Come Down for IMC+

As you probably know by now, Singapore Polytechnic's Diploma in Media and Communication is a course that covers a broad spectrum of topics. What us students learn in our 3 years here at DMC includes public relations, advertising, psychology, social media and writing. And that's just to name a few of them!

Just like the things that we learn, you'll find a wide array of colourful personalities here at DMC.

Maybe you're the one whose notes never stay clean for long because you're always doodling during your lessons. Perhaps you're the person who's always hyped up and never seems to stop talking in your group of friends. Or maybe you're the quiet type who much prefers writing your heart to conversing with people.

If you've ever felt like a misfit or just felt that there's just something different about you then you'll blend right in at DMC. There's something that binds us all together at DMC and that's the little spark of creativity that we have in all of us. It doesn't matter if you're a quiet writer, an inspired artist or an effervescent chatterbox, that spark of creativity is going to catch fire in DMC.

My favourite bunch of misfits here in DMC

If you're dying to know more about our course, why not come down to our event organised by our very own DMC year 2 students! Head on down to SP Convention Centre on 4th February for IMC+. IMC+ aims to expose it's participants to the world of Integrated Marketing Communication, which is just what IMC stands for! Here's your chance to learn more about the media industry in Singapore and also about integrate marketing communication which is an integral part of DMC.

In fact, you might have already seen some of our posters in train stations. Does this look familiar to you?

Taken from SP IMC+ Facebook

There'll be talks by various industry speakers such as Valerie Cheng, Justine Leong and Calvin Soh on topics such as advertising, creativity and ideas. You'll be sure to leave IMC+ leaving inspired! In addition to that, there'll be performances as well as refreshments provided.

Another good reason to come down to SP, the goodie bags!

Thanks to our gracious sponsors, the goodie bags will contains gifts from Etude House, the Yoghurt Place, Miyoc and Teenage too! And those are just to name a few (:

Here are our hardworking students packing the goodie bags that our IMC+ participants will receive.

Image taken from SPIMCPLUS instagram page

So register here soon and we'll hope to see you there! 

For more information, 

please visit www.spimcplus.com or www.facebook.com/SP.IMCplus

DMC, where you find out who you are.

Hello DMC enthusiasts!

DMC offers a broad spectrum of modules that cover almost all the aspects of marketing communication. This is great for mastering the complete gamut of marketing communication but it can also lead to uncertainty about what exactly you want to do.

After all, many a times in life, we are all confused about just what we want to do in life exactly right?

But fret not because we may have just what you need to help you decide who you are! Just take our personality test and you might have a clearer stance of who you are in DMC!

PERSONALITY TEST:

Found out who you are? Now you know just what you should focus on and which modules you will be more interested in. This personality test might even help you decide on which practicum you want to take up in Year 3!

Now for those of you, who could not decide on just one end point of the personality test, don’t be anxious! We all know that most of us are a mixture of different personalities.

Perhaps you’re a mixture of a designer and a writer? This could mean you are more inclined towards writing for a fashion magazine!

Or maybe you are a blend of an analyst and communication personnel? This just means you can do your own research and pitch it yourself!

Share with us your results whether at facebook.com/spmediacomm or tweet us at @CassyDMC, or if you have a blogger account, give us a comment here! The point is sometimes you may not know exactly who you are in life, but that doesn’t mean you are not just as special as the others. With a little bit of time and practice, you will find out right here at DMC.

The place where you can create all your stories.

From your Guardians of DMC,

Amirah and Razinah. 

A Day in the Life of a DMC Student

Ever wondered what life would be like as a media student influencing the world? Well, speculate no longer for today I share with you all the mundane, crummy, and occasionally exciting details of the life of a student up the hill.


Diploma in Media and Communication (DMC) is a course related most strongly by the Communications, Arts, and Social Sciences department in SP.


The noisiest of the block we share with students of other faculties, it is no wonder that we have been described as ‘eloquent’, ‘outspoken’ and ‘passionate’ by our lecturers. (Also read as: overly noisy, loud, and argumentative by non-lecturers)


It probably then comes as a surprise to many that DMC students are actually capable of utilizing other forms of prowess besides the tongue, as the power of our legs are not to be looked down upon as we trudge up the hill of despair every morning, afternoon, and night.


It’s a long walk up the CASS’s building’s hill, a place we DMC students groan and mope at which other courses call the “Er Mei Shan”— which can be loosely translated to ‘pretty girl hill’ due to our course’s high population of females, a harem you wouldn’t want to miss.


