Sir Martin Sorrell unveils ISDI | WPP School of Communication in Mumbai

WPP’s first venture in the education sector in India

WPP, the world’s largest communications services group, and the Indian School of Design and Innovation (ISDI), a fast-growing recognized leader in arts and design vocational education, today officially unveiled its ISDI WPP School of Communication campus in Mumbai.  

The ISDI | WPP School campus was inaugurated by Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO, WPP today along with its inaugural batch of 60 students.

The ISDI | WPP School of Communication marks WPP’s first foray into the Indian education sector. The partnership aims to create India’s first professional three-year undergraduate certification program in communication-based on a unique work-study model that will bring together a strong academic and creative curriculum combined with practical application.

WPP and WPP companies, which are globally recognized for their in-house training and development programs, have worked closely with ISDI to develop the School’s curriculum and hire full-time faculty.  With an aim to provide students a balanced work-study environment, senior management from WPP companies and industry academicians are mentoring the programme serving as part-time faculty.

Commenting on the launch, WPP CEO, Sir Martin Sorrell said, “At our recent meeting with Prime Minister Modi in New York organized by Rupert and James Murdoch, he suggested the Media Industry develop Universities to train and develop the considerable young talent India has. This initiative represents WPPs initial response to the Prime Ministers challenge. It is a small, but significant first step".

Mr. Ranjan Kapur, Country Manager, WPP India said, “A small but important step has been taken to fill the resource gap in our industry. It is also a demonstration of collaboration between Academia and Industry to create a curriculum that is unique and relevant to the needs of a fast-changing communication environment.”

Dr. Indu Shahani, HR College and the Chair- Academic Council at ISDI, "ISDI | WPP School of Communication is an effort to bring the 'real world of work 'to the classrooms and to teach theory with a practical orientation. The first batch of young students is excited to welcome Sir Martin Sorell on his first visit to the School since it began in July this year. We would like to strengthen this partnership and look forward to interesting live projects and internships for students in the WPP group of companies in India and globally."

Ms. Radha Kapoor, Founder and Executive Director at ISDI, said, "Indian School of Design and Innovation (ISDI) is laser focused on building a New-Gen ecosystem of Design & Innovation driven by Creative Entrepreneurship in India. It is a matter of great pride to partner with WPP, the Global leader in communications under the visionary leadership of Sir Martin Sorell, for the ISDI-WPP School of Communications at Lower Parel Innovation District (LPID) in Mumbai. (LPID) is an initiative being championed by ISDI)

As Indian Entrepreneurship leapfrogs in today's globalised economy, effective Communication with Confidence & Conviction amongst Indian Entrepreneurs will be a key factor for achievement of success. This is in fullest consonance for actualisation of Digital India. We are happy to welcome Sir Martin Sorell to inaugurate the ISDI-WPP School of Communication which prepares students to be ready for the real world by being mentored by professionals from the WPP Group which I believe is the newage model of education”, she further added.

During the inauguration, students and parents got an opportunity to have an interactive discussion with Sir Martin Sorrell wherein students shared their “First 90 days” journey at ISDI|WPP, while Sir Martin Sorrell gave an address to the students on the future of communication industry and need for them to equip themselves with the right skillset.

Located in in the heart of India’s business capital, Mumbai, (6th floor, One India Bulls, Lower Parel) the state of the art campus is equipped with modern and hi-tech infrastructure across its classrooms, faculty room, board room, meeting rooms for students to work on projects, computer lab, student lockers and a student’s lounge. In August, the school commenced with its first batch with a week-long orientation which included fun workshops and ice breakers followed by lectures for Semester One. Students attended their first WPP event on BrandNext and are gearing up for their first internship with WPP agencies in December. 

To attract the right talent, ISDI | WPP School of Communication has awarded a mix of merit-based and aid scholarships to students post a rigorous interview & screening process. Scholarships include aid based scholarships by WPP, Grey, ISDI and merit scholarships by ISDI. 

The School will offer students a three-year undergraduate program, wherein, the first year comprises of basic marketing and communication subjects and the second and third year offers students four major specialisations to choose from – Advertising and Communications, Media, Activation and Digital Marketing and Public Relations.