Education
Siddharth Bijpuria takes charge as upGrad’s new content head (D2C)
MUMBAI: Siddharth Bijpuria has stepped into a new chapter, joining upGrad as head of content for its direct–to–consumer business. The seasoned content and communications leader takes on the role after nearly two decades spent shaping programming strategies, building creator ecosystems and steering some of India’s biggest digital platforms through rapid change.
Before arriving at upGrad, Bijpuria helmed creator content at JioHotstar’s Sparks initiative, a project designed to pull India’s top YouTubers and influencers into the OTT mainstream. In just twelve months, Sparks rolled out more than 30 unscripted shows, proving that internet-first talent can spark appointment-to-watch entertainment.
His longest innings came at Viacom18, where he spent close to eleven years rising through senior leadership roles. At JioCinema, he led non-fiction content strategy along with growth and retention marketing, and earlier headed AVOD content strategy and acquisitions for both JioCinema and Voot. He also drove content partnerships and regional expansion for Voot, and previously managed corporate marketing, communications and CSR at the network.
Bijpuria began his career in public relations, working with firms including Genesis BCW, PR Pundit, Vitcom Consulting and Perfect Relations, handling brands such as Ford India, PepsiCo, CNN, United Breweries, Tata Housing, NDTV Imagine and Mercedes Benz. He even had an early stint as an artist manager and a brief spell at Wipro BPO.
With a track record that spans creators, corporates, channels and campaigns, Bijpuria’s move to upGrad signals a sharpened focus on content as a growth engine. For the edtech major’s D2C business, he arrives with the kind of cross-genre experience that can turn lessons into stories and viewers into learners.
Education
Internshala launches 6 founder-led internships with stipends up to Rs 50,000
Intern With Icon offers direct access to top founders, mentorship and hands-on roles
MUMBAI: Internshala, an upGrad company, has launched a new initiative titled “Intern With Icon”, offering six students a chance to work directly with some of India’s most recognisable founders and faces from Shark Tank India.
The programme brings together a high-profile line-up including Vineeta Singh, Varun Alagh, Peyush Bansal, Namita Thapar, Kunal Bahl and Aman Gupta. One intern will be selected to work with each founder, gaining hands-on exposure across business functions along with direct mentorship.
The internships come with stipends ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000, along with a one-on-one session with the assigned founder. Applications open on April 27 and close on May 10, with final selections to be announced on May 18. The internship will run from May 27 to July 31, 2026.
Unlike traditional programmes, the initiative is degree-agnostic and focuses on potential rather than pedigree. Candidates are expected to demonstrate curiosity, adaptability and problem-solving skills, with basic familiarity in tools like Excel, PowerPoint and Canva seen as an added advantage.
Internshala founder and CEO Sarvesh Agrawal said, “Intern With Icon is designed to bridge aspiration with access. Young talent often admires iconic founders from afar. This programme gives them a chance to learn directly and understand how businesses are built.”
The initiative reflects a broader shift in early-career learning, moving from classroom-style exposure to real-world, founder-led experience. By placing students in the thick of decision-making and execution, Internshala is aiming to make internships less about observation and more about participation.
As competition for meaningful work experience grows, programmes like this could well set the tone for how India’s next generation of professionals gets its first real taste of the business world.
