Syed Kashif Anwar

My elders used to tell me work hard, get a decent education and never take the easy way out: a fairly standard set of rules one might think but the true value of these rules can easily be underestimated.

As I start the next chapter of my life in a new country these rules resonate within me, reminding me of what it took for me to get to this point of my life and how, in essence, these rules established a solid foundation for me on which I could build my growth.

When asked what it took to work sometimes two to three jobs seven days a week for nine years and how gruelling it must have been, I feel unable to answer except to say that I never pitied myself or complained about how difficult an effort it was. It was something that had to be done after my parents’ death to get my brother through school and then myself.

Looking at it with a logistical understanding I had to manage the situation to the best of my ability while at the same time learning to work in different working environments. It was clear to me that in order to get the job done I had to take a break from University for a while. This would allow me to fulfill my duties unhindered and properly. I used this break not only as an opportunity to generate funds but also to learn about what I would like to do once I was able to restart my career.

Learning the ropes of the corporate environment at Habib American Bank was an experience that I particularly took a lot away from as I dealt with the CFO and Head of Customer Relations directly.

Retail Management at Teacher’s Choice allowed me to establish positive relationships with customers directly while being involved with various aspects of running a popular Teachers Supply Franchise.

As an Ambulette driver I felt privileged to assist the kind of customers most people do not get a chance to meet and I was able to help many of them establish a more positive outlook on living.

And I was able to establish a working understanding of Business and Market Research from an academic standpoint while I worked for various Professors at the City University of New York.

I also managed to work in evenings when I got the chance. Networking through my contacts I was able to establish connections for my tuition services. My customer relations and salesmanship allowed me to sell comedy club tickets in Time Square. Business was good at times but there were also some slow days. All of these wer