Share Your Work Experience Form
Name: Adnan Ahmed
Organization: Paxar Pakistan – an Avery Dennison company
Designation: Managing Director
Work Experience (in years): 22
Industry: Other
Expertise:
Q. What to expect at the entrant level? (Ups and downs during the early years)
Work like a horse – late timings and at times, insecure and manipulative bosses. It’s a steep learning curve.
Need to learn to interact with people quickly and control temper.
Long hours spent in the office help in the future. If possible, take a job which takes you into the factory away from family – it’s tough but ultimately rewarding. 2 years invested here are worth it.
Q. Explain the Career progress that is typical to this field? (Growth pattern/ promotion chances/ overseas placements)
Growth is slow in the manufacturing sector and I would advise some changes in jobs in the first ten years. Promotion chances are good but with the economy depressed, opportunities are limited now.
Overseas placements are getting tougher by the day due to cost constraints. Even if you get a chance, you are pegged against a local so you don’t gain in money terms only in experience. Great for the CV, though
Q. What pre requisite courses need to taken to help students to enter this career path? (Courses/ certifications that help in this field)
Take as many courses from professionals as possible. Evening classes are more useful than the same, old , mundane morning classes.
Q. Do employers have a preference for certain individuals? (CGPA or a specialized Bachelors or masters requirement)
It boils down to interview performance. Confidence helps as does CGPA. Technically oriented companies prefer Engineers + MBA.
It’s a matter of on the day performance. Never lie in an interview as you get found out. Don’t be too honest either. Remember it’s a hard sell, nothing more.
Q. Who are the industry leaders and trend setters in this field? (Companies that need to be looked out for)
Historically, in manufacturing , five companies stand out as employers
ICI (now split in four parts), Unilevers, Shell, Engro and PTC.
Q. Any advise that you can offer to current students?
Don’t give up on your dreams – it’s tough now, but faith can move mountains. Also try to follow basic Islamic principles and stay fit in your later life (becomes an issue mid 30s onwards)
