Shams Rashid Tonmoy

Sub-editor & Feature Writer, Tech & Startup, The Daily Star

Top transferable skills in today’s job market

Transferable skills, a common term in the world of modern job hunting, are best described as proficiencies you can carry from one job to another. If you're considering shifting jobs soon, you should ensure you have sufficiently honed these essential skills, so you stand out as a strong candidate in today’s competitive job market.

3w ago

5 ice-breakers to make your next professional gathering less awkward

We’ve all been there: stuck in a professional meet-up, awkwardly lingering in a corner, unsure of how to jump into a conversation. Here are five practical ice-breakers to help you break the silence and get the conversation flowing.

1m ago

How soon should you switch careers?

Switching careers—for both new professionals and seasoned veterans—is a risky decision to take. So, when is the optimal time to consider switching careers?

1m ago

Empowering self-sufficiency in Bangladesh: Specialised ICT training for people with disabilities

The growth of AI and digital skills in Bangladesh is creating new opportunities for people with disabilities, offering fresh hope for greater inclusion in the workforce. One such initiative is currently being implemented by the Building Youth Employability Through Skills (BYETS) project of Swisscontact, in collaboration with the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP).

3m ago

5 types of people you should keep in your professional network

No matter what step you are in your career, networking can make or break your professional success. But, who should you prioritise on your list?

3m ago

Honor 200: A stylish all-rounder

Despite its recent entry, Honor seems eager to make a statement with the Honor 200, which promises to be a high-end device with near-flagship qualities. Let's take a closer look.

3m ago

Bangladeshi Stanford graduate’s AI startup receives $750K funding

Story Engine Inc., an AI startup co-founded by Bangladeshi Stanford graduate Sheikh Srijon, has received $750,000 in pre-seed funding from the reputed venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (A16Z). The startup, founded by Sheikh Srijon, Zhizhuo Zhou, and Wanrong He, aims to revolutionise the realm of webtoon and anime creation through generative AI technology.

3m ago

How to conduct a 'career audit' for yourself

Just as companies conduct annual performance reviews to assess employee performance, you could do a "career audit" for yourself as well. This should help you reflect on your professional accomplishments so far, and help you decide whether or not you are satisfied in your current role.

3m ago
August 20, 2024
August 20, 2024

The art of embracing feedback for self-improvement

In today's fast-paced competitive workplace, a small positive comment like "Good job" from your employer can go a long way. Inversely, a negative comment can leave you feeling deflated - and repeated instances can even lead to burnout and wanting to quit. However, when approached with the right mindset, both types of feedback can significantly contribute to professional development.

August 15, 2024
August 15, 2024

How social media mobilised netizens as vigilantes in a “lawless” country

August 5. The day the student-led mass protests did the unthinkable in toppling the previous regime, with the aspiration to build back the country from the ground up - one brick at a time.

August 13, 2024
August 13, 2024

A 30-something's guide to modern job hunting

Whether you were suddenly let go of your previous job or looking to start anew, job hunting in your 30s can be an especially difficult experience. Here is a quick breakdown of some challenges and strategies you should be aware of when looking for a new job in your 30s.

July 30, 2024
July 30, 2024

Refocusing on work when nothing feels right

Amid an urge to return to normalcy, you wouldn't be shamed for feeling a bit overwhelmed. Unfortunately, whether we feel ready or not, we have to return to work. The bills don't pay themselves, after all.

July 9, 2024
July 9, 2024

Future-proofing your finances: Saving up the first paychecks

While your first paychecks might seem like a ticket to financial freedom, your current financial habits will impact your future. Instead of spending it all on a shopping spree, consider saving some of that money. Here's 'why' and 'how' you should go about saving up your first full-time paychecks.

July 3, 2024
July 3, 2024

Capitalising on market trends: the secret sauce to success

Nvidia's recent meteoric rise provides a compelling example of the power of capitalising on current market trends. Let’s take a look at how capitalising on market trends can be the secret sauce to your startup’s success.

June 25, 2024
June 25, 2024

AI is making way for a new era of soft skills. Here's how

With AI gaining popularity across various workplaces, there arises a demand for skilled professionals capable of effectively operating AI models to yield the most desirable outcomes. Moreover, beyond these roles, there is a growing need for positions that AI simply cannot replicate, owing to its inherently non-human nature.

May 18, 2024
May 18, 2024

From fringe hobby to national pride

For years, gaming in Bangladesh was seen as a waste of time -- often dismissed as a frivolous activity or a distraction from more “serious” pursuits. Traditional societal norms placed little value on gaming, perceiving it as an endeavour devoid of any real-world benefits.

April 23, 2024
April 23, 2024

Navigating the big, scary world of your first career break

Whether it's for studies or personal development, stepping away from work can be scary, especially when you're new to the full-time world. In our world of constant hustle, taking a break to recharge and refocus takes guts. But, if you're up for it, the rewards can be worthwhile.

April 8, 2024
April 8, 2024

PriyoShop: Connecting local brands and mom-and-pop shops by facilitating product distribution

In the bustling streets of Bangladesh, mom-and-pop shops, also known as 'mudir dokan' in Bangla, stand as pillars of commerce, signifying an economic revolution that is steadily reshaping the retail landscape. At the forefront of this transformation stands PriyoShop, a B2B e-commerce startup that is connecting the dots between brands and mom-and-pop shops.