Ms. Tabu Sultana is an Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Mass Communication. She holds a Master's in Mass Communication from AJK MCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia and a B.Com from Lucknow University. She has over nine years of teaching experience out of which for six years, she has been associated with NIMC. Ms. Sultana has published a research paper on the Impact of Digital Media on Children and their Rights and has presented a paper at international conferences.

National Institute of Mass Communication

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

I would like to say that the main element that connects me to education is that “education provides you with opportunities and challenges”. The more you learn, your knowledge increases, helping you achieve your dreams and become successful. There is a great saying that I believe in, “Education is not about filling buckets but igniting fire.” Although I have worked in different sectors, I find my inner peace in the education sector.

What is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

I would like to state that leadership comes when a leader helps to create an inclusive environment to encourage progress and collaboration to improve instructional outcomes for all students. I will communicate high expectations while providing support for their betterment. Also, I will say that to get purpose right, leaders must fundamentally change not only how they execute it but also how they conceive of and relate to it.

How does the curriculum of your institute ensure the best practice of industry?

Our institution focuses on practical training along with theory classes. Mass communication is a course that relies on professional and practical training as compared to any other course. Our institution focuses on creating knowledge and skills through teaching and learning, which is the core of what we do.

What do you think should be the University’s top priority over the next 10 years?

The National Institute of Mass Communication has always tried to give the best placements to the students and will keep trying the same over the next ten years too. It's already been more than a decade for this institution to work on its practical training and placements with inclusive growth.

When you first came to your institute, what was your vision for the university? Has it evolved over time, and how far along in implementing that vision are you?

When I first entered this university, my vision was to impart good knowledge and skills to the student community. I would say it has evolved, but it’s a process, as education is a huge sector and new techniques are coming every day, I haven’t achieved the goal, has it will never be accomplished, but I am learning and implementing/imparting.

Check National Institute of Mass Communication Placement

What would you like people to know about your university they may not know?

I think a lot of people have the impression that our college is a random college opened in any random locality. However, I would like to say that we have our own college campus, production house, Hindi news portal, English online magazine, and OTT platform. We offer a lot more facilities geared towards polishing our student’s skills.

What do you see as the University’s greatest strengths?

Our university’s greatest strength is our students themselves. Our alumni do amazing things and achieve quite a lot. We have a great network that provides our students with job opportunities and internships. We are also connected to thousands of NIMC alumni living throughout the world, making contributions both big and small.

What are some of the major changes that Covid-19 has bought in the education sector according to you?

The education sector has been affected by COVID-19 and has changed the behaviours of the student community, which now has a laid-back approach now. Students are not taking their studies seriously, and online classes have impacted the traditional education system, I think students are more convinced about practical learning techniques.

Are there any placement opportunities for the students?

We have students placed in different organizations under our placement service. Our students are placed as news anchors, reporters, content writers, event managers, media lawyers, anchors, actors, presenters, video makers, editors, RJs, and audio engineers. 

What are the most important functions in the role that you play in your institute?

Developing curriculum and delivering course material are my prime responsibilities as an Assistant Professor. Basically, I am responsible for teaching Mass Communication students, managing the department of mass communication, and effectively teaching Mass Communication courses to graduate and undergraduate students. I also look over teaching the students research design, research methodology, feature writing, public relations, international communication, and skills in speech writing, advertising, and radio/TV news writing.

Any suggestions/messages that you would like to give to the current youth?

I think the Genz students are more inclined to adopt shortcuts. They do not bother to gain knowledge first and then try to learn skills hands-on in their field. I would advise them to go for internships and jobs. Work with experts and professionals and learn what skills you must possess to succeed in this field. Keep learning to stay competitive.