We prepare students for industry, says Prof. Naveen Gautam, Associate Professor Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Prof. Naveen Gautam, Associate Professor talks about their institute, lecture-based teaching methodologies that are designed to support entrepreneurship and innovation at Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication. AIMC integrate critical application-based teaching into its curriculum, ensuring students develop problem-solving skills and creative strategies that align with industry needs.

Prof. Naveen Gautam, Associate Professor of Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication. He has a vast experience of over 20 years of industry experience in editing TV shows and documentries. He has conducted more than 50 workshops on DSLR filmmaking across India in several universities and colleges.

Q 1. What is the difference between the teaching methodology in your institute and others?

At our institute, we focus on experiential and interdisciplinary learning, which makes us different from traditional lecture-based teaching methods. We merge application-based teaching into our curriculum, ensuring that students develop problem-solving skills and creative strategies that meet industry demands. Our courses offer new subjects like OTT Management, Drone Journalism, Filmmaking and AI ensuring that students gain hands-on experience with the latest technology. Unlike many institutes that follow a rigid syllabus, we continuously evolve our curriculum by incorporating real-world case studies, live projects, and collaborations with leading media houses, production studios, and technology firms.

Q 2. How are you preparing your students to be industry-ready?

We prepare our students with immersive, industry-aligned training that extends beyond traditional textbooks. Our curriculum includes important topics like content creation, distribution, and monetization strategies for digital platforms. We offer Drone Journalism as a specialised course, providing practical training in aerial cinematography, a rapidly growing field in media production. Through live projects, internships, and workshops, we ensure our graduates have the practical skills needed for the workforce.

Q 3. What qualities do your students have that other college students lack?

Our students are exceptional because they possess an industry-ready mindset, practical experience, and adaptability. We train them to be solution-oriented thinkers who can navigate challenges with creativity and confidence. Unlike many graduates who need additional training before joining the workforce, our students come equipped with hands-on expertise, critical thinking skills, and a deep understanding of industry trends. They possess a strong professional ethic, leadership abilities, and an entrepreneurial spirit—qualities that make them highly sought-after by employers.

Q 4. Do you think the curriculum of the courses taught in your institute fits the requirements of the industry?

Yes, our curriculum is designed to be industry-focused and future-focused. We collaborate with media professionals, tech innovators, and digital strategists to ensure our courses stay ahead of industry trends. Our specialised subjects, including OTT Management, Drone Journalism, and AI in Media, prepare students for the digital-first era of entertainment and journalism. We add on subjects like Design Thinking and Entrepreneurship to enhance creative problem-solving, helping students design innovative content strategies for emerging platforms. With the growing demand for fact-based decision-making in media, we train our students in AI tools, ensuring they meet and exceed industry expectations.

Q 5. Is your college receptive to innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship?

Innovation is at the core of our institute. We are actively integrating technology into media education. Our students have access to state-of-the-art labs, HD TV studio, Mac Studio and Gimble, Drone and MoJo Kit ensuring they stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. With our teaching, we ensure our students are not just adapting to the industry but leading its transformation