Aanchal Sharma

What were you doing before applying for a postgraduate degree?

Before starting my postgraduate degree, I worked as a senior sub-editor at Zee News Digital, covering global entertainment, interviewing industry professionals, and leading digital storytelling initiatives.

While journalism allowed me to tell stories, I wanted to move beyond reporting and actively shape narratives- helping brands and organizations build, manage, and protect their reputations. That’s what drew me to Public Relations and Strategic Communications. A postgraduate degree felt like the perfect way to develop specialised skills, gain industry exposure, and transition into the PR world.

Were there any challenges affecting your decision to study a postgraduate degree and how did you overcome them?

Moving to London was a big decision—leaving behind familiarity, adapting to a new culture, and navigating a different academic system. But I saw it as an opportunity for growth rather than a challenge.

The transition was made easier by the supportive environment at City St George’s and the sense of community among students. Plus, living in student accommodation has been a great experience—meeting people from all over the world, sharing stories, and making lifelong friends.

Why did you decide to apply to study at City St Georges?

City St George’s stood out for its practical, hands-on approach to PR. The emphasis on real-world projects, industry connections, and strategic thinking made it the perfect place to sharpen my skills.

Another big reason? The university hosted events in my home country, where representatives came and gave detailed insights about the programme, student life, and what to expect. Hearing directly from faculty helped me picture myself here, and I knew this was where I wanted to be.

What were the most important resources in helping you to make a decision?

The City St George’s-led events in my country were incredibly helpful—I got to interact with faculty and students, ask questions, and get a real sense of what studying here would be like. I also attended the virtual events and explored online resources, but those in-person interactions played a huge role in my decision.

What has been your favourite module or aspect of your course so far?

I’ve loved Reputation Management, Media Relations, and Pitching Campaigns. The Pitching Campaigns module has been especially exciting because we get to create real PR campaigns for actual clients. It’s not just theory—we’re working on practical projects, presenting to tutors, and potentially seeing our ideas implemented. It’s a great way to get a taste of the industry while still being a student.

What kind of things are you involved in outside of your course?

I’m actively involved as an Events and Marketing Ambassador, where I help organise and promote university events. This has been one of the most rewarding experiences—I’ve met so many prospective students, shared my journey, and expanded my professional network. Being able to engage with people from different backgrounds and cultures has been an incredible learning experience in itself.

I’m also a Programme Representative, acting as a bridge between students and faculty, and a member of the South Asian Society, which has helped me stay connected to my roots while experiencing London’s diverse student life.

What experience have you had that will help you with future careers?

My journalism experience has given me a strong foundation in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement, while my current coursework is equipping me with PR and reputation management skills. Through my role as an Events and Marketing Ambassador, I’ve learned the importance of brand communication and audience engagement, which are crucial in PR.

The networking opportunities at City St Georges’ have also been invaluable—I’ve connected with industry professionals, attended insightful talks, and gained practical knowledge that will shape my future career.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

I plan to work in corporate reputation management and crisis communications, either in a PR agency or an in-house communications team. I’m particularly interested in how brands navigate cancel culture and social media crises—something I’m exploring in my dissertation. My goal is to help organisations strategically manage their public image and build long-term trust.

What advice would you give to someone considering a postgraduate degree?

Step out of your comfort zone – whether it’s moving to a new country or switching fields, growth happens when you challenge yourself.

Build connections – your classmates, tutors, and guest speakers could be valuable professional contacts in the future.

Get involved – university life is so much more than academics! Engage in events, networking opportunities, and extracurricular activitiesyou never know where a conversation might lead.

Pursuing my MA at City St George’s has been a transformational experience, preparing me for an exciting career in PR. If you’re considering this programme, trust me, you’re in for an adventure