Q1. How does Mr. Prayukt describe his career journey and its biggest challenge?
Answer: Mr. Prayukt describes his career as a journey of experimentation across different organisations and sectors. He says the biggest challenge was creating his own path without sufficient guidance.
Q2. How did UPSC preparation influence Mr. Prayukt’s career journey?
Answer: Mr. Prayukt spent four years preparing for UPSC and appeared in three attempts without clearing the preliminary stage. The prolonged preparation affected his social identity and confidence, eventually leading him to leave the cycle.
Q3. What did Mr. Prayukt do after leaving UPSC preparation?
Answer: Mr. Prayukt cleared NET in 2022 and briefly pursued a master’s degree in Sociology and Social Anthropology. He later returned to Delhi, explored the private sector and secured an internship with the Aam Aadmi Party during the MCD elections.
Q4. How did Mr. Prayukt enter the public policy sector?
Answer: His internship with the Aam Aadmi Party became an entry point into public policy. He subsequently worked with the Delhi Dialogue and Development Commission, the office of Dr. Fauzia Khan and the Indian School of Public Policy.
Q5. What is Mr. Prayukt’s advice on handling rejection?
Answer: Mr. Prayukt says rejection is a normal part of career building, while selection is comparatively rare. He advises students to manage expectations, present their best capabilities and learn from their experiences.
Q6. How can Mr. Prayukt’s UPSC preparation experience benefit students professionally?
Answer: Mr. Prayukt says UPSC preparation helped him develop knowledge, critical thinking and the ability to connect different aspects of an issue. He believes these skills can be applied beyond competitive examinations.
Q7. Why does Mr. Prayukt consider LinkedIn important for students and professionals?
Answer: Mr. Prayukt describes LinkedIn as an extended CV and says it helped him access internships, professional opportunities and employment. He recommends maintaining an active and professional digital presence.
Q8. What should Mr. Prayukt recommend students post on LinkedIn?
Answer: Mr. Prayukt recommends sharing experiences, learnings and skills rather than simply listing certificates or internships. Students should explain what they learned and how those skills can be applied in future opportunities.
Q9. Does Mr. Prayukt believe government examinations are the only route to a successful career?
Answer: No. Mr. Prayukt highlights multiple career pathways beyond government examinations and encourages students to remain open to opportunities across different sectors while continuously developing their skills and experience.
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