Annesha Ahmed in Bangladesh
In this new blog series, I’d like to ask four questions to people from different countries, backgrounds, professions, and genders who have all one thing in common: volunteering. I hope you’ll get inspired by their journeys and take the leap into volunteering.
Notice: The positions, views and information contained published here are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily represent my views or opinions.
Annesha Ahmed is a Business Development Strategist with 16+ years of experience in Strategy Development, Project Management, Marketing Management, Business Research and Consultancy in Power Generation and CMMI Level 5 ITES companies.
Currently working as Director, Strategy and Business Development at Diesel Power Services Limited, 30+ years old off Grid power supply management company with 80% of area coverage in Bangladesh and $20 million project delivery each year. She is an Adjunct Faculty of Project Management for senior level software engineering undergraduate students.
She is volunteering with PMI Bangladesh Chapter since 2013 and PMI since 2015. Currently leading PMI Bangladesh Chapter as President.
Annesha is a PMP (Project Management Institute, USA), hold an MBA in International Business (Dhaka University) and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering (BRAC University). She is a Mandarin Language Efficient (Institute Modern Language - Dhaka University) and loves to explore new countries, languages and cultures.
How did you begin to volunteer?
I grew up seeing my father helping our community whenever there was a natural calamity or anyone particular in trouble and that motivated me to be part of the volunteering to support a cause or anyone in need. This led me to actively participate in raising fund for the treatment of Acid victims while I was in school.
Why did you continue volunteering?
Always believed in Volunteering with a purpose and every effort should have an impact at large. When I got to know about PMI in 2013, I felt inspired that a Chapter run by only the volunteers with a common interest can offer so much to the community and of course it was indeed “Good things happen when you are with PMI.” So the journey is on ever since and it gives immense happiness every time for giving back to the society.
How has volunteering helped you in your career?
Absolutely it did. I have learnt so many things from meeting management to stress management while working on diversified initiatives with different teams. These experiences and skills are helping me to manage my day-to-day work and critical decision makings. Plus, the networking part has always been the cherry on top. Got to know so many individuals around the world and I am so proud to say that I have at least one friend every corner of the world. This also helped tremendously to develop my communication skills.
Would you encourage other people to take up volunteering, and if so, why?
Definitely yes! I feel everyone should start volunteering from an early age or start from any point you are in now. This opens up to a lot of opportunities for learning new things, meeting new people and refurbishing the thought process. And finally a purpose driven volunteering can take you to places. So get in to the train NOW!
