Maisha Zaman, Bruhi Chowdhury & Mahfuza Yesmin
Towards Transformative Career Season-2, a joint initiative by South Asian Youth Society (SAYS) and IABC|BRAC University kicked in with a remarkable initiation. This two-day long program, held from 23rd-24th January, 2015 was aimed at providing the youth aged 16-30, with a glimpse of the reality of various real life scenarios essential for building a successful career and face fierce competition. Mr. Khan Ahmed Murshid – Director, Office of Career Services and Alumni Relations at BRAC University, inaugurated the ceremony with his eloquent speech on how to be a better person and adjust to the needs of this changing world, in terms of professionalism.
Next came the ice-breaking session where all the delegates present there introduced themselves in an interesting and unique manner, through a balloon game. The speaking session rolled on again when Mr. Mushfiq Hassan, Outreach Co-ordinator of Education U.S.A Embassy along with Mr. George Mesthos, Dhaka’s Cultural Affairs Officer, The American Center, took a joint session on Global Opportunity & Higher Education. They mostly talked about pursuing studies in the U.S.A and its positive affirmations on a student’s life and career for a lifetime. After the lunch and prayer break, delegates engaged in an interactive session with Mr. Tanvir Sobhan, Senior Lecturer of Economics and Social Science Department, BRAC University. He answered to various queries associated with pursuing a higher degree in Economics and various relative opportunities available globally.
A flow of utter enthusiasm swept over among the delegates when Mr. Imrul Karim Emil, Celebrity Singer & Senior Marketing Manager of Coca-Cola, Bangladesh conducted a session on branding in MNCs. He emphasized on various aspects including being dependable, getting noticed, being a team player and simply loving the work. Right after his session, both delegates and organizers indulged in taking photographs with him. The swarm of keenness and intensity continued when Mr. Tanvir Chowdhury – Correspondent/Producer of Al Jazeera English in Bangladesh and visiting Faculty Member at American International University-Bangladesh, took a session on Career in Global Media and Journalism.
Dusk rolled on with the arrival of Ms. Johanna Rein, Researcher at Uppsala University and observer at South Asian Youth Leaders’ Summit 2012 (SAYLS’12). She talked about her delightful experiences with SAYS and youth empowerment in critical areas. Nonetheless, the first day ended with the presence of Palki Ahmad, Celebrity Singer & Staff Researcher at Institute of Educational Development, BRAC University who delivered on Leadership from Heart.
The first session of Day 2 began at 9.30 am with the arrival of Mr. Tahsan Rahman Khan, Celebrity Actor and Singer and Senior Lecturer, BRAC University, who talked about his experiences regarding Corporate Branding Consultant.
The next speaker, Mr. Asif Saleh, Senior Director, Strategy, Communication and Empowerment, BRAC & BRAC International, heightened the hype with his presence. He emphasized on the notion, “Less is more” and stated, “The higher you go up you have to convince, manage and motivate people”.
After tea break, Mr. Towfique A. Khan, Founder and President of South Asian Youth Society (SAYS) reviewed day one of the session and gave some key messages. An interactive session based on peace message & peace campaign strategy was held soon after. Different groups among the delegate members came out with several peace messages which included, Compromise for Peace, Think Purpose, not Power, Love Each Other.
The wave of sessions continued with a joint session by Kazi Sahnoor Kabir, Executive OCSAR and Ms. Rakshanda, Career Service Officer, BRAC University on Effective Resume, Cover Letter Writing & Interview Skills. Next, Mr. Solaiman Shukhon – Head of Marketing, Elite Technologies took his session on Creative Problem Solving and Decision Making. Thereafter, Mr. Shariful Islam – Founder of Bangladesh Brand Forum, talked on Achieving Childhood Dreams. According to Mr. Shariful, passion is important and “It all comes down to dreams, purpose & passion”.
The two-day show was given an effective conclusion by Professor Fuad Hassan Mallick, Pro Vice Chancellor of BRAC University and Mr. Towfique A. Khan. Mr. Ratul Dev – EC Member of SAYS, and Founder President of IABC|BRAC University thanked BRAC University officials and organizers of TTC2, for organizing this event.