Marketing communication: SMG launches graduate programme

Sumedha Srivastav - Televisionpoint.com | Mumbai
Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG) and Vidyavihar-based K. J. Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research (KJSIMSR) have launched SSIMCAP-360°, a first of its kind full time advanced programme in integrated marketing communication.

Ravi Kiran, chief executive officer, SMG - South Asia, says, "We have been contemplating to offer a programme to young graduates to equip them with knowledge of the best practices and a hands on industry interface. SSIMCAP-360° will set a benchmark in learning the art and science of integrated marketing communications."

Prof. P. V. Narasimham, director general, KJSIMSR, said, "Starcom has been a pioneer in the business of innovative marketing solutions. It was a natural progression to partner with SMG in bringing out a comprehensive programme that adds value to future marketers."

The 10-month programme, leading to a Certificate in Advanced Integrated Marketing Communications, is being offered at its campus to graduates interested in IMC. Successful completion of SSIMCAP-360° will enable students to be placed in agencies offering marketing communications services.

As a part of the programme, every student will be assigned to a senior advertising or marketing professional in the industry, who will act as an off-campus coach for the duration of the programme. This has been termed as Active Mentorship.

Another feature called The Learning Clinic will offer access to a dedicated space within the Starcom office in Mumbai for research purposes, for gaining hands-on experience on industry research and tools, as well as get select exposure to SMG's globally renowned tools and techniques.

Other unique features include Brand Shoes, where each student will get to spend a week as an assistant to a brand manager in a respected marketing organisation; and Live In, which will enable students to spend a week in a relevant consumer home in India, gathering practical insights into various aspects of consumer behaviour.

Four toppers of the programme will receive a full refund of the fees as a scholarship. At the end of the programme, students will be assisted in finding suitable placements.

A maximum of 60 students will be selected for the first batch through a national admission process. This includes a multiple choice online test - covering general knowledge, language skills and marketing communications aptitude, a written communications test, group discussion and a personal interview.

SMG will be actively involved in planning and executing the programme, besides having representatives on the Advisory Council. The programme, spread across three trimesters, will include SIMSR's faculty, the leadership from SMG and industry stalwarts from a wide range of agencies and companies.

For the record, SIMSR was established in 1981 to serve the needs of management and research. The mini-university - comprising 33 educational institutions in the heart of Mumbai and 2,500 teaching and non-teaching staff - caters to the needs of nearly 25,000 students.