Tell us about your education background?
I completed my SSC from BAF Shaheen School and my HSC from Notre Dame College, both from Science Discipline. Later I switched to Business Studies and completed my BBA from IBA, University of Dhaka.
What was your first job after graduation?
On March 14, 2011, I joined Viyellatex Group as a Management Trainee in the Sales & Distribution team.
How did you get the job?
When we were in our final semester, we had an event organised at our university titled “Corporate Week.” I was quite impressed with the presentation of Viyellatex and dropped my resume afterwards. Their recruitment started in February and after a written exam and an interview, I was selected for the position.
What was your biggest accomplishment in that position?
As a Management Trainee (MT), we had the opportunity to work at all the functional departments of the organisation. It was a wonderful experience to understand the ins and outs of the RMG business.
After nine months and completion of my MT period, I was promoted to the position of assistant manager and subsequently after 3 months, in May 2012, assumed the role of account head for the client Phillip Van Heussen.
Looking back, what is the most valuable lesson you picked up from your first job?
People management was my most valuable learning from my experience there. I would say in any job, it’s essential to manage all your stakeholders with utmost care and caution as all of them are extremely important.
Did your first job change your mind about what you want to do with the rest of your career?
Not really, I always sought a position that offers me a measure of responsibility and authority. Being a finance major, I decided to move towards a role that was a blend of selling and also financial analysis.
Who inspired you the most in your first job?
My first Line Manager, Ms Farhana Rahman, has been an inspirational figure for me ever since I have met her. In an industry dominated by men at all managerial levels, she earned her position as the most accomplished Account Head in the organisation. Her determination, calm under pressure, ability to analyse a situation to find solutions and efficient management of both internal and external stakeholders has always been a guiding example for me.
