Conversation with Akanksha Singh, Head of the School of Advertising, Public Relations, and Events at AAFT.

Akanksha Singh, Head of the School of Advertising, Public Relations, and Events at AAFT. A doctorate with over 13+ years of rich Academic & Industry experience.  Her mission is to bridge the gap between academic theory and the breakneck pace of the creative industries. She leads a faculty of industry veterans to ensure every student graduates not just with a degree, but with a proven portfolio and the confidence to lead. Shiksha.com discussed with her topics like teaching methodologies at the institute, how the institute prepares students to be industry-ready, the curriculum at AAFT, etc. To know more, see below:

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

A. You know how some places feel like you're just reading from a textbook? We wanted to change that. Think of our school less like a classroom and more like a creative workshop. We get our hands dirty from the very beginning. We replace monotonous lectures with collaborative workshops, powered by our advanced tech infrastructure and taught by leading creative directors and communication strategists who are shaping the industry right now. This isn't just learning; it's on-the-job training for a career you haven't even started yet.

Q. How are you preparing your students to be Industry ready?

A. We focus on what actually gets you hired: your experience and your portfolio. That’s why about 60% of your time here will be spent on real projects—creating real campaigns, managing real events, and building a body of work you can be proud of. We bring in amazing people from top companies to run workshops, we go on visits to see how things work behind the scenes, and we make sure you have the chance to get one-on-one advice. By the time you graduate, you won't just have a degree; you'll have confidence and a proven track record.

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

A. I think it's a sense of calm confidence. Because they've already been through it. They've presented to real clients, adjusted campaigns on the fly, and used the latest software. So when they walk into a job interview, they're not just talking about what they could do; they're showing what they've already done. They're adaptable, creative problem-solvers, and employers tell us all the time that they can spot an AAFT grad from a mile away because of that. 

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

A. Our curriculum is co-created by the industry, for the industry. We maintain an active advisory board of CEOs, Creative Heads, and PR Directors from top firms. We're always asking, "What do you need? What's the next big thing?" Then we adapt. Our courses aren't set in stone; they're living things that change as the world does. Whether it's the rise of AI in advertising or the need for crisis management on social media, we make sure you're learning about it now, not five years from now. Our goal is to make sure you're never behind on your first day. 

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

A.We love it! In fact, we demand it. This field is all about what's new and next. We encourage our students to experiment, to play with new tech like AI and virtual reality, and even to start their own ventures. We have the facilities and the network to support those big ideas. It's not just about getting a job; it's about learning how to think like an innovator and a leader.

Note:  The views expressed in this article are of AAFT and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha.