Gaurav Dhakad
MA Mass Communications
2005 Scholar
After my degree, I decided I wanted to pursue advertising, so I worked with three different ad agencies in India doing copywriting and various other creative roles. It was great because I was working on everything from print advertisements, hoardings and billboards to TV and radio commercials. I helped to advertise automobiles, hotels, newspapers and even textiles. I was able to get involved in scriptwriting and coming up with the copy for the radio ads, for instance. I was really enjoying it but I didn't have any formal training in this field, so I decided that a Masters would be the way forward.
I chose London because it's such a multicultural city, and also because advertising was born in Britain and continues to be revolutionised here. I looked at many courses, but the MA Mass Communications course at London Met was the only one that had a really diverse module set. There were options covering multimedia, design and journalism as well as advertising and marketing. The teaching was interactive and really good. The course tutors and directors are fabulous and helped a lot in course discussions. I was also the course representative, which has also been a good experience for me. I was delighted that I was awarded a scholarship to study at London Met and recommend the course to anyone interested in Mass Communications and studying in London.
I've
found the facilities to be excellent the internet and library are
great. As part of my module, I shot an eight minute film for which I
got an opportunity to use the AV facilities too. The facilities are
quite well structured and easy to use.
Along with doing my Masters, I worked in the University as a
Communications and PR Assistant. It was a great learning opportunity
for me as I got to hone my organisational and creative skills. I also
co-ordinated the University's involvement in the acclaimed Bollywood
event, Zee Cine Awards held in London in March 2005. It was a
knowledgeable experience to discuss Indian film and broadcast trends
with industry insiders. I am also a Student Ambassador of the
University.
After obtaining my MA Mass Communications degree in December 2005,
I worked with an ethnic media-advertising agency in London as a
copywriter.
After returning to India, I did what I always wanted to do. I started my own advertising agency. Named 'ads, etc.' (www.adsetc.co.in).
It was born out of pure passion to do creative work with a strong
rational and effective approach. Today, as a growing creative agency we
do all types of creative work for our clients in India and abroad. The course from London Met and my experience in London is helping me a lot in my career.
Being
in India, I get to participate in the events and seminars organised by
the University's liaison office. As an alumnus, I do my best to enhance
the alumni network in India and provide information and guidance to
prospective students of the University."
gauravdhakad@rediffmail.com
