Conversations often teach you more than textbooks

Apeejay School, Saket alumnus Shivam Dhir reflects on his school days, reveals what it takes to lead strategy at TikTok UK, and shares timeless advice for Gen-Z content creators.

By Arijit Roy: Shivam Dhir, an Apeejay School, Saket alumnus from the 2015 batch, currently leads strategic operations at TikTok in the United Kingdom. As a commerce student with a fondness for English and music, Shivam recalls his school years as formative and personal.

With a calm confidence, he now steers high-impact decisions for one of the world’s biggest tech platforms. In this interview, he opens up about his roots, responsibilities, and the wisdom he has gained on building a meaningful and sustainable career.

You spent 12 years at Apeejay School, Saket. What was your school journey like?

It was quite fulfilling, honestly. The school had a relaxed atmosphere, and with a small batch size—just around a hundred students—there was this strong sense of closeness. We all knew each other well, and that made for a supportive peer environment.

Even the bond with teachers was personal, especially in Class 12 when it really counted. Some teachers went out of their way to help, and I’m very grateful for that.

Which subjects were you drawn to the most?

English and Business Studies were my favourites. I was a Commerce with Maths student, and while numbers were always a part of the plan given my family background, I truly enjoyed the creative space that English offered.

What was life beyond the classroom like for you?

I did Taekwondo during my early years and even reached the state level. I also had a deep interest in music—I played the keyboard regularly during school events.

Did the school shape your personality or career goals in any way?

Absolutely. Academically, yes—but also in terms of values and soft skills.  Various teachers really helped shape my thought process. Their encouragement and mentorship still stay with me.

What inspired you to pursue Commerce, and eventually, a global career?

It was a natural choice—I come from a business family, so the world of finance and numbers always intrigued me. But I also wanted to build something on my own terms, like my father did. That drive led me to explore opportunities beyond India, and today, I’m based in the UK, leading strategy at TikTok.

Could you tell us more about your role at TikTok?

Certainly. As a strategy lead, I work on defining operational strategies, collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify the best paths for business growth.

Recently, I led expansion efforts for TikTok Shop across four European markets. It’s a role that blends analytics, coding, and big-picture thinking—so it keeps me on my toes!

What advice would you give to young students and aspiring content creators?

Social media can seem incredibly exciting, but it’s not a long-term career unless backed by a strong foundation. Many influencers peak early and fade out within five years.

If you want longevity, you need to invest in academics and real-life learning. And most importantly—talk to people, listen, and learn. Conversations often teach you more than textbooks.

Source: www.apeejay.news

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