Arjun Basu is the Content Director at Spafax, the company responsible for Air Canada’s web content, as well as for the airline’s award-winning enRoute magazine. What advice does he have for other young professionals? Find out in today’s YPDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I talk too much to ever do an elevator pitch properly. Also, a screenwriter friend in Hollywood told me never to use the term “elevator pitch” if I ever wanted to sell anything in that town ever.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
You write and you want a paycheck. enRoute was looking for a copyeditor and I thought, wow, a marriage of writing and magazines, what could be better? You want to know how long ago this was? When I started only one computer in the office had an email/internet connection and we all shared it. Talk about barbaric!
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part and the most challenging part are usually the same thing. I’m pretty sure that’s the definition of a good job.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
About to celebrate my 50th birthday and hopefully not having a crisis over it.
What does success look like to you?
Comfort. I don’t mean materially. I mean comfortable in your own skin. If you’re comfortable with who you are, you’re a success.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
I’ve had lots. Being an editor of a magazine that was named best in the industry (twice). Watching your career grow as the company grows and knowing you’ve played a big part of it. But personally, nothing comes close to the birth of my kid.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
How young? If you’re starting out, don’t worry about the paycheck right away. Do what you love even if it means making sacrifices. No one respects the unhappy successful person. Most of all, the person him/herself.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I support a bunch. Medecis Sans Frontieres. A lot of environmental causes, in Quebec, Canada and abroad. I’m especially worried about the oceans. And plastic. Also I have a few friends who do walks or runs every year for different forms of cancer and I support them.
What to you is notable?
Self-respect. A heroic life is one that is lived without hypocrisy.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone all the way. I seriously doubt BlackBerry will around in five years. I don’t even know about two.
