Stay curious, embrace continuous learning: Rajat Jha, BestMediaInfo 'Rising Star of the Year'

"Determined not to pursue a simple desk job", Rajat Jha, the 'Rising Star of the Year' winner at the BestMediaInfo Rising Star Awards 2023 from EssenceMediacom India, entered the world of advertising in 2014.

He said, “Advertising lured me into the ocean of creativity, pushing me every single day to ask, ‘What's new now’? From my first day until now, I have had diverse experiences with various clients, which have shaped me into what I am today and provided a fulfilling career path.”

Jha has continued to stay on the media agency side of the business since the beginning of his career due to the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the work in media agencies.

“Additionally, the collaborative nature of media agencies, working with creative teams, clients, and media vendors, provides a stimulating and dynamic environment,” he added.

Having started his career in the advertising business at Havas Media, Jha believes that his core strength has been multitasking and people management, and therefore, he has always loved client servicing.

Over the years, Jha has worked at Vivo, Carat, Initiative, and Vatika Group.

Sharing his love for advertising, Jha said, “Being in an advertising agency gives exposure to various verticals and new learning every day. It fosters a collaborative environment where I can work with cross-functional teams, including creative agencies, production houses, and media vendors, providing networking opportunities, learning from industry experts, and building relationships.”

Another reason for him to fall in love with advertising is his various interactions with successful marketing professionals during his college days.

“It lured me and gave me the confidence to pursue a career in the media agency field. I have always believed that academic experiences and lessons can play a significant role in shaping one's career. Learning about consumer behaviour, market research, and advertising strategies during college times inspired me to pursue a career in this field,” he added.

His advice to his younger self entering the corporate dance of the ad land would be, "Embrace continuous learning, stay curious, be open to new ideas, and invest in developing a diverse skill set.”

To grow in the field of advertising, Jha believes that one must possess the ability to adapt to new environments, technologies, and industry trends. “Being open to learning, embracing new challenges, and continuously developing skills has helped me weather the storm and stay relevant. Moreover, a commitment to continuous learning, whether through professional development courses, industry events, or self-study, has fueled success in the ad-scape.”

Jha is a true believer in setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. He told BestMediaInfo.com that playing badminton and spending time with loved ones has always helped him maintain a healthy work-life balance.

“I have been lucky enough to find a supportive environment that encourages open communication, provides flexibility, and promotes a healthy work-life balance, which has helped me thrive in my role as a media strategist,” he further said.

At work, Jha considers Naveen Khemka, Inderjeet Singh, and Farah Siddiqui his mentors.

He said, “These people have supported me and offered hands-on guidance to enhance my capabilities. Their presence as mentors has been a guiding light, and I am truly grateful for their unwavering belief in my potential.”

Some of the notable campaigns that defined his career and were the biggest learning experiences for him are Dove's "Real Beauty," “Thanda Matlab Coca-Cola,” and “Dekho Wicket Se Cricket.”

“These campaigns stand out for their creativity, storytelling, and ability to resonate with audiences. They have become cultural touchstones and have had a lasting impact on the advertising industry,” he commented.

Info@BestMediaInfo.com