Dec 24, 2024
Rina Rahman was a bright, ambitious student who graduated with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Chittagong. Like many other students, she walked across the stage at graduation, excited yet uncertain about what the future held. Little did she know that her journey after graduation would shape her into a successful entrepreneur, and her story would become an inspiration for future graduates.
After completing her studies, Rina initially struggled to find a job in the highly competitive corporate world. Despite her excellent academic record and skills, the transition from university to the professional world wasn’t as easy as she had imagined. She faced numerous rejections, each one more disheartening than the last.
During this challenging phase, Rina realized that the real-world experience she lacked was a major hurdle. She decided to approach her challenges with a new mindset — instead of waiting for the "perfect job," she would create her own opportunity. This decision marked the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey.
Rina had always been passionate about sustainable living and eco-friendly products. With this in mind, she decided to start a small online business selling eco-friendly home products. It wasn’t easy — she faced initial skepticism from friends and family who questioned whether a young graduate could succeed in such a competitive market.
Undeterred, Rina spent countless hours researching suppliers, perfecting her online store, and learning about digital marketing. She used her knowledge of business strategies from her university days and applied it to her startup. Slowly but surely, the business began to gain traction. She used social media to connect with like-minded individuals who were interested in sustainability, and word-of-mouth helped her grow her customer base.
As the months passed, Rina’s hard work began to pay off. Her online store, GreenNest, became known for offering high-quality, eco-friendly products at affordable prices. Customers appreciated the attention to detail, the quality of the products, and the eco-conscious mission behind the brand.
Her success didn’t go unnoticed. Rina was invited to speak at several local entrepreneurship forums and was featured in a national business magazine. She was recognized as one of the Top 30 Entrepreneurs Under 30, a title that filled her with pride and confirmed that she had made the right decision by following her passion.
Despite her busy schedule, Rina remained connected to her alma mater. She frequently visited the university to speak at career development workshops for current students, sharing her story and offering advice on how to transition from student life to entrepreneurship. She was also actively involved in the University of Chittagong’s Alumni Association, where she mentored several young graduates, guiding them through their own career challenges.
In 2024, Rina was invited to serve as a board member of the Alumni Association, where she played an instrumental role in organizing networking events for recent graduates and established a scholarship fund for underprivileged students. She believed in giving back to the community that had supported her journey.
Looking back on her journey, Rina often reflects on the challenges she faced early on and the role her education played in shaping her entrepreneurial mindset. "The lessons I learned at the University of Chittagong weren’t just about textbooks or exams," she says. "They were about resilience, creativity, and the power of never giving up."
Rina’s story serves as a reminder that success is not always linear. There will be obstacles, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But with perseverance, passion, and the right support system — like the one provided by the Alumni Association — anything is possible.
