College is often described as a stepping stone—but for Prakhar Srivastava, an alumnus of Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Gurugram, it was also a launchpad for creativity, collaboration, and personal growth. In a candid chat with the Apeejay Newsroom, the proud alumnus opens up about the technical and soft skills he picked up at the University, his experiences with inspiring mentors, and his advice to students who are still finding their way. Read edited excerpts:
What were your biggest takeaways from the course?
The course gave me a solid base in speaking skills—which are essential in any field, especially media. Then came technical know-how: I learned video editing and related tools, which are absolutely necessary today. Most importantly, the atmosphere was one of healthy competition, which really pushed all of us to do our best, whether in class or in assignments.
Was the faculty helpful and supportive?
Very much so. In fact, I’d say they were more like friends than teachers. Our dean, Mr. Sanjay Irwal, was incredible—approachable, friendly, and always ready to help. Even now, if I ever have any problem, I can call him anytime. That kind of mentorship stays with you for life. The overall environment was just right for growing and exploring.
Were there industry visits or workshops that added value?
Yes, and they made all the difference. We attended workshops and had regular industry visits, which are so important in a course like this. You can’t truly understand how a newsroom works unless you’ve seen it in action. These visits made the learning experience much more practical and real. It connected theory with ground-level reality.
Did you take part in extracurriculars during college?
Absolutely! I used to play badminton for my college and represented us in inter-college tournaments and festivals. It kept me physically active and mentally sharp. I’ve always believed that academics and extracurriculars should go hand in hand—it really makes your college life fuller and more memorable.
Any advice you’d give to current Apeejay students?
First—don’t stress too much. Life is short, and college should be enjoyed. Marks are important, no doubt, but don’t lose sleep over them. Second—be creative. Don’t do assignments just for the sake of marks. Ask yourself, what can I learn from this? That mindset will take you further than any grade ever can.