LPU Journalism Placements Reach INR 12 LPA: SJMC HoD
In an exclusive interview with Shiksha.com, Dr Romica Bhat, Head of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC) at Lovely Professional University (LPU), shared her insights of programmes as per the demands of the digital age, academic collaborations with international institutions, and a significant rise in placement packages that reached up to INR 12 LPA. Read the article to know more about the Journalism and Mass Communication programme at LPU.
Q. How does LPU’s Journalism and Mass Communication programme stay updated with the evolving media landscape, especially digital and AI-driven media?
Dr Bhat: The Journalism and Mass Communication department at Lovely Professional University stays updated by involving technologies by updating the curriculum every year. The department makes a point to take regular feedback from its stakeholders, i.e. Industry persons, Students, Parents, Teachers and alumni. In addition to this, we regularly invite renowned industry people to discuss the updation required in the media studio, podcast lab, Mac lab and Media research lab.
We recently launched the Education Revolution initiative by Lovely Professional University, which ensures that students practice the curriculum in their day-to-day learning. Introduction of projects, Social media revenue generation, Freelancing, internships and participation in National and international competitions is a part of the curriculum.
Q. What practical exposure (like newsroom simulations, studio work, or field assignments) do students receive as part of their curriculum?
Dr Bhat: As part of the Journalism and Mass Communication curriculum at Lovely Professional University (LPU), students receive extensive practical exposure that bridges classroom learning with real-world media experience. Key components include:
Through projects, students have the option of working on live projects. LPU runs its own magazine and YouTube channel; students participate in the making of these projects by taking on roles such as reporters, editors, producers, and news anchors.
LPU offers state-of-the-art TV and radio studios where students practice anchoring, voice modulation, video editing, and production.
Subjects like Development Communication, Reporting and Editing, Mobile Journalism and Seminar on News and Current Affairs give students to feel of social empathy, visit the affected area, see the events unfolding themselves and do on-ground reporting, analysis and writing.
Collaborations with news channels, digital media platforms, and PR firms provide students with opportunities to work on live projects and gain industry exposure through internships.
Q. What kind of industry experience does the faculty bring into the classroom?
Dr Bhat: Professors have had careers as journalists, editors, producers, and media strategists for top news channels, publications, and online platforms. Their actual world knowledge, ranging from reporting live for breaking stories to running media campaigns, enhances classroom assignments and discussions. The faculty members are also engaged in research, consultancy, and content development, connecting academic knowledge with existing industry practices.
Q. Are there any visiting professors or guest lectures by prominent media personalities?
Dr Bhat: Renowned figures such as Javed Akhtar, celebrated lyricist and screenwriter, and Piyush Mishra, acclaimed actor and poet, have interacted with students, sharing their creative journeys and perspectives on storytelling. Sanjay Mishra, a versatile film actor, has inspired aspiring media professionals with his career experiences and views on performance and expression. Rehan Fazal, a renowned presenter at the BBC, discussed the nuances of the radio industry and storytelling with the students.
Q. How does LPU facilitate internships with reputed media houses, advertising agencies, or production studios?
Dr Bhat: Lovely Professional University (LPU) proactively organises internships for Journalism and Mass Communication students as part of the industry-connect system. The university has a strong affiliation with prominent media organisations, advertising agencies, and production houses that help it provide such opportunities.
Frequent interactions with major media houses — including news channels, online platforms, PR firms, and film production companies — provide a diverse array of internship opportunities
The university conducts placement drives, media conclaves, and industry interaction sessions, where the students directly interact with professionals and recruiters. Moreover, students are advised on creating portfolios, resumes, and interviews — all to make them job-ready and competitive for the best internships in the entire media landscape.
Q. What kind of career support does LPU offer to mass communication students, especially for placements in journalism, PR, or digital content creation?
Dr Bhat: Career counselling is offered on a one-on-one basis by the Division of Career Services. LPU conducts routine placement drives and places students with top media houses, PR agencies, digital communications, and content platforms.
Resume construction, interview skills, and portfolio-building workshops based on industries familiarise students to perform well in competitive job markets. The university also organises mock interviews, group discussions, and media industry networking sessions, allowing the students to build confidence and make useful professional connections.
Q. How is LPU Placement for Journalism and Mass Communication programmes?
Dr Bhat: In placements, LPU provides great career opportunities, with graduates being placed at both corporate and media organisations. Placements provide packages of up to 12 lakhs, indicating the huge employment potential for LPU-trained professionals in journalism, public relations, online content development, and related areas. A student, Manikandan S, from BAJMC got a placement package of INR 12 LPA at the Trident Group. This blend of powerful internships, international exposure, and competitive placements makes LPU a first preference for future media professionals.
Q. Is there any student exchange program or international association exclusive to Journalism and Mass Communication?
Dr Bhat: Yes, LPU provides valuable international exposure to its Journalism and Mass Communication students through a student exchange program with HSE University at St. Petersburg, Russia.
In July 2024, 13 students, along with two teachers from LPU, attended a Student Exchange and Summer School Programme at HSE University. A special highlight was a trip to the prestigious national TV channel NTV in St. Petersburg, providing students with worthwhile industry experience. The program also included cultural immersion activities, such as site visits to famous historical sites like the Winter Palace, the Hermitage Museum, and the Mariinsky Theatre.
Q. Which notable companies or media houses have recruited graduates from this programme in recent years?
Dr Bhat: Our graduates have been recruited by leading names in the industry, including The Times of India, NDTV, Zee Media, Hindustan Times, India Today Group, Trident group, OpenText, Accenture, and other top media houses, digital agencies, and content firms—testament to the quality and industry relevance of our programme.
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