Who doesn't dream of living in the city that never sleeps? With its iconic skyline and vibrant energy, New York is surely a dream come true for many. But before I explain how I got here, let me do a quick flashback and introduce myself.
My name is Shweta Rashmi. I'm from New Delhi, India. And I'm currently in my final semester on pace to earn a master's degree in social media and mobile marketing. What brought me here is its own story.
Immediately after returning home and completing my degree, I enrolled in a journalism course. I soon got the opportunity to work as an intern. India Today/Aaj Tak I learned the ropes of the media industry through this network. I helped produce daily entertainment TV shows and also assisted with other small shoots and events. Thanks to that, I was able to face the camera with confidence and have my own show. A year later, I worked at a start-up news channel where I anchored and he produced all the weekend entertainment shows by himself. This was essential after another colleague was laid off. Thanks to that, I was able to learn almost everything about running a show from scratch.
Who doesn't dream of living in the city that never sleeps?
After doing that for a while, I decided it was time to take the next step.
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I joined CNN as an Entertainment Producer for Digital Media. This role was different in that it was not bound by target rating points (ratings that measure the success of the channel's marketing efforts) or urgent deadlines for airing live programs. Here I finally got the chance to start interviewing some of the biggest names in Indian cinema, from Salman Khan to Akshay Kumar, Madhuri Dixit, Sushmita and many more. Masterchef Australia judges Andy Allen, Late Jock Zonfrillo, 365 days” Actor Michelle Morrone!
It was something the movie buff in me wanted to do since I was a kid. But then the coronavirus hit and I thought this excitement of meeting and interviewing my favorite celebrities might be over.
But life had other plans. We've launched a new digital interview series aimed at eliciting positivity. From deciding on guests to contacting them, fielding questions and post-production chores, the one-woman army in me loved it all.
From deciding on guests to contacting them, fielding questions and post-production chores, the one-woman army in me loved it all.
I ended up anchoring and producing over 250 interviews in three and a half years. Many of these interviews trended on YouTube and were subsequently shared across CNN digital platforms and aired on the CNN network. I have had the opportunity to meet many of my favorite people from childhood and build relationships with them. Eight-year-old Shweta would have been overjoyed if she had known that one day she would be sitting opposite the same celebrity she was staring at on her TV screen.
After spending over five years in the media industry, I felt it might be time to pick up a new skill. That's when I started looking for something else to be interested in. I always knew social media was my number one pastime and I was used to dealing with PR coordinators and marketing teams for movies and actors. I felt like I might have to take a look at what was on the other side of the table.
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That's when I discovered Pace's social media and mobile marketing program. Not only did he cater to everything I wanted to learn, but he also offered this course as his STEM program. This not only allows you to get more job opportunities, but also develops critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills that are highly valued in various industries.
When I visited America as a tourist before, New York had an indescribable charm. I applied to several other universities around the country, but this time I somehow prayed that I would be able to experience New York as a student and not as a tourist.
The next thing I knew, I was on a plane to New York and on my way to Pace. I was captivated once again by the infectious energy and picturesque scenery.
After two semesters, I applied for an on-campus summer internship with the admissions team as an international marketing intern. The plan was to work for three months, but I ended up working for one year in May of this year. I also took advantage of every opportunity I could to anchor the New York Indian Film Festival.
Not only did they cater to everything I wanted to learn, but they also offered this course as a STEM program. This not only allows you to get more job opportunities, but also develops critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills that are highly valued in various industries.
When I left home for school, I was worried that I would have to leave my creative projects behind. But now I'm making videos for Pace. I'm taking all of my previous producing, anchoring, and editing experience and combining it with everything Pace has taught me over the past year and a half. I would like to thank my managers Sara Jonsin and Bayu Strisno for all the support they have provided me over the past year. Without their unwavering faith in me, this journey would not have been complete. I would also like to mention how important the people I have met at Pace have been along the way. I can only imagine how difficult it would have been to live away from home without this wonderful companion by my side through thick and thin. They have changed my life only for the better.
It's hard to believe that half of my last semester is over, but I'm now preparing for graduation. It seems like just yesterday that I took my first lecture here, when I was still settling into my apartment and getting used to living alone.
from today's india So far, this whole journey has been full of ups and downs. However, if I were to sum up the past few months in one word, I would say they have been challenging, fulfilling, and fulfilling. I hope to find a full-time marketing role soon and embark on an even more exciting journey.
