Graduates from the 9.9 School of Convergence leave the gate leading the pack

2011 was a banner year for student placements at the 9.9 School of Convergence (9.9 SoC). Graduates from the 2011 batch of the Applied Journalism programme found high-paying jobs in some of the nation’s top media companies, ranging from print to broadcast and online media outlets. While 47% of the SoC journalism students embarked on their careers in television and radio stations, 29% have opted to work in new media, with the rest choosing the traditional print division of the media. Options were available to all, since SoC’s Applied Journalism programme provides the foundational writing, editing and storytelling skills needed in all media formats, without channelling students into one specific medium.

While salaries at the 9.9 SoC placements averaged Rs. 2.6 lakhs per annum, some students were offered salaries as much as Rs. 4.8 lakhs Ratieka Dhawan, hired as the City Manager for Burpp.com, acknowledges the advantage of the SoC programme. “With work experience in a different field, I needed a course that gave me overall knowledge in media and journalism. The 9.9 SoC curriculum seemed tailor-made for my needs.” Some students, like Aaron Lyndgoh, who secured a job with Headlines Today, after working with Harper’s Bazaar, had less previous professional experience, but were able to attain high salaries because of the skill set they obtained in the one-year programme. “I have absorbed a lot from 9.9 SoC,” said Aaron, “and that has given me an all-new perspective and a totally fresh definition of what the media is all about. Above all, I’m extremely fortunate to have learnt the art of ‘weaving a good story’!”

Students were picked up by a diverse group of media outlets, including Headlines Today, ANI, gaddi.com, TIMESNOW, Democratic World, Inc India, Fashion and You, Sunday Guardian, Network 18, NewsX, Blue Mango and 9.9 Media. Gunjan Aggarwal, Associate Dean of Career Services at 9.9 SoC, suggests that the individualized attention that each student receives throughout the year is what marks the 9.9 SoC advantage in the placement process. “We try taking into account student interests and strengths while advising students as to their best options for their overall career goals. While some students start out thinking they want to work in one medium, over time many of them change their direction. By giving them a wide assortment of classes, mentoring them throughout the year, and providing them with an integrated internship, they can explore their options thoroughly and show their mettle to recruiters.”

9.9 SoC students have taken advantage of living and studying in Delhi, obtaining internships in diverse media outlets like NDTV, New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Business World and The Hindustan Times.
Currently students of 2012 batch of 9.9 SoC are undergoing internships in top media outlets like NDTV Goodtimes, NewsX, Harper’s Bazaar, Delhi Timeout, Businessworld, etc.