1. Let’s start with the inspiration behind the establishment of Creative IT Institute and the vision you had in mind.

In 2018, I embarked on the journey of entrepreneurship driven by two fundamental principles. My belief about business is a means of serving people, providing them with valuable services, and fostering strong connections. This perspective was shaped during my college days while assisting my father in a small grocery store. The realization that building good relationships and ensuring product quality could drive a successful business inspired my entrepreneurial spirit.

Upon moving to Dhaka for further studies, I delved into the world of computers, completing my graduation and IT training from Ap-tech Arena Multimedia. In 2006, I began my career as a lab assistant, specializing in graphic and multimedia training. Despite initial reservations about teaching, I discovered a newfound confidence and passion for helping students learn and achieve.

In 2008, fueled by the desire to make a positive impact and the belief that business could offer more than a job, I co-founded a venture with a colleague. My assets were courage, the intention to contribute to people’s betterment, and the understanding that business success would follow exceptional service. The announcement of Digital Bangladesh in 2008 and the potential in the growing IT sector further fueled my determination.

Simultaneously, my involvement in the Bangladesh Computer Council from 2007 allowed me to teach multimedia courses, identifying a significant gap in mentorship and guidance for students. This realization led to the establishment of Creative IT Institution in 2009, where I aimed to fill the void in academia by providing a comprehensive platform for the next generation.

Recognizing the need for a tailored curriculum, I drew from my marketing background and computer skills to create a syllabus that catered to specific interests. This innovative approach, focusing on specialization in graphic design, web development, and networking, set a new standard in Bangladesh’s computer learning landscape. The first batch of 15 students not only completed the course successfully but also secured jobs, laying the foundation for positive word-of-mouth referrals.

Despite facing challenges such as business, policy, legal issues, and the departure of my business partner after a year, Creative IT continued to grow. Over the 16 years of its existence, the business has thrived, underscoring the importance of perseverance, strategic planning, and the willingness to take calculated risks.

My primary lesson from this journey is that business success goes beyond skills; it requires a multifaceted understanding of various aspects. Challenges are inevitable, but with a good motive, strategic planning, and a long-term perspective, they can be overcome. Overcoming obstacles and adapting to change are integral to business growth, emphasizing the importance of resilience and a clear strategic vision.

2. Walk us through the key operations and activities of Creative IT and how it contributes to the employment sector of Bangladesh?

Our initial commitment to providing unparalleled service through rigorous training laid the foundation for the evolution of Creative IT into a comprehensive Creative Business Group. Today, we operate through 10 different wings, with a workforce of nearly 500 employees. The transformation into Creative Business Group encompasses various successful entities, including Creative IT Institute, Creative skills, Bright skills, Creative Clipping Path Limited, Bay Leaf Kitchen, Excellence Architecture, Movreel studio, Dmarkcy, Synobiz, Desvert, Piximo, Creative E-School for Online Live Classes, and Creative Juniors.

Each wing plays a vital role in contributing to our success. For instance, Creative Clipping Path Limited boasts a team of 280 employees dedicated to offshore projects. Bright skills operates as an ad-tech platform specializing in recorded video courses, allowing learners to purchase courses and self-pace their learning. Our diverse skill development training programs cater to different preferences: physical attendance at our institution, Creative E-School for online global connectivity, Creative Juniors focusing on IT education for children, and Bright skills offering flexibility through recorded video classes.

The Creative E-School has garnered significant global interest, with learners from Europe, America, and the Middle East actively participating in online classes. We recognize the importance of addressing the IT gap, especially for children, and Creative Juniors is making strides in imparting IT knowledge to young minds. This initiative aligns with our vision to bridge the IT divide and empower the younger generation with essential coding skills from an early age.

Moreover, Bright skills’ recorded video courses provide flexibility for those with time constraints, enabling learners to engage with classes at their convenience. This multifaceted approach reflects our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that individuals worldwide can benefit from our diverse educational offerings.

The success and expansion of each wing within the Creative Business Group underscore our dedication to innovation, quality training, and addressing the evolving needs of our diverse audience.

3. Shed some light on how you ensure that the training provided remains relevant in the face of rapidly changing technology and industry demands?

