Share Your Work Experience Form
Name: Ghulam Haider Choudhry
Organization: Pakistan Industrial Credit & Investment Corporation Limited (PICIC)
Designation: Deputy Managing Director (Retired)
Work Experience (in years): 32.5
Industry: Banking/ Financial Institution
Expertise: Project Monitoring, Rehabilitation of Sick Units, Equity Investment
Q. What to expect at the entrant level? (Ups and downs during the early years)
Joined PICIC in June 1975 after completing MBA. Like other banks & financial institutions, Grade-II was the norm entry level. MBA inductees were assigned to various operational areas like: economic/market research, project appraisal, project implementation/monitoring, loan recoveries etc. Most of the inductees left early due to host of alternatives available in the market. PICIC was for contented people. Learning opportunities were immense but depended on individual zeal.
Q. Explain the Career progress that is typical to this field? (Growth pattern/ promotion chances/ overseas placements)
Career paths were well defined. However, progress depended on individual performance. In June 1975, I joined as Trainee Investment Officer and rose to the highest possible position (Deputy Managing Director) in 1998. However, some others from IBA did not progress that much or at that speed. PICIC operated within Pakistan only; hence, no overseas placements. It had offices/branches in all major cities where MBAs were posted.
Q. What pre requisite courses need to be taken to help students to enter this career path? (Courses/ certifications that help in this field)
Finance & Accounting
Q. Do employers have a preference for certain individuals? (CGPA or a specialized Bachelors or masters requirement)
Generally MBAs were accepted. Any specialization (in finance, marketing, management, HR) could be of advantage.
Q. Who are the industry leaders and trend setters in this field? (Companies that need to be looked out for)
All DFIs (except joint ventures with foreign governments) are out of business. Now focus is on commercial banking. MCB, HBL, UBL appear to be in top category.
Q. Any advice that you can offer to current students?
The industry I worked for is no more present in the country. I am out of touch with the market for about five years. Hence, my advice would not be of much relevance.
