Thinking Ahead: Thrive to Success

The eagerly anticipated "Thinking Ahead : Thrive to Success" took place on the 2nd of November and it would not be an overstatement at all to state that it met the expectations of the large number of participants. In fact, it might be the least that can be said about the success it has been. The discussants who were themselves being "discussed" about before the event, made their much awaited appearance in front of the crowd and answered as many questions possible and met the information gap about the hows, whats, whens, wheres and whys of planning and pursuing in their respective fields.

​Our first discussant Dr. Khawaja Mamun started off and elaborated about how he went on to acquire a Ph.D and then teach in the Department of Economics & Finance in the Sacred Heart University, USA. He focused on the importance of perseverance and focus over results or anything by putting himself and the other speakers as examples. Despite holding the 32nd position in his Honors and receiving a 2nd Class in his Masters, the fact that he acquired a Ph.D and teaches in the US certainly broke the myth that hovers around the students regarding higher studies.
Mr. Mohibur Rahman, First Vice-president and a Branch Manager of the City Bank Limited, shed some valuable insight on the requirements of the banking sector and the dos and don'ts. He explained to the students how and why he got into this sector and how he manages it. He also broke some negative general perceptions about the over-competitiveness in the job market of this sector and the difficulties of meeting the given targets.
Deputy Secretary Mr. Foyzul Haque Jurikh, in a very playful manner described in brief, his journey towards joining the Bangladesh Civil Service. He shed light and compared the opportunities that they faced during their time and what is prevalent for the people joining now which is manifold greater from the remuneration to the diversity to the opportunity for higher studies. He himself acquired one of the 4 scholarships available for BCS cadres and completed a Masters in Japan. He emphasized on the necessity of a cadre to attain at least a Masters from a foreign Institute and if possible, a Ph.D to keep pace with the world.
Mr. Ferdous Hasan Neville, Managing Director of the Asiatic JWT, shared his experience about how he eventually reached the stage he is in at the moment. He suggested everyone to take life as it is and to make the best out of the situation that one finds oneself in, even if it is not something one plans for. Ultimately it all turns out positive if one works with dedication. A person with immense creative flare, the fact that he has reached the zenith in a career where creativity is the base, stands as yet another example of following the passion is the key where success follows suit automatically.
Mr. Suman Ghose, Director of Sharnalata Agro and Fisheries and also the head of Marketing and Merchandising, IDS group shared a lot of information and tips with the students. From what to do to what is expected from the other side of the table in an interview, he enlightened the students with it all. He also busted some myths about the sector he works in and showed the current scenario where applicants from here are welcomed. He even shared his dream where he expects that one day most of the firms will have Bangladeshi personnel in high-ranked positions which is now dominated by foreigners with particular expertise.
Mr. Samir Ashraf, Deputy Director, Bangladesh Bank was also present in the session and he didn't hesitate when it came to providing heads-ups to the current students. In a very forthright manner he spoke about his life and philosophy and how he made his choices and how ultimately everything worked out one way or the other. Life is a bundle of adjustments and his words, along with the words of the other discussants, reverberated this.
A question-answer session followed and the discussants answered a versatile bunch of questions regarding the necessity of efficiency in English to the necessity of good results to questions about internship opportunities to tips about marketing policy to proposals of making a stronger network among the alumni and the current students.
Dr. Atonu Rabbani, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, University of Dhaka was the honorable moderator for this event and he also put in his portion of invaluable and necessary information for the students aside from anchoring the whole event.
Honorable faculties Sheikh Jafar Emran Sir, Akbar Kabir Sir, Md. Monir Hossain Sir and Abul Kalam Azad Sir were also there to brace the event with their presence. On their behalf, Jafar Emran sir said that it was a brilliant step and emphasized on the necessity of acquisition of the required skills for the job market (e.g. Presentation skills) by the current students.