Why I Chose Public Relations: A Journey Rooted in Stories and People by Kartikdutt Sharma
Some stories find you before you find your profession. For me, the path to public relations was paved not by a single moment, but a series of experiences rooted in communication, creativity, and connection.
When I first stepped into the world of media, I didn’t know where I’d end up. All I knew was that I loved stories—listening to them, telling them, and most of all, shaping them. As a child, I was the one who always volunteered to speak in class, host school events, or narrate stories during family gatherings. I didn’t realise it back then, but what I was doing was more than public speaking—it was communicating with purpose. That instinct eventually led me to Public Relations.
Now, as I finish my final year of BA Journalism and Mass Communication at Manipal University Jaipur, I can clearly see how my experiences have shaped this choice. Over the last few years, I’ve worn many hats—host, editor, content creator, designer, and social media manager. Each role taught me something new about how communication works in the real world, and more importantly, how it can influence people.
One of the most transformative experiences for me was hosting Nothing Rhymes With Orange, a student-run podcast that started as a fun experiment but quickly became a platform for real, meaningful conversations. From interviewing students to editing entire episodes, I discovered how powerful it is to create content that resonates with an audience. That feeling—of connecting through conversation—stuck with me.
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Another key chapter in this journey was my internship at Caarya, where I worked as a podcast host, reel editor, and social media post curator. Caarya was more than just an internship—it was an eye-opener into the startup ecosystem and how young people are building ideas from scratch. Working there taught me how messaging, branding, and digital presence can shape the way people perceive a company or an individual. I realized that even the smallest Instagram post has a strategy behind it. That was my first real taste of PR—packaging a story in a way that is not just authentic but also impactful.
I also had the opportunity to work as the Social Media Manager at Advent Radio, our university’s community radio station, where I learned how to communicate with both urban listeners and rural audiences, especially through shows like Umido Ki Udaan, which aimed to bring hope and positivity to villages. That experience deepened my understanding of how PR isn’t just about big brands and corporations—it’s also about people, communities, and change at the grassroots level.
What draws me to PR is that it’s a perfect blend of strategy and creativity. It’s fast-paced and always evolving. You don’t just tell stories; you shape how those stories are received, and that responsibility excites me. I’m particularly drawn to brand storytelling, cause-based campaigns, and crisis communication—areas where words can actually make a difference. Whether it’s helping a company recover from a PR crisis or launching a social impact initiative that touches lives, I want to be part of that narrative building.
Beyond the technical side of things, PR also appeals to me because it’s human. It’s about listening as much as speaking. It’s about understanding emotions, culture, and context. In a world of noise, PR professionals have the opportunity to create clarity—and that’s something I deeply value.
Through this programme, I hope to sharpen my skills, gain industry exposure, and learn from mentors who have walked this path before me. I want to understand how to build campaigns that are not just viral, but valuable. How to connect with people, not just demographics. And how to maintain authenticity, even in high-pressure environments.
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I’m also genuinely excited to contribute to this programme by sharing my thoughts through blogs like this. Writing gives me the space to reflect and articulate ideas that can add to the larger conversation within PR community. It’s an honour to know that these blogs will be seen by faculty, industry professionals, and potential clients people I deeply respect and hope to learn from.
Looking ahead, I see PR not just as a career, but as a platform where I can amplify voices, build trust, and help shape conversations that matter. I know I have a lot to learn, and I’m ready for it. This is just the beginning. I’m grateful to be starting it with curiosity, clarity, and a genuine passion for people and their stories.
About Kartik Dutt Sharma
Kartik Dutt Sharma is a passionate communicator from Jaipur, Rajasthan. He recently completed his BA in Journalism and Mass Communication from Manipal University Jaipur (Class of 2025). With a strong foundation in storytelling, digital media, and community engagement, Kartik is now taking the next step in his journey by joining the School of Communication and Reputation (SCoRe) to specialise in Public Relations. He is deeply driven by purpose-led communication and aspires to create meaningful impact through strategic PR campaigns.
Although there are several institutes offering communication programmes, the School of Communication and Reputation (SCoRe) stands out as one of India’s most specialized institutions for public relations. But what truly makes it a game-changer for aspiring professionals?
To begin with, SCoRe’s curriculum is not just theory-based; it is crafted in consultation with leading PR professionals across India. Therefore, students don’t just learn definitions—they study real-world case studies, design strategy blueprints, and simulate actual PR campaigns. Moreover, the faculty comprises practicing experts and opinion leaders from the PR industry, ensuring that classroom knowledge is always in sync with current trends.
Hence, SCoRe becomes more than just a classroom—it transforms into a strategic playground where young professionals are prepared for high-stakes environments through hands-on learning.
Another huge advantage of studying at SCoRe is the institute’s personalized mentorship model. Unlike mass universities where students often struggle to connect with faculty, SCoRe maintains a low student-to-mentor ratio. This means you receive ongoing feedback, one-on-one guidance, and tailored development plans throughout your course.
Moreover, since many of these mentors are active professionals or alumni working at top agencies like Adfactors PR, Weber Shandwick, and Genesis BCW, you get direct insights into what recruiters look for and how to build a successful PR career right from the start.
Apart from academics, SCoRe provides unmatched industry exposure through live projects, internships, and real-time campaign work. But the highlight is the opportunity to work with India’s top PR firms during your final term, often leading to pre-placement offers. This is not just beneficial—it’s transformative.
Furthermore, the institute hosts panel discussions, alumni talks, and client pitch simulations, where students interact with professionals and build networks that last beyond graduation.
Without a doubt, yes. If you’re someone who is curious, people-oriented, and driven by impact, SCoRe nurtures those very instincts. In fact, many of its alumni are already shaping campaigns for leading brands, NGOs, and government initiatives.
Moreover, the focus on ethics, empathy, and cultural intelligence ensures that graduates not only excel at their jobs but also lead with responsibility and insight—something the PR industry increasingly demands today.