By the time we’ve finally reached The Agency’s (the classroom for DMC students) doors panting heavily, there is that small spark of either pride or annoyance as the student in question flashes their personal Agency card limited only to DMC students.


Pride due to the exclusivity, annoyance due to the fact that the blasted thing never opens before 8am, when a first class may always start. (If the latter is the case, fear not for you can always try your luck begging a cleaner aunty to let you in.)


With a 2kg Mac in one’s bag the first thing any sane DMC student would do is reach for the closest and most integral part of SP education—a power source for the Mac’s plug for a round of exciting game—studying.


Evidently, after the prolonged usage of the brains and intellect, one must have a break. So it’s up with friends to Food Court 6, an eatery located very conveniently right above The Agency classroom.


Then it’s back to either a round of fervent note typing (this is most commonly seen before assignment submission deadlines and/or examination periods)

And finally with a wave to friends, it’s time to leave the Agency and get to home sweet home.


Here is a video done by our students giving a first-person view of a typical day in DMC.

If you have any questions or if you want to see more from us, you can:

Visit our Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/spmediacomm 

Follow our Official Twitter account: https://twitter.com/cassydmc

In The Shoes of A DPA Student

Ever wanted to apply for a course but you are afraid that your grades weren’t good enough? At Singapore Polytechnic (SP), we strongly believe in the holistic development of an individual so there are definitely other alternatives to get into your dream course, e.g. DMC!

Meet Mandy Chng, a Year 2 student of the Diploma in Media and Communication (DMC), who went through the Direct Poly Admission (DPA) route to get into the course that she is currently in.

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Hi Mandy! Can you tell us more about yourself?
I am someone who loves listening to music, reading and writing. I really enjoy attending gigs when my favourite bands such as Two Door Cinema Club and Alt-J are performing. I feel that music and writing are mediums for me to express myself.

So Mandy, can you tell us how you got to know about DPA?
I happened to be on the SP’s website one day when I came across the banner talking about how I could sign up for DPA. SP’s website was able to inform me about what DPA is all about as well as the criteria that needs to be fulfilled.

Why did you choose to enter SP DMC through DPA? 
With my passion for music and writing, it sparked an interest within me to pursue a career in the media industry. I decided to enter through DPA to secure a better placing in SP DMC. DPA reassures that I would get into the course I am passionate about. You’ll never know if you will perform well during ‘O’ levels.

Did you feel like there were a lot of expectations being a DPA student? 
Not really. I had to sit through interviews and a test that required us to write about an interesting news article that I have read. The lecturer in-charge who took me through was Ms. Trudy, she was very patient and encouraging. I was fortunate to have Ms. Trudy as the lecturer in-charge of my class in Year 1.

Were you given a head start to DMC as compared to other students? 
Yes! The DPA students and I attended camps. Through the camps, I made a lot of friends from different courses before school even started. I felt more exposed to poly life and it definitely prepared me for school. I also attended a Design Thinking and Video Production course, which helped me greatly in the modules of DMC.

How did you feel about your whole experience as a DPA student?
It was indeed a very enriching experience. I learnt a lot and I think it has made me a better equipped student with more knowledge. I also enjoyed being able to meet all sorts of people from the different courses.

Would you encourage students to apply for DPA?
I would recommend students to apply for DPA if you are absolutely sure of the course you are interested in. It gives you a much better chance of being able to enter the course you want. It exposes you to other opportunities, and you’ll learn things that you might not necessarily get to learn in your course.

Are there any advice for potential DPA students out there?
Be sure that you’re applying to a course that you’re serious about and interested in. During the selection process, don’t be afraid or shy to show off your skills, be impressive, and be open to meeting new people and experiences. There is really nothing to lose through this application, just give DPA a shot!

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The Mass Media Research Press Conference Team!

Mandy has been actively involved in recent DMC events such as the Mass Media Research Press Conference: Impact of Social Media on Youth Well-Being and Happiness, where her group emerged as one of the top two research teams in the cohort.

She is also involved in Singapore Polytechnic Integrated Marketing Communications Plus (SP IMC+), an inaugural event that is organized by students for students. Before the SP IMC+ planning process, the whole Year 2 cohort had IMC tutorials taught by the lecturers. After which, the students were put through the application process when the students were tasked to organize the event. For SP IMC+, Mandy is in the Design and Marketing Team where she has to come up with design concepts for the event. With the photoshop skills acquired in her first year, Mandy is able to apply them to use.


