The trend setter
The struggle in life makes us the person we are today. Next Step had a coffee conversation with G. Sumdany Don, a person who's reached quite the heights in such young age because of his struggle and hard work. He is currently working in one of the top multinational corporations. But, more than that, Sumdany Don is the only career counselor who's introduced a course on career training, named Career Vision, at University of Liberal Arts.
NS: You are a successful individual for your age and your work-life seems charming from every angle. Has it been a smooth road for you?
G. Sumdany Don: Not at all. In fact, it's been a real bumpy road for me. I belong to an average middle class family. I had to work from an early age to cover my tuition fees. Later, I couldn't apply to one of the socially accepted “best private universities”. I joined University of Liberal Arts (ULAB) to study Media and Communication. To be honest, my university had a huge role to play in my life. I am who I am because of my university. I continued to work in my student life. The network I have is the result of my hard work as a student. Having to worry about having a job while being a student probably made me aware of reality earlier than a lot of people.
NS: Why did you feel the necessity to become a career counselor?
G. Sumdany Don: I had the opportunity to be a part of a workshop back when I was an undergraduate student. The workshop made me realize the need of career directions. If I needed it, plenty of other students also did. So, I went to my Vice-Chancellor right after I graduated and told me that I wanted to teach. Unlike most people would have done, he took me seriously and asked what exactly I meant. I, then, explained the idea of career counseling, named Career Vision. My idea was much appreciated and thus I began to take the course. Later, I also started teaching for East-West University. I realized the need of grooming and I believe I've been able to help many students in the past few years.
NS: Tell me about your first work experience as a kid.
G. Sumdany Don: I can't remember of any voluntary work experiences as a kid. But my official first work was for Darland Intl. School in Mirpur. I joined their as a part time teacher and I remember enjoying every bit of it.
NS: A form of prejudice is practiced in some of the top companies around that base on the educational institution of potential employees. How fair do you think the practice is?
G. Sumdany Don: It'd be outrageous to say it's fair. But, in all honesty, they do it because we have way too many graduates compared to the number of jobs available and picking potential employees from reputed institutions makes the filtration process easier for them. Nevertheless, the process cannot be justified in any possible way. But let me tell you a secret, even if the job requires graduation from specific universities, people who are courageous enough to apply often get an opportunity. Once again, I'm not trying to justify their actions. There can be talent anywhere and no university can make all their students shine like stars. I've met many talented, hard-working people who graduated from not so known universities.
NS: What five factors would you state to differentiate between local and multinational corporations?
G. Sumdany Don: The multinational companies have grown to be the primary choice of employment because of many reasons. Among them, the five factors would be-
1. Overall environment
2. Compensation and benefits
3. Tendency to groom, help people grow, and retain
4. Opportunity to complete with international talents
5. Faster career growth for those who are talented and work hard
NS: What motivates you in life- recognition or financial benefits?
G. Sumdany Don: Money is always important. Nevertheless, nothing is more important than career and the intangible benefits that come along. I can't say I will work for someone if I'm not happy with the remuneration. Then again, we all do things for recognition as well. Especially me! If I have to choose one, I'd choose social recognition over financial benefits every time.
NS: What advice would you like to give to the youth?
G. Sumdany Don: Education is definitely the most important factor. But more than that, be involved in extra-curricular activities. Try to work while being a student. Help others as much as possible. That's the secret of success. Helping people is the easiest way of building your network and that's what you need to be successful in life- people who think you are reliable and hard working. Build a good network around you along with hard work. Success will come knocking your door soon enough.
Interviewed by: Asif Kamal
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