Creative IT recognizes that academic-to-industry collaboration is paramount in this dynamic technological landscape. Our commitment to survival hinges on producing industry-oriented curriculum, prompting us to establish a strong bridge between academia and the market. To ensure relevance, we conduct thorough market research through our Research and Development (R&D) department. This encompasses a comprehensive 360-degree approach, incorporating both academic and industry research. Every six months, we meticulously analyze key changes and seamlessly integrate them into our syllabus, ensuring that our curriculum stays current and aligns with industry needs. This proactive approach allows us to stay ahead of the curve and provide our students with the skills demanded by the evolving market.

4. Could you highlight some success stories of individuals who have benefited from Creative IT Institute’s training and how does the institute actively support its students in finding and securing desirable job opportunities post-training?

Through Creative IT Institute, we have empowered approximately 70,000 IT experts across the country. Freelancing, a beacon of independence in the professional realm, holds immense significance in the IT sector due to its convenience and high earning potential. Recognizing this, we integrated freelancing into our syllabus to equip students with the skills needed for both local and global marketplaces.

In the early days, our focus was primarily on local markets. However, as the landscape evolved, we adapted our curriculum to encompass freelancing, aiming to demonstrate how students could leverage their graphic design and IT skills in the marketplace. I personally initiated freelancing in 2010 and later incorporated it into our educational framework. This foresight not only benefited our students but also contributed to the growth of the freelancing sector, with the government now actively participating.

Our commitment to freelancing education has yielded remarkable results. Many of our alumni have emerged as successful entrepreneurs and top-tier freelancers, a testament to the effectiveness of our approach. The beauty of freelancing lies in its scalability – as freelancers excel in providing high-quality services, their work orders increase. To meet the demand, they, in turn, create opportunities for others by employing additional freelancers. Consequently, a significant number of our students have transitioned into entrepreneurs, not only excelling in their own freelancing endeavors but also fostering job opportunities for others.

This virtuous cycle has led to the astounding achievement of transforming our 70,000 students into a force of over 100,000 freelancers. It stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering skills that not only benefit individual careers but also contribute to the growth and dynamism of the broader professional landscape.

5. Creative IT Institute has played a significant role in empowering the community through education, can you share the impact you’ve observed on individuals and the broader community regarding their contributions shaping the professional landscape in Bangladesh?

We encountered several challenges in our journey, but through strategic initiatives, we have overcome them and made a significant impact on various segments. In 2013, we identified a stark gender disparity in the IT sector, with only 1 female student among every 100. To address this, I introduced a scholarship, enabling 150 female students to pursue our courses. Today, approximately 100 of these women have excelled in the IT sector, becoming exemplary figures that inspire others.

Recognizing the potential among the deaf and dumb community, in 2015, we collaborated with an NGO to teach graphic designing to 25 students. This initiative yielded impressive results, with 18 students employed in our company and 12 freelancers continuing to contribute actively. This success story stands as a testament to our belief that individuals with unique abilities can make valuable contributions to society with the right skills.

Our third challenge involved encouraging senior citizens, particularly educated or retired professionals, to embrace computer learning. Initially met with limited response, we took a proactive approach by sending our students to Dhanmondi Lake to teach computer skills to senior citizens. Remarkably, they not only mastered the basics but also delved into designing, subsequently venturing into freelancing. This initiative not only provided them with a valuable skillset but also offered a purposeful way for retired individuals to stay engaged in the local and foreign job markets.

Our commitment extends beyond mere fundraising; we actively engage in software development, e-commerce, photo editing, UI/UX design, and digital marketing through our various wings, such as Movreel. By addressing diverse segments and fostering self-development among females, creating opportunities for the differently-abled and empowering senior citizens, we have endeavored to make a holistic impact on society.

6. How do you envision the evolving role of the Creative IT Institute in the next few years, taking into account the dynamic nature of the tech and freelancing industries?

Creative IT, which initially began with a modest enrollment of 6-7 employees, has burgeoned into a substantial institution and business group, now boasting a workforce of 700 employees. This transformation has positioned us as significant contributors to the nation’s development and growth. Currently, we are actively shaping the future of 7500 students who are part of our thriving educational ecosystem.

Our aspirations extend beyond national boundaries, and we are determined to establish a global presence. By consistently delivering excellence and staying at the forefront of technological advancements, we aim to make Creative IT a globally recognized entity. Our vision is to not only meet but exceed global expectations, ensuring that our impact resonates internationally. With this ambition, we are poised to navigate the global landscape and make a substantial mark on the world stage.