‘Every challenge, big or small, shapes you’

Every career path has its twists, but few are as diverse and adventurous as Pakhi Bindal’s. A graduate of Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (Batch 2020–23) from Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Gurugram she is today a Social Media Manager at WhizCo. From writing newsroom articles and producing documentaries in college to planning weddings and leading influencer campaigns, Pakhi’s journey shows how experimentation and persistence can shape a fulfilling career in the digital age.

Read edited excerpts:

Pakhi, could you walk us through your journey after graduation?

It has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. After college, I experimented with different roles. I became a wedding planner in Chhattisgarh and Delhi, managing vendors, logistics, hospitality sheets, and large-scale events that often went on till 4 am. It was tough. There were sleepless nights, financial challenges, and a steep learning curve but it was also rewarding to see families celebrating in spaces I had curated. After that, I worked in PR and tried various marketing roles before finally realising that my heart was in content creation and social media.

What helped you discover your strength in content and digital media?

Honestly, I wasn’t very confident in writing at first. But over three years of BJMC at Apeejay Stya University, I found my own voice. My professors encouraged me to treat mistakes as learning opportunities. That foundation in writing, combined with hands-on exposure to TV shoots, documentaries, PSA campaigns, and graphic design projects, prepared me for the kind of creative problem-solving my current role demands.

What do you think defines success in social media today?

Metrics have changed a lot. Earlier, it was all about views, but now engagement and shareability matter most. A campaign’s success depends on how much people connect with it enough to share it. I also believe in the 20-80 rule, 20% content and 80% visuals. Strong writing forms the base, but it’s the visuals that make people stop, engage, and relate.

How do you keep yourself creative outside of work?

I’m naturally curious and creative. I love writing, drawing, and editing. I’m also a club leader at a Delhi-based hobby club where people meet on weekends to play games, listen to music, and network. It keeps me connected with different kinds of people, which adds fresh perspectives to my work.

Looking back, what’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?

That life is about movement. Whether it was writing for the newsroom, planning weddings, or managing social media campaigns, I’ve realised that no experience goes to waste. Every challenge big or small shapes you. My journey taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of creating narratives that truly connect with people.