The trend of working as a PR person for an institute while learning is catching on among students of city-based colleges. The rise in number of students handling public relations work across institutions--MANIT, BSSS and NIFT among others--bears this out.

So what if they do not get paid for it. Most prefer it this way for the sake of experience. Some others find it good and enjoyable. In charge of the PR cell of the prestigious Bhopal School of Social Sciences (BSSS) and a first year student, Aman Saxena, said handling public relations has developed his communications skills. "The PR work has given me the opportunity to interact with several people in a day. It is quite beneficial as I am getting work experience while studying," Aman said. He has been handling the public relations for the last couple of months.

Another student, Anmol Kaur Chhabra, said, "I get to meet media persons and officers of district administration while handling the institute's PR work. It is interesting, said the third year student of Bhopal-based NIFT and the PR coordinator of the fashion institute."

Asked about striking a balance between work and studies, student she said, "It is not full time work. We devote time during events or any other functions being organised in the college. However, handling PR is a challenging task." Anmol has been looking after the PR work of the institute for the past three years.

Two students of MANIT have been holding the responsibility of PR work. Student of mechanical branch, MANIT's media in charge, Dheeraj Nagwe said representing institute has made a difference to his identity outside the campus even before completing the degree.

The PR work has given another opportunity. "I want to be an entrepreneur after completing the degree. The experience that I am getting here will help me in future," he said.

Praising students for handling PR work, MANIT public relations officer (PRO) Vinita Mohindra said, "They have helped me a lot. I could concentrate on the administrative part much comfortably. They do rest of the work for me."

"We never want students to work at the cost of their studies. They work at their own convenience. Being the head of the PR department, I am always here to help." she said.