Ishita Arora Interview
Q. To begin, how would you introduce yourself beyond your professional roles, and what experiences have shaped the person you are today?
I think beyond my professional roles, I am a creative and curious person who loves to share her experiences with other people. My journey has been a combination of figuring things out for myself and helping people do the same. Coming from a Mass Communication background, I have seen the creative side as well as the academic side of the field. Both have been important milestones for me, but content creation has given me a way to connect with people.
I think what has shaped me the most is that I did not choose just one identity for myself. I can be an educator, a creator, and still learn through this journey.
Q. What inspired you to build a digital platform around education, career guidance, and UGC NET preparation, and what did you feel was missing from the existing resources?
My main inspiration to begin content creation was to help students and aspirants with the journey of UGC NET and about how to become an Assistant Professor. The sole reason was that I had almost no idea about academia when I began. I wanted to help people who did not even know the most basic things.
While there were many resources and many people guiding students about the preparation, I wanted to make the journey a little less confusing. I wanted to help everyone who was completely oblivious about the journey from scratch. Having prepared for the UGC NET exam, I know how confusing it is to prepare for. I wanted to help people with practical strategies that were easy to implement. I think the most rewarding part of it is that more than just exam preparation, it has become a community where aspirants can learn what an academic career can look like.
Q. UGC NET preparation requires both conceptual clarity and consistent practice. What practical strategies can help aspirants prepare effectively without feeling overwhelmed?
I always suggest stopping looking at the syllabus completion as a race and to start focusing on understanding, analysing, and revision.
First, I suggest everyone go through the syllabus with complete concentration and understand it. Secondly, it is important to analyse the PYQs to understand the exam pattern and most repeated questions/units. Third, what is needed is regular practice of all the maths-related questions, especially if maths is not your strength. And the most important part of it is to take mock tests. They will help you understand how good your preparation is and you will learn how to timely wrap up the exam. This is a message for all: do not compare your progress with others. Everyone has their own pace in life. Consistency is what matters the most.
Q. As an Assistant Professor and digital creator, how do you ensure that educational content remains academically correct while being engaging and accessible to a wider audience?
It is a challenging task, but my aim is to not compromise on the accuracy just to make the content engaging. My academic background helps me analyse the topics systematically while my experience as a content creator helps me understand how I can make the content in such a manner that it reaches maximum audience through the Instagram algorithm. Whenever I create educational content, I make sure that the facts are correct.
Also, I make sure that I create it in such a manner that I am simplifying the content for the audience. I prefer using relatable examples that can help people understand the concept better. At the end of the day, my job is to make content that is understandable and where learning is approachable. If a person finds the short video interesting and they stay for more, my job is done there.
Q. For students aspiring to build careers in Mass Communication, which skills and experiences matter most beyond academic qualifications, especially in today's evolving media landscape?
I think the biggest mistake that any Mass Communication or Journalism student is making in today’s times is to think that the degree is enough for a career in this field. Mass Communication is a field where practical skills and the ability to communicate properly are especially important. Students should learn to write well, research information, and tell stories across different formats.
Depending on their interests, they can explore video editing, social media, public relations, advertising, media planning, and much more. Understanding AI tools is also becoming very valuable. I would strongly encourage students to build a portfolio while they are still in college. Create a campaign, produce a short documentary, write a press release, manage a social media page, or whatever you are interested in. Do not wait for your first job to start. Your college years are the perfect time to experiment.
Q. Having experienced both classroom teaching and digital education, how do you think the role of a teacher is changing in an age where students can learn from creators and online platforms?
I think in today’s age, especially when AI is booming like anything, teachers are not the primary source of information anymore, but they are a bridge between the source of information and the understanding that students need to have about different concepts.
As an educator, I see digital learning platforms as an opportunity rather than a competition. A short video might help a student understand a specific topic in an easier manner, which is a good thing. However, I feel that class discussions and teacher guidance can help a student understand a topic in greater depth. And I also feel that teachers should also adapt to the constantly evolving world of digital education. They should learn about new tools in teaching that are appearing and should use them with the traditional tools to teach better.
Q. To end on a lighter note, what is one book, film, or series you would recommend to every student, and what makes it worth their time?
As a teacher, I would recommend every student to watch Dead Poets Society. It is a beautiful film about individuality and seeing things from a fresher perspective. It is a reminder that education does not have to be about getting good grades. It should be about discovering yourself, your interests, and following the path that you want to follow.
And for teachers also, it is a good film because it shows the role of an educator beyond the classroom. So, a right teacher can completely change how a student sees the world.
Bio
Ishita Arora is a digital creator and Assistant Professor who combines her passion for education, career guidance, and lifestyle content to connect with a growing community of learners. Through her platform, she shares insights into academic life, professional growth, and the experiences that shape her journey. With a focus on UGC NET preparation, career development, and one-on-one career guidance, Ishita aims to make learning and career planning more accessible for students and young professionals. Through her content, she encourages her audience to explore opportunities, make informed choices, and navigate their personal and professional journeys with confidence.
Interviewed By Ritika Tawar
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