Visit http://www.sp.edu.sg/dpa for more information on Singapore Polytechnic’s Direct Poly Admission!

Also, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to:

- Tweet to us at http://www.twitter.com/CassyDMC

- Post them at http://www.facebook.com/spmediacomm

 

Perks of Being a DMC Student

Diploma in Media and Communication (DMC) boasts a whole range of awesome perks that our students really fancy, benefits that are exclusively yours when you join DMC. DMC provides anything from excellent working environment to value-added education. Here are the 'Top 10 Perks' that you would love to get your hands on. Moreover, if you have been following @cassydmc (DMC's very own Twitter account) you would have been equipped with more than 10 perks. In any case, read on!

1. The Agency

Really trust DMC when it says that it will equip you work-ready! This space is exactly how a professional communication agency in the industry looks like, from the entrance all the way to the workspaces. Working here daily makes you feel like an industry professional. You can easily draw inspirations from materials such as our very own student-made advertisement. Still not impressed? Whenever you get too stressed up with work, there are games such as Boggle, Pictionary and Tetris, which help you relax. Catch this video to find out more about our Agency:

2. Fully-furnished Radio & TV Studios (SPace)

Go on air, host a show and get noticed! Produce, direct and record your very own TV show! DMC provides you these spaces fully equipped with up-to-date technology that is of industry standards. You will have everything you need - be it the latest camera equipment or the latest songs for your listeners – to create your quality show.

Our very own DJ booth.

Our recording studio.

3. Run your own events, be your own boss

Take charge and be your own boss! In DMC, we prepare you for the industry by letting you run your own real-life events. Much time and effort would be invested, but the experience makes it all worth it! The abundant opportunity ranges from executing events to conducting workshops. A notable example is the annual student-run conference by DMC Year 2 students on the Media and Communications industry, which attracts over thousands from all over Singapore.

 IMC+ 2013 (An Integrated Marketing Communications Event) - Planned and Prepared by our very own DMC Year 2 Students

 Have you spotted our advertisements yet?

 SPMCC 2012 (Singapore Polytechnic Media and Communications Conference) was also organised by our DMC Year 2s in 2012!

Wouldn't it be nice to see your work up on MRT Advertising spaces?

4. Tweeting during lessons and be graded for doing something you love

Tweeting! Blogging! Working on any topic of your interest! It is so amazing that DMC gives you space to do what you love and be graded for it, and it is #sopossiblewithSP.

Love fashion? Why not express your area of interest onto Social Media and be graded for it. Check out Deedee Durrani, a Year 2 student who blogs about her interest in fashion on her Tumblr webpage:

Dee Dee shows off her passion for fashion on this blog. It's also part of her assignment in school!

5. Working with real life clients

You won't be treated as a mere student here. You will officially be regarded as an 'Agency Executive' that allows you to work on real-time projects. Our students are given the responsibility to work with big names in the industry to create a marketing campaign for them and more. Yahoo!, Samsung, SMRT and Mentholatum are some of the companies that we have worked with. Such chances come by only in DMC.

2011 - Year 1 Marketing Project

6. Be Starstruck

Did we hear a scream for Jack Neo and Bobby Tonelli? Be prepared to be starstruck in DMC! Through frequent special visitations and field trips, you will get plenty of opportunities to learn and exchange ideas with famous industry experts and media personalities. Not forgetting, you get to rub shoulders and take pictures with them. Even one of lecturers was a famous radio DJ at HOT 98FM, Mario Lajarca, you will get to see him almost everyday!

Bobby Tonelli and Divian Nair in our very own SPace DJ Booth!

Mr Mario Lajarca

7. Field Trips & Overseas Study Trips

Ever been inside a MediaCorp recording studio? Yes, we have been and done that, to witness George Young (Yes, George Young!) in action hosting ''Million Dollar Money Drop''. How about the bustling capital city of Thailand, Bangkok? Our students will be visiting the Headquarter Office of Starcom Mediavest Group, DMC’s mentor partner to gain knowledge from media experts. Starcom Mediavest Group is one of the largest communications agency, and the trip will equip you with experience that is essential in understanding the processes of this industry.

Admission Tickets to Million Dollar Money Drop. (SCREAMS) Yes, George Young right before our very eyes.

