Azad, could you briefly tell us about yourself?
Well, I started my Primary Education at Alethea International School and did both O/Level and A/Level at Alethea. It was my enthusiasm and love towards Mathematics which encouraged me to pursue my A/Level in the Physical Science stream. However, I think the Northwood University degree programme at ANC changed my entire career to what it is today.
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| Azad Ur Rahman |
At ANC I did a bachelor's degree in International Business/Management from Northwood University, USA. I was fortunate to be selected for the Master's degree programme in Supply Chain and Operations programme at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY), USA. During the programme I was convinced that Supply Chains and Logistics was my passion.
My final thesis on "Demand forecasting for supply chain reconfiguration" earned me highest honours.
My love for statistics and mathematics helped me to understand demand forecasting in a supply chain context and thereby write a highly effective paper for my final thesis. I got selected for the MBA programme of University of Tennessee at Knoxville (UT), USA, which is ranked number 5 in the US. I plan to continue my studies upto Ph.D. level in UT.
What are your interests and hobbies during your educational career?
I got involved in a lot of extra curricular activities in my school and university. I was the president of Model United Nations as well as the Interact Club in school. I was the president of ANC Student Council. Cricket was my favourite sport. The best part of my cricketing career was getting selected for the spin bowling academy which was part of the Sri Lankan pool for the Under-19 World Cup. Apart from cricket I enjoy playing other sports.
Azad, could you outline a few of your greatest accomplishments?
Working with a team as opposed to an individual is far more challenging. Therefore team accomplishments mean more to me than any other accomplishments achieved alone. In this line I would say winning the sports meet under my captaincy during my last year in school was a truly memorable occasion. In a highly competitive environment, managing several aspects and guiding a House to be champion is no easy task. I feel this experience changed my life to a great extent to understand how important a team work truly is.
What are your career goals? How will this programme help you achieve your goals?
I've had evolving goals. For a certain time period after my Bachelor’s degree, I wanted to be a Manager/Senior Executive of a leading multinational company. Now I feel really excited about the research side of Supply Chain and Logistics. However, to be honest goals need to be assessed each passing year.
What are the factors that helped you to get where you are?
First, my school education gave me the foundation. Secondly, my choice of selection of ANC for higher education provided me the inspirational foundation to achieve and plan my future career path in an optimistic way.
I sincerely thank all my professors and counsellors at ANC for their guidance. I am excited to meet up with classmates when I get back. Their success stories are heartening and I am happy for each and every one of them. We have a strong alumni network with very smart young graduates doing impressive work.
What advice can you give to A/Level students and school leavers?
Keep dreaming. I am a big day-dreamer myself, and if I can achieve a fraction of things that I day-dream about, I'll consider myself a success. Besides that keeping an eye out for new opportunities is important.
Azad is one of many students who achieved their dreams through ANC. If you would like to obtain more details about Northwood you are welcome to visit us at ANC University College, 308-310, R.A. De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 03. |
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