At Brilliant Read Media, it is our constant endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the startup ecosystem. As part of this, we invited Priyanka Bhandari for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Priyanka is a Career Counsellor, International Education Consultant and Founder at Career Bee. Let’s learn more about her background, inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Priyanka:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I grew up in an environment where art, music, and books were part of everyday life—my mother was an artist, and music ran deep in my family’s heritage. These early influences nurtured my empathy, creativity, and ability to view life through a broader lens.
My professional journey began while I was still pursuing my English Honours degree at Calcutta University, when I started teaching children for a little extra pocket money. What began as a small step soon became a turning point—I discovered how deeply fulfilling teaching was and how naturally I connected with students.
Over the years, teaching English and Psychology to high school students became an integral part of my life and laid the foundation for my career in education. As I evolved, I realised that my true calling was guiding students more holistically—beyond academics—towards meaningful career paths.
To strengthen this passion with professional expertise, I pursued certifications in Global Career Counselling from Univariety and UCLA Extension. These programs equipped me with the tools to merge my experience with global best practices.
Today, as a career counsellor and founder of CareerBee, I am privileged to empower students and young professionals by helping them discover their strengths and chart purposeful career journeys. Looking back, I see how the blend of creativity from my upbringing and the structured knowledge from my training has shaped not only my career but also the way I connect with and guide others.
‘CareerBee’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving.
Nature has always inspired me, and as a child, I was fascinated by bees. I admired their discipline, teamwork, and the way each one played a role in creating something sweet and nourishing. From that inspiration, CareerBee was born.
At CareerBee, we embody those same values—hard work, organisation, fairness, and collaboration. Our mission is to guide students so that the “honey” they produce is not just success, but fulfilment. We want them to become healthy competitors, equipped with the right knowledge and passion to achieve their dreams.
The challenge we address is one faced by countless students: following socially approved paths rather than discovering their true strengths. We help them identify the best-fit career that aligns with who they are—so they don’t just become money-makers, but confident professionals who take pride in their work.
Our unique strength lies in the personalised “buzzing touch” we bring: walking with each student on their journey of self-discovery and growth.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
For me, challenges are not roadblocks—they are stepping stones to growth. Every difficulty I’ve faced has pushed me to think more critically, explore solutions creatively, and grow more independent as both a thinker and an executor.
I often remind myself of a saying that has shaped my perspective: “If it happens the way you want, it is good. But if it doesn’t, it is even better, because life is guiding you to something greater.” This mindset helps me see challenges as hidden opportunities.
When things get tough, what truly keeps me going is the impact I can create for my students and clients. Helping them navigate uncertainty and discover their own strengths motivates me to push harder.
I remember one student who was torn between parental expectations and her own passions. Guiding her through that confusion and watching her transform into a confident young professional reminded me why I do this work. Every such moment is humbling and empowering—it allows me to grow as an individual while reaffirming my purpose.
In many ways, challenges are my compass. They remind me that resilience and perspective are what transform obstacles into milestones.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
The first lesson I’ve learned is that life always has its own timing. Things may not always unfold the way we want, but they often unfold the way we need. Patience and faith have shown me that what feels like a setback is often just a redirection.
The second lesson is that compassion is strength. Whether teaching high school students or counselling young professionals, I’ve seen that people flourish when they are met with kindness, understanding, and encouragement. This approach doesn’t just transform others—it deepens your own growth as well.
The third lesson is that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. From teaching for pocket money as a student to building my career as a counsellor, every small step beyond my comfort zone has expanded my horizons. I’ve learned that even the smallest brave choices can eventually build extraordinary journeys.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
For me, success is not defined by titles or material gains—it’s about living a life that feels meaningful and aligned with your true self.
I believe the keys to success are:
Clarity – knowing what matters most to you.
Dedication – showing up every day, even when motivation fades.
Resilience – turning failures into lessons and moving forward.
But above all, true success comes from balancing ambition with joy. If you are only running toward goals without enjoying the journey, you miss the essence.
For me, the sweetest form of success is seeing my students grow into confident individuals—because their growth is a reflection of the purpose I’ve chosen to live by.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
My advice is simple: start with self-discovery. Before chasing a socially approved path, pause and ask yourself—What lights me up? What feels natural to me? Careers built on self-awareness are not only more successful but also deeply fulfilling.
Second, don’t be afraid of change. The world is evolving rapidly, and so should you. Keep learning, keep upskilling, and welcome opportunities that challenge you. Growth often comes from the unexpected.
And finally, define success on your own terms. It’s wonderful to be ambitious, but it’s equally important to enjoy the process, celebrate small wins, and carry kindness with you. A career should not only give you financial security—it should also bring you pride and happiness every morning when you wake up.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
What makes my journey deeply fulfilling is the transformation I witness in others. From guiding a hesitant teenager to helping them secure their dream admission abroad, every success story is a reminder of why I chose this path.
No two journeys are ever the same, and that’s what keeps my work exciting. Every student I meet teaches me something new and adds meaning to my own journey.
The greatest reward is the ripple effect—when one inspired student goes on to inspire many others. That’s what makes my work not just a profession, but a calling.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
