‘The school’s library fuelled my love for reading and storytelling’

Aashita Pillai, an accomplished alumna of Apeejay School, Nerul from the batch of 2015, shared her inspiring journey from a curious school student to a dynamic marketing professional. In a telephonic interview, Aashita reflected on her experiences at Apeejay School, her career path, and the valuable lessons she learnt along the way. Here’s an insightful conversation that highlights how her alma mater played a crucial role in shaping her career and personal growth. Read edited excerpts:

Can you share a bit about your educational journey and how Apeejay School, Nerul, contributed to it?
My journey from Apeejay School, Nerul, where I studied from Nursery to 12th grade, to my current role in marketing has been quite an adventure. I always had a passion for English and storytelling, which stayed with me throughout my life. The school motto, “Soaring High is My Nature,” instilled in me a spirit of perseverance and a drive to always do better. Seeing my articles printed in the school magazine boosted my confidence in writing. The nurturing environment and emphasis on holistic development at Apeejay School prepared me well for my career in marketing.

What inspired you to shift from engineering to marketing?
After 12th grade, I pursued engineering but knew my heart wasn’t in it. Upon completing my degree, I chose to explore non-technical roles. My journey through various sales roles led me to discover my true calling in marketing. Today, I combine my love for language, communication, and my curiosity about people and psychology in my marketing role.

How did Apeejay School help you develop skills that are essential for a career in marketing?
The environment and resources at Apeejay School, Nerul, were key to my development. The school’s library, my favourite hangout hub, fuelled my love for reading and storytelling. Debates, group discussions, and the literary club sharpened my critical thinking and communication skills. These experiences laid a solid foundation for my marketing career by teaching me to present ideas clearly and engage with different perspectives.

Who were the significant influences during your school years that contributed to your personal and professional growth?
I am especially grateful to my English teacher, whose support and encouragement helped me overcome challenges in 11th grade. The school’s nurturing environment and emphasis on holistic development prepared me well for my career in marketing. Overall, Apeejay School equipped me with essential skills, values, and a mindset that continue to shape my success in marketing.

Can you describe your current role and what excites you the most about it?
As I mentioned before, I’m currently working for a teacher career growth company, which happens to be my first job in marketing as well. Within the first year at this company, I’ve had the opportunity to explore and learn extensively. I’ve worked on the content side of marketing, crafting compelling messages that resonate with our audience. Additionally, I’ve delved into the operations side, managing end-to-end campaigns and projects for the company.

What are the key skills that have contributed to your success in marketing?
A successful career in marketing requires a blend of several key skills. Firstly, strong communication skills are paramount, as marketing is fundamentally about conveying messages effectively. Creativity is also crucial for developing engaging and innovative campaigns. Analytical skills are important for understanding market trends and measuring the success of marketing efforts. Additionally, being adaptable and open to learning is essential, given the constant developments in marketing. Lastly, having a good grasp of digital tools and platforms is increasingly important to have an edge in marketing.

What challenges do you face in your current role, and how do you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I tackle daily is managing my time effectively in a fast-paced startup environment. To stay on track, I prioritise three key tasks each day—it’s my secret sauce for keeping focused and productive. Another significant challenge is striking the right balance between creativity and professionalism in our marketing content. Catering to educators means our messaging must be clear and engaging while remaining informative. To meet this, I collaborate closely with my team to evolve our strategies and ensure our messaging resonates effectively.

What advice do you have for current students at Apeejay School, Nerul, who are interested in pursuing a career in marketing?
Embrace curiosity and continuous learning. Marketing is a dynamic field that requires you to stay updated with trends and innovations. Take advantage of every opportunity to explore different aspects of marketing—whether through internships, projects, or courses. Don’t be afraid to experiment and be creative, but also understand the importance of adapting your creativity to suit the needs of your target audience. This balance between creativity and practicality is key in creating impactful marketing campaigns. Lastly, build a network of mentors and peers who can provide guidance and support. Networking is invaluable in marketing, as it opens doors to new opportunities and helps you stay connected with industry trends.

How do you spend your time outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active through Zumba, which not only keeps me fit but also energises me for the week ahead. On weekends, I love visiting cafes around town, trying new coffee blends, and immersing myself in the cosy ambiance they offer. Meeting friends is another favourite pastime—I cherish these moments of laughter and shared experiences, which help me recharge and stay connected outside of work.

For admission enquiry, please contact:
Apeejay School, 22PC+86H, Jain Mandir Rd, NL-2 Type, Sector 15, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400706
Admission Helpline Number: 91-22-27703635 | +91 7303096829
Email: [email protected]