Shanjida Islam
Senior Associate
Confidence Group
Introducing Ms. Shanjida Islam, a trailblazing Senior Associate at Confidence Group, poised to redefine corporate leadership. With a proven track record in driving innovation and fostering growth, Ms. Islam exemplifies excellence in strategic management. Her dynamic approach and unwavering commitment to success make her a formidable force in the corporate arena. Join us as we explore her journey towards shaping the future of business.
The InCAP: Ms. Shanjida Islam, please share your professional and academic peregrination for our readers!
Ms. Shanjida Islam: Here’s a breakdown of my academic and professional voyage:
Academic Journey:
I have pursued my Bachelors (BBA) and Masters (MBA) from the Department of Banking and Insurance, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Furthermore, I have completed my HSC from Chittagong Cantonment Public College, achieving GPA of 5.00 out of 5.00 in Business Studies and SSC from Aunkur Society Girl’s High School also in Business Studies.
Professional Journey:
My professional journey till now may reflects my expertise in various domains, primarily in human resources and organizational development:
I have joined in CONFIDENCE GROUP (Dhaka, Bangladesh) very recently as a Senior Associate; Compensation & Benefits. Here I am managing the employee final settlements, salary disbursement, tax returns, and other allowances & deductions. I am also handling our HRIS inputs and updates.
Prior to this, I have worked in GRAMEEN DANONE FOODS LIMITED (Dhaka, Bangladesh) in Executive roles in both People & Learning and Sales Force Excellence divisions for more than 2 years. Here, my responsibilities include payroll assistance, letter issuance, training coordination, database maintenance, digitalization efforts, employee engagement, recruitment, and exit formalities.
In BANGLADESH YOUTH LEADERSHIP CENTER (BYLC) (Dhaka, Bangladesh), I have contributed as an Intern in Marketing and Communications, involved in content development, program coordination, and backend support. Based on my internship performance, I got offer to work as an Associate in the Office of Professional Development, handling content management, query resolution, facilitator coordination, and volunteer requisition. Furthermore, I have served as a Facilitator there for CareerX and Career Bootcamp programs, providing training and continuous assistance to participants.
I have done another internship at MUTUAL TRUST BANK LIMITED (MTBL) (Dhaka, Bangladesh) as well. Here, I’ve gained experience in general banking operations and client communication.
Start-up Contributions:
SKILL HUNT (Dhaka, Bangladesh):
Currently, I am contributing as an OD Lead (Part-time) here, managing employee engagement, training, performance analysis, compliance, recruitment, and organizational development.
Previously I served here as HR Head, overseeing all human resources functions and coordinating recruitment processes.
COMFORT ZONE:
I am running a small clothing business where my main motive is to engage and empower my surrounded women in future.
YUMMY BLAST:
During covid, I have initiated an online food business which got popularity in my network. As I have to shift back Dhaka, I am not continuing this now. But I have future plan on this.
Leadership & Extracurricular Activities:
I have tried to demonstrate leadership skills as the General Secretary of Skill Hunt Club and Assistant Head of Documentation & Vocalist at FBS Music Wing. I have actively organized several events and managed operational activities within these organizations.
Training & Workshop Participation:
I have participated in various training programs and workshops conducted by institutions like Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC) and Skill Hunt, enhancing my soft and hard skills.
Additional Skills & Interests:
My journey till now has improving my leadership, communication, and team management skills at a regular basis. Also, in continuous development in MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. My interests include anchoring, singing, and traveling.
Volunteering Experiences:
I have volunteered in numerous events and programs, including the International Conference on Business and Economics, recruitment programs, and reunions, showcasing my commitment to community engagement.
I have always been dedicated to both of my academic excellence and professional growth, encompassing a diverse range of experiences in the fields of banking, human resources, and organizational development. I think my multifaceted skill set and proactive involvement in extracurricular and volunteering activities underscore my holistic approach towards personal and professional development.
What key responsibilities do you undertake in your position at Confidence Group, and how do they contribute to the company’s strategic objectives?
In my role as a Senior Associate in Compensation & Benefits at Confidence Group, I undertake key responsibilities to ensure efficient payroll management and employee satisfaction, thereby contributing to the company’s strategic objectives:
- By maintaining accurate records and streamline the process for departing employees’ final settlements.