And yes! We had free admission to the Hermés Exhibition back in October 2012.

8. First Hand Lecturer Knowledge & Experience

Don't ever doubt the powers and ability of our lecturers! With years of experience under their belt working with big corporations such as The New Paper, Straits Time and Mediacorp, they wield broad and deep understanding of the different aspects in the media industry. Not only that, every week, students welcome the top-notch industry experts to come in for lectures on Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC).

Some of you might know her from SP+U Open House! Our very friendly Lecturer cum Course Councillor, Ms Trudy used to work at The New Paper.

9. DMC - Family

It's not all about grades and projects in DMC. As course mates, we share, we care and we play as a family. How do we achieve such friendly environment? Through our CASS events, we invite everybody to unwind and take time off work. With events such as Movie Fright Night and Lepak Friday, we bond through eating food and watching movies. It doesn’t get any better than this.

The Agency ain't just for work, it's for fun too! :)

10. Showcasing your talents through many platforms

If you can talk the talk and walk the walk, DMC has all the platforms for you to strut your stuff! We even have our very own famous rapper, Shigga Shay! Every year we give our talents an opportunity to showcase through 'CASS Factor'. SPace, our very own student initiative platform, encourages sharing of videos, pictures, writing and even your own music. 

Our CASS Family's very own talent time. If you have what it takes, join us and be our Star!

We not only have one stage for you to perform. We present you, OUR VIRTUAL STAGE. Upload all your videos of your special talent here on SPace. (Yeap, we're not only a Radio Station, we have a Talent Portal too! Run by students, for students.)

We proudly present to you our top ten perks of being in DMC. Well, there are a lot more of perks and if you want to find out more follow our Twitter account - @cassydmc and our facebook page . For students that are already students of DMC tweet us about what you think are the perks of being in DMC.

As students of DMC, we're just telling you what we experience here in this course. So, to all of you making your last minute choices of Tertiary/JC studies, we wish you luck. Make wise choices! 

Where Do I Fit In?

First off, CONGRATULATIONS! You have made it through the misery of waiting for your dreaded results. So if you are right here, right now reading this, it shows you are considering Singapore Polytechnic’s Diploma in Media and Communication (DMC) as one of your choices. Great!

DMC is the most broad based communication course amongst the polytechnics. It provides a unique platform for almost anyone out there who is passionate about living the Integrated Marketing Communications experience (also known as IMC!). This will definitely set you apart from the rest as you become an all-rounder. Wondering exactly where you fit in DMC?

Here we present to you, five DMC students with different strengths and interests, and how exactly DMC was the perfect platform for them to further develop their passion. Read about how each individual might be similar to you!

The Writer

Do you always bury yourself in books trying to gain new inspirations and enjoy the sweet writings of other authors? Do you find penning down the flow of ideas to a white sheet of paper, a work of art? How about those times when you were looking for interesting contents to publish on your blog? You would definitely love to hone and refine your linguistics ability.

Look no further because DMC might just be the course for you! Modules such as Professional Communication and Feature Writing serve as platforms, for budding writers like yourself, to build your passion for writing and journalism! Not only that, you will be able to improve your writing skills and possibly publish your work to the media. In this course, a command of English is not only needed in different writing modules. It is also required in other communications modules, such as Public Relations or Integrated Marketing Communications, in order to reflect a clear and consistent message to readers. With that, DMC prepares us for the workforce.

Amal Lina Abdul Rahim, a Year 2 DMC student, definitely showed her love and flair for writing when she willingly took on a ‘special’ project to write about a successful student enterprise for The New Paper on behalf of Singapore Polytechnic. Her article titled “Convenience In A Cup” was published on 18 December  2012. Let’s hear what Amal Lina has got to say!

“Being in DMC has allowed me to improve my writing skills, as it exposes me to ample opportunities to showcase my capabilities...the skills that I learnt in IMC has helped me to view things differently, and much more creative ways.”

-Amal Lina

Check out her article here: http://spbuzz.sp.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/181212-TNP.jpg

The Designer

Are your creative juices bursting at the seams?  Each time you pick up your pen, do you create a world of doodles? Do you love designing, creating and being original?  You’re always full of ideas but you have no idea where to place them? Well, let us help you to express yourself through art and design.

