Feature

A Career Development Talk Out of the Ordinary

Asrar Chowdhury

STAR Campus of the Daily Star in collaboration with Prothom-Alo Jobs organised a seminar “Motivation for Career Success” at the Prothom-Alo Office 20 January 2010. The key speaker was Munir Hasan Khan, Founder and CEO of Impra Consulting International, USA. I was fortunate to attend this wonderful talk that gave an insight to Munir's own life story to inspire the young who were present that day. Abdul Quayum, Joint Editor, Prothom Alo; and Shahnoor Wahid, Editor, Star Campus, Daily Star inaugurated the ceremony. Riyad Hossain, COO), Prothom-Alo Jobs introduced Munir Hasan Khan to the audience. Students from Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, Independent University, North South University, Ahsanullah University, and Dhaka City College were present. Faculties from Daffodil International University and myself were also present.

Munir Hasan Khan is a success story of the American Dream that if you work hard and persevere with your goals you will succeed. Born to a humble family in Bangladesh, Munir started his schooling in Rangpur where his Father was working as a Government Officer. He went to the USA after finishing studies at the Institute of Business Administration, Dhaka University. Like many other immigrants to the USA, Munir started with odd jobs, but with determination and above all having a dream to look forward he persevered and gradually made his way up the social ladder. Today he is based in California and is a successful international consultant on Micro-Credit Financing and Career Development.

Munir repeatedly stressed from his own life story that it is very much possible to succeed in any career and anywhere in life. However, job satisfaction has to determine the choice of a person's career. Without this satisfaction it is impossible to make a meaningful contribution. It is also of paramount interest that after making the choice of one's career that one has time and freedom to enjoy life. We work to have time to enjoy life, not for life to enjoy us.

The students were mesmerised at the charisma of Munir Hasan Khan. Positive externalities spilled over to the faculties including myself that career is important, but life is bigger. Life is a gift from the heavens that is meant for enjoyment in whatever and however way we define our lives. Happiness is the ultimate destination of all careers.

(Asrar Chowdhury teaches economics at Jahangirnagar and North South Universities. Email: asrarul@gmail.com)