ADVICE FROM THE YOUNG

Md Shahed Chowdhury. Photo: Prabir Das

MD Shahed Chowdhury is a Management Associate at Rancon Sweaters (AK. Khan and Co. Ltd – Union Joint Venture). Fresh out of high school, right after completing his A levels, Shahed signed up to study CIMA and is now doing his Management level.

CIMA is not only about number crunching, recording and identifying what problems a business is facing, he says. "It's a step ahead (What's Next?)," Shahed explains. "Decision making is the most vital part in many organisations competing in an emerging market like Bangladesh. CIMA certainly adds value to a country like Bangladesh since the demand of decision makers and problem solvers is increasing every day."

A young person always finds it difficult to fit in, right in the beginning. Shahed agrees and shares his experience. "Being a fresher, it is never easy to adapt and blend into the corporate world, after all, theoretical and practical knowledge are two very different things," he says. "Even though it's a challenge, surprisingly I am managing to cope well. I do not have a Bachelors degree and years of experience but, CIMA has rendered me a sense of maturity that is possessed by my colleagues, who themselves have years of work experience and are degree holders."

"Students studying finance and accounting in Universities should consider CIMA after their Bachelors or Masters degrees," says Shahed. "Not only students in Universities, but also those who have completed their HSC/A-levels. If anyone wants to pursue a career in Business, finance or management, my best advice to them is to start CIMA."