- By conducting thorough disbursement comparisons and updates to ensure timely and accurate salary payments.
- By communicating and compiling tax-related information, facilitating smooth tax return processes and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- By calculating and cross-checking allowances and deductions to uphold transparency and fairness in compensation packages.
- By supporting digitalization through giving required inputs and update essential employee information in the HRIS, enabling strategic workforce planning and talent management.
In summary, my role in Compensation & Benefits at Confidence Group encompasses a range of responsibilities critical to efficient payroll management and employee satisfaction. By diligently fulfilling these duties, I contribute to the company’s strategic objectives by promoting financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and employee well-being.
What technological trends do you see shaping software development’s future?
Several technological trends are poised to shape the future of software development:
Artificial Intelligence: AI technology is revolutionizing software development by enabling automation, predictive analytics, and intelligent decision-making.
Cloud Computing: Cloud computing continues to transform software development by offering scalable infrastructure, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility.
Internet of Things (IoT): The proliferation of connected devices is driving demand for software that can interact with and control IoT devices. Developers are creating IoT applications for various industries, including smart homes, healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing, to collect, analyze, and act on data generated by IoT devices.
Big Data and Analytics: The proliferation of data from various sources is driving demand for software that can collect, process, analyze, and visualize large volumes of data. Developers are creating big data and analytics solutions that enable organizations to derive insights, make data-driven decisions, and gain competitive advantages.
Serverless Computing: Serverless computing allows developers to build and run applications without managing infrastructure.
These technological trends are driving innovation, shaping the future of software development, and empowering developers to create cutting-edge solutions that address diverse challenges and opportunities across industries, offering new opportunities for innovation, optimization, and transformation across industries and domains.
Ms. Shanjida Islam Can you share any significant achievements or projects you’ve spearheaded during your tenure at Confidence Group that demonstrate your leadership potential?
As my journey at Confidence Group is very short (not more than 2 months), I would like to share my significant achievements linking with my previous workplace experience.
During my tenure at Confidence Group and Grameen Danone Foods Limited, I have spearheaded several significant achievements and projects that demonstrate my leadership potential:
Streamlining Payroll Processes: At Confidence Group, I am trying to optimize payroll processes by implementing systematic database maintenance and cross-checking procedures for employee final settlements, salary disbursements, and allowance/deduction calculations. This initiative will result in increasing accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with company policies and regulations.
Enhancing HR Operations: At Grameen Danone Foods Limited, as an Executive in both People & Learning and Sales Force Excellence departments, I led various projects aimed at improving HR operations and employee engagement. I developed and executed induction plans, organized training sessions, and managed database maintenance for employee records and final settlements. Additionally, I coordinated recruitment processes, from job advertisement to candidate shortlisting and selection, while also managing exit formalities seamlessly.
Digital Transformation: Recognizing the importance of digitalization in modern HR practices, I led the digitalization efforts at Grameen Danone Foods Limited, overseeing the management of apps for attendance, overtime, rosters, and employee enrollment. This initiative not only improved efficiency but also enhanced employee experience and data accuracy.
Employee Engagement and Branding: As part of the People & Learning team, I orchestrated various employee engagement initiatives, including organizing birthday celebrations, farewell parties, and festival events. Additionally, I played a key role in maintaining the company’s LinkedIn page, ensuring regular updates and engaging content to strengthen the employer brand.
Sales Force Management: In my role as an Executive in Sales Force Excellence, I successfully managed distributor relationships, organized sales meetings at regional and national levels, and provided training on sales applications. Moreover, I oversaw the management of company assets and databases, ensuring smooth operations and compliance with organizational standards.
These achievements underscore my leadership potential and ability to drive impactful projects across different domains of HR and operations. Through effective communication, strategic planning, and hands-on execution, I have consistently delivered results and contributed to the success of my teams and organizations.
In what ways do you seek feedback and mentorship to continuously improve your leadership and management skills at Confidence Group?
I actively seek feedback and mentorship to continuously improve my leadership and management skills through Regular Performance Reviews as I think these reviews help me to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans to address them effectively.