Always wondered how your art can speak to others? Here in DMC, we offer modules that integrate visuals and communication together. In Year 1, we offer Visual Communications as a year-long module to provide students with the necessary design skills, understanding of the art of creation and the importance of clarity in their visuals. In Year 2, let your creativity flow in greater capacity as your design skills will be used in several modules, (such as Integrated Marketing Communications, Public Relations and Advertising) to help market events or products through your visuals. Your skills are vital in this industry because the images are the ‘face’ of a marketing campaign, which will be the first element to catch people’s attention.

You might think we are just fluffing things up! So let Belicia Lim, a Year 3 DMC student, tell you more about her take on our course.

‘DMC provides a wide variety of materials for inspiration. As a designer, I believe it is truly important to garner as much exposure as possible in order to churn out your own flavor within the competitive design industry.’

-Belicia Lim

Art work by Belicia

The Analyser

We know you! Somehow there's this inquisitive part of you that's always considering the details and meanings of everything. Something very deep, like the significance of life right? You’re also a curious individual that's attracted to studying materials and establishing insightful conclusions. In truth, people like you play a crucial role in the communications industry!

Our course comprises of a comprehensive range of modules that will help you to develop that analytical personality of yours into a career you love! With Mass Media Research, Media Psychology and Introduction to Business, you will learn to understand audiences on a personal level and identify their needs and wants. This is essential in coming up with effective marketing campaigns so as to cater to various types of consumers. F.Y.I, this sector brings in big bucks too!

Kar Jin is a DMC Year 2 student who has worked on various brands such as NIKE+, Samsung and Mentholatum. He knows how they operate and how they reached out to the consumers through analyzing their behaviors. Here’s his take on the course:

‘’DMC gave me the ability to understand the underlying way of how consumers’ work. Through research and theories, I am able to adapt marketing campaigns that appeals to different groups. It’s very enriching to know how all these comes to play unexpectedly in IMC.’’

-Kar Jin

The Superstar

Feeling comfortable in the limelight and always wanted more opportunities to shine? Moreover, the radio and television industry has always interest you, because you believe those are areas that you can excel in. However, being in front of the camera is not all about your eloquence or appearance, it is also about understanding what works for your audience and in DMC we tell you why.

Our course offers modules like Radio and Television Production and Management and Video Production and Digital Post, where we get to learn about the television and radio industry. You will not only be able to appear in front of cameras, you will also understand the production process. Get the chance to be a deejay and record your own radio show, or you could also be a director, scriptwriter, editor or even act in your own short film. All these are part and parcel of understanding how to create interesting content for you audiences. Who knows, you may even create a viral video! Gangnam Style anyone?

Alvin Tan, a Year 2 DMC student, enjoys performing at live gigs and speaking in public.

DMC improved the quality of his self-produced YouTube performance videos. Becoming a SPace Radio DJ has also gave him another platform to express himself and put to practise what he learnt.

“I personally like to be in front of the cameras but DMC has taught me to take the backseat and have a greater view of the production process. The modules fueled creativity by letting me understand behind-the-scenes better, thus producing awesome content!”.

-Alvin Tan

The Social Butterfly

You are the life of the party, the social lubricant that handles every social situation with ease. All your friends refer to you as the charming and approachable one, and you feel that it is a skill and potential you can leverage on for your career. DMC has the right concoction to bring out the social butterfly in you!

In DMC, we provide a wide range of modules that can bring out the best in you. With modules such as Public Relations and Social Media, you are given endless opportunities to interact in various contexts and platforms. One day you would take on the role as a PR Practitioner, liaising with various industry partners, and on the next, a Social Media Executive, engaging hundreds and thousands of audience with your own Facebook campaign. You become the voice in Integrated Marketing Campaigns, reaching out to the public and media.

Jazelle Tan, a DMC Year 2 student, is an extrovert who makes friends just about wherever she goes! She loves the process of getting to know new people and a party is never dull with her presence.

“DMC has provided me with endless of opportunities to work with different people from our course and the industry, widening my network of friends and other possible career paths.”

-Jazelle Tan

To end off, let us leave you with one quote.

'Remember you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.' - Margaret Mead

All of us are different. You need not be exactly like the five DMC Kids that we have mentioned above. Just remember, do what you like and you will love what you do! So if you feel DMC is for you. COME AND JOIN US! All the best for your school choices guys! Hope to have you here at DMC :)

For more information and queries, do follow us on our Social Media platforms and we will gladly answer you guys! :) It's just a click away! 

Twitter: @CASSYDMC

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/spmediacomm