Prof. Ramola Kumar, Dean
Presently Dean of The Delhi School of Communication, Prof. Ramola Kumar's areas of specialization include Marketing, Brand Management, and Communications. She has conducted numerous workshops on Communication Management, Time & Stress Management to name a few, have written several articles and has appeared often on Doordarshan's popular 'Evening Live Show' and LokSabha TV, since 2011. She has also authored more than 10 books, including a crossword in Marketing and Communication and poetry.