I also appreciate Peer Feedback as I value the insights and perspectives of my peers and colleagues.
Additionally, I actively seek out mentorship opportunities within organization, either formally through structured mentorship programs or informally by establishing mentor-mentee relationships with experienced leaders within the organization.
I also seek for Professional Development Workshops and Training as I think these opportunities allow me to acquire new knowledge, skills, and perspectives relevant to leadership and management, enabling me to continuously evolve and improve in my role.
Last but not the least, I regularly engage in self-reflection to evaluate my leadership and management practices, identify areas for growth, and set goals for improvement. I recognize that leadership is a journey of continuous development, and I am dedicated to maximizing my potential and making a positive impact within the organization.
How do you envision the future direction of Confidence Group under your leadership influence, and what initiatives would you prioritize to drive sustainable growth and success?
Still there is a long road to even have this kind of envision.
If my contributions got the opportunity in future, it will reflect in prioritizing initiatives aimed at driving sustainable growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing organizational agility. Here are key aspects of my vision and the initiatives that would get prioritized:
Strategic Alignment: I believe in aligning organizational goals with market dynamics and stakeholder expectations. I would focus on refining our strategic direction, ensuring that our business objectives are closely aligned with emerging trends, technological advancements, and evolving customer needs.
Innovation and Digital Transformation: I recognize the importance of embracing innovation and leveraging digital technologies to stay competitive in a rapidly changing landscape. I would like to have initiatives to foster a culture of innovation, encourage experimentation, and drive digital transformation across all aspects of our operations, from product development to customer engagement and internal processes.
Talent Development and Engagement: People are the driving force behind any successful organization. I would prioritize initiatives aimed at attracting top talent, nurturing a culture of learning and development, and empowering employees to unleash their full potential. By investing in talent development and fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, we can enhance employee engagement, retention, and overall organizational performance.
Ms. Shanjida Islam, please say something to the readers!
Throughout my journey till now, I have seen nothing is constant. We have to nurture and improve our level of perseverance, adaptability, flexibility and agility on a regular basis through having the practice of self-reflection.
Quick Chat With Shanjida Islam
The most outstanding achievement of your life as of now:
Leading a digitalization project.
The greatest philosopher in your view:
Aristotle.
Your Icon:
Not specific. I try to adapt good and smart nature from each of the good people I find.
Name the most influential books you have read:
Atomic Habits.
Your greatest fear:
Losing my parents.
Best piece of advice you’ve received:
When you fall in a problem, don’t just cry repenting ‘Why! Why! Why!’, rather try to find ways HOW to get out of it!
You in only three words:
Passionate, Hardworking, Honest.
Skill Set
- Hard Skills: Technical Proficiency: Technical skills relevant to my field, such as proficiency in software applications (e.g., Sales App, MS Office Suite, HRIS systems).
Data Analysis: Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret data to derive meaningful insights and inform decision-making processes.
- Soft Skills: Problem-Solving: Problem-solving and critical thinking skills to identify challenges, evaluate solutions, and make informed decisions. This involves analyzing complex situations, thinking creatively, and implementing practical solutions.
Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability to navigate through change, uncertainty, and evolving business environments. Being able to quickly adapt to new technologies, processes, or roles is essential for staying relevant and resilient in today’s dynamic workplace.
Time Management: Time management skills to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and maximize productivity. This involves setting goals, planning efficiently, and effectively allocating time and resources to tasks.
Communication: This includes the ability to articulate ideas clearly, actively listen, and adapt communication style to different audiences.
Leadership: Strong leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate others, delegate tasks, provide constructive feedback, and lead by example. Effective leadership is essential for driving team performance and achieving organizational goals.
Prayer For The Human Civilization:
Grant us the wisdom to see beyond our differences and to recognize the humanity that binds us all together. Help us to embrace diversity with open hearts and minds, understanding that it is the richness of our differences that makes us stronger.
Guide our leaders with compassion and integrity, inspiring them to govern with wisdom, justice, and empathy.
The InCAP: Thank you, Ms. Shanjida Islam! It’s a glittering conversation with you!
Ms. Shanjida Islam: My pleasure! Wish you all the best! Thank you.
