“Bridging the gaps, that’s what entrepreneurship is all about.”
Leisure means free time, free time for enjoyment! What if the meaning is changed and it’s better! Dr Rehnuma Karim redefined the meaning of leisure in her virtual session with young university students of Asian University for Women, Chittagong. The fourth virtual hangout session for mentoring and inspiring youth of the nation for leadership and entrepreneurship was simulated under “iLead: Inspiring Generation Next” project on December 22, 2014.
Ms. Rehnuma initiated her session thanking BBF and EMK Center for organizing the session and the students, not only Bangladeshi students but also international students studying at AUW, to be present there. Following the introduction session, she shared her real life experience with the students about entrepreneurship. She discussed the processes of turning leisure activities into leadership quality generating activities.
Creativity, passion, keen observation, determination, confidence, fearlessness of uncertainty and a strong sense of independence are some necessary quality and skills an entrepreneur, as per Rehnuma. The students can involve in activities suitable to their individual interest during their leisure time. “You come up with idea, then you plan, you get everything together and finally you start promoting it. That’s why you need passion to be an entrepreneur. If you don’t have passion for the Idea, you cannot go far and sustain it. You can turn you hobby into passion and create something unique.” Ms. Rehnuma explained regarding the importance of passion for an entrepreneur.
It’s tough to implement an idea all alone; but it becomes easier when you have people supporting you and helping you as you go through the stages of implementing it. That’s why building and maintaining relation and connections is important. Relation and connections is important and can be made by getting involved in different academic and social clubs, foundation and institutions. Ms. Rehnuma instructed, “You have to be a relationship builder. In today’s world you cannot achieve things all by yourself. Today, you can build a connection with me and also with Brand Forum. This is just one link! You must not stop here. I always advise my students to get involved with different organizations and institutions. If you like photography, why don’t you join photography club? Join a club or you can start club by yourself. You have so many international friends here. You can start International Student Club, and create a platform for globalized connection.”
Knowledge is important not only for an entrepreneur but also for all human being. Reading different blogs, magazines, article and others outside regular context can help them to acquire diversified knowledge. She suggested the students to read international journals, newspaper, magazines and keep up-to-date with the world and know what the trend is now.
Real life experience is also much more important for en entrepreneur. Knowledge driven idea backed by real life experience can be a key to success of an entrepreneur. Focusing on the importance of real life experience, she said, “In university you are learning every day, but don’t learn only to get a grade. Try to think how the theories can be applied in real life. Many student get good grade in academic life, but in real world they are in a fix what to do and perform poorly. Theoretical knowledge and real life situation are totally different. So try to get real life experience as much as possible. Get some exposure by volunteer or get an internship. You can learn basic skills there. These can be translated into experience.”
Dr Rehnuma Karim shared a lot of advice with witty examples. “You read, travel and learn about the trends; and try to fill up the gaps. Bridging the gaps, that’s what entrepreneurship is all about.” Said Ms. Rehnuma to sum up the session. The response of the students was also remarkable. Then the session continued with an interaction session. She answered questions asked by the students. International students asked question covering Bangladesh as well as their homeland. The communication finally resulted in solution to confusion of the student. The future leader and entrepreneurs left the session with new inspiration to go beyond, dream big and do something for them, their society and the country making the best use of their leisure time.
By Iftekharul Dastagir
