Pathfinder’s educational magazine, Careers360 launched

Pathfinder Publishing, owned by Maheshwer Peri, has launched its first title, Careers360. The magazine will be distributed and marketed by the Outlook Group

The first issue of the monthly educational magazine, Careers360, is out. The magazine, published by Pathfinder Publishing, was launched by APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India, recently.

Maheshwer Peri, publisher of general interest magazine, Outlook, has a 90 per cent stake in Pathfinder Publishing. The remaining 10 per cent is held by Rajesh Jain, founder of Netcore Solutions.

Careers360 is targeted at SEC A and B students and professionals in their mid-careers – that is, the age group of 17-35 years – who want to hone their skills or venture into entrepreneurship.

“After completing their education, 99 per cent people are on the streets because they don't have a Plan B. They rely on guidance given by relatives, friends or neighbours. There are many good institutes around, but they don't know about them. For example, few people know about the Indian Statistical Institute. Careers360 is all about providing such information,” says Peri.

The first issue of the magazine has a print run of 90,000 copies. While about 77,000 copies are available at more than 8,000 outlets across the country, 13,000 copies are being sent complimentary to colleges.

As a promotion, if the college library writes back to Pathfinder Publishing, it will be put on the complimentary list for a year. Similarly, though subscriptions to students are not available on discounted rates, they are free to cancel their subscriptions at any time, and “get a refund, if they don't like the magazine.”

The magazine has a cover price of Rs 40. Mahesh Sharma, who was a research scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru University, is the editor of the magazine. “As he has been a teacher too, Mahesh understands the domain very well,” says Peri, on the choice of editor.

Careers360 is being marketed and distributed by the Outlook Group. Peri refused to divulge investment and marketing and ad expenditure details. The magazine will be advertised through a ticker campaign on NDTV 24X7. “We'll also be reaching out to our TG on another news channel soon,” says Peri.

A print campaign, too, is on the anvil. BTL activities -- such as kiosk displays and on-the-spot subscriptions -- in college and university campuses, or other places where students hang out, are also planned.