Tell us a little about your education background?
I’m an Electrical & Electronic Engineering graduate from Islamic University of Technology; I did my HSC from Notredame College and SSC from St. Joseph High School.
What was your first job after graduation?
I joined as a Supply Chain Management Trainee straight out of university at British American Tobacco Bangladesh.
How did you get the job?
BAT follows a much standardised recruitment process. They started by collecting CVs from universities, going through analytical tests, multiple levels of interviews, and the most exciting of all the famous BAT Assessment Center, which in my opinion is “one hell of an experience!” It taught me a lot about myself.
What was your biggest accomplishment in that position?
I think the biggest accomplishment in functional terms would be pretty irrelevant (and boring even, to some) to share publicly. I would rather say I achieved a thorough understanding of BAT business and more specifically a sound understanding with hands on experience of one of the largest and most complex supply chains in Bangladesh.
Looking back, what is the most valuable lesson you picked up from your first job?
At this day and age it is ever so important to learn everyday from reading, from each and every conversation, from every activity possible. Only an attitude to learn continuously, instead of only learning big lessons, will enable you to grow and develop.
Did your first job change your mind about what you want to do with the rest of your career?
Yes it did! I knew that I wanted to be a supply chain professional.
Who inspired you the most in your first job?
It would be difficult as well as unfair to mention one over the rest. I must say I was lucky enough to have coaches, mentors and peers who inspired me almost every day.
