The Beginning of a Journey: My First Job with Save the Children
It was the afternoon of August 7, 2010. I was sitting in Rabindra Sharabor, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, chatting with a senior friend. Just four months had passed since I relocated to Dhaka from Madaripur after completing my HSC exams. My days were filled with university coaching, homework, exploring the city, and indulging in addabazi (casual conversations). During my school days, I was actively involved with the National Children’s Task Force (NCTF), a child-led organization under the Listen to Children’s Voices (LCV) project by Save the Children Australia (SCA), in partnership with the Bangladesh Government (Bangladesh Shishu Academy).
That afternoon, I received a call from an official at SCA asking me to meet in person. When we met, he informed me about an exciting opportunity: SCA was recruiting Child Rights Promoters (CRP) to oversee the LCV project across the country. Given my involvement with NCTF, I was thrilled at the prospect. This was a chance to make a difference and contribute to a cause I was deeply passionate about.
Our first meeting was held on September 11, 2010, at SCA’s Dhanmondi office. Eighteen of us were appointed as CRPs, each responsible for specific districts. I was assigned Madaripur (my hometown), Shariatpur, Munshiganj, and Brahmanbaria. Our role was to visit these districts monthly, monitor LCV activities, and provide support to local NCTF teams. At just 18 years and two months old, this became my first job, marking the beginning of an incredible journey.
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Balancing Work, Study, and Life
I started my BBA program at the American International University Bangladesh (AIUB) in early 2011. My classes were held three days a week, leaving me with Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays to dedicate to my CRP responsibilities. I planned my field trips meticulously, leaving Dhaka on Tuesday afternoons after classes, reaching the assigned district at night, and returning on Saturday evenings to ensure I never missed university.
Balancing university assignments and fieldwork was challenging, but I managed by working on my homework during my trips. While my peers spent weekends socializing, going to movies, or shopping, I was coordinating projects, organizing workshops, and engaging with local stakeholders. I considered these trips as my personal adventures, exploring people, places, and cultures across Bangladesh.
Memorable Experiences and Lessons Learned
In my five years with Save the Children, I visited over 33 districts, nearly half of Bangladesh. Each visit was an opportunity to learn and grow. I vividly remember the train rides through Narayanganj and the bustling railway stations, observing people and their lives. One of the most remarkable journeys was a 10-day trip in 2011, where we visited 11 districts in northern Bangladesh—a transformative experience I still cherish.
I gained hands-on experience in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating projects. My role required constant coordination with local and national stakeholders, which honed my leadership and agility. Applying the management principles I learned at university to real-world scenarios was incredibly fulfilling.
While balancing university, work, and personal life was challenging, I never felt burdened. These field visits became my solo adventures, providing me with a unique lens to view the world. Yes, it was exhausting at times, but the experience was worth every effort.
Impact on My Career
I worked with Save the Children until two weeks after my graduation, leaving on the 14th day of earning my BBA degree. Shortly after, I joined the largest media house in Bangladesh, Prothom Alo, in its digital business unit. However, my time with Save the Children remains the most transformative phase of my career. It shaped my understanding of accountability, documentation, teamwork, and leadership.
Today, as I lead the product team at one of Bangladesh’s fastest-growing fintech companies, I often reflect on the lessons from my first job. It taught me the value of purpose-driven work and laid a solid foundation for the roles I’ve taken on since.
A Message to University Students
If you’re a university student reading this, my advice is simple: get involved in part-time work or internships as early as possible. The experience will not only set you apart from your peers but also provide invaluable insights into the professional world. My journey began at 18, and those five years made all the difference.
Being nostalgic, signing off from Dhaka on 28 August 2020.
