A handful of toffee

As I was going through my old emails looking for a certain document, I suddenly came across this article which I happened to write in 2010 for a journal published to commemorate A. Qasem & Co.’s founding anniversary.

Reading it after a nearly decade flooded my mind with fond memories. I am grateful to my beloved firm that played a critical part in defining me to what I am today.

I hope you enjoy the read.

When I joined A. Qasem & Company (AQC) in October of 2006 my mind was flooded with mixed emotions. On one hand, I was sad to be leaving my old colleagues and workplace behind, and on the other the thrill of starting a professional career with one of the most prestigious assurance firms in the country was too alluring to let go. It’s like the feeling you get when you are standing in the queue on the platform of a roller coaster ride. Your hands are sweaty, you’re wondering whether you’ve made a mistaking buying that ticket for the ride. But no way are you going to back out, because you know the ride is going to be super fun.

Over three years have flown by. Now at this point, I am not going to say life at AQC was all fun and games. In between the fun it was sprinkled with challenges, deadlines and tough assignments. I have had a myriad of experiences, too many to mention that impacted my life in a memorable and meaningful way. What follows barely scratches on the surface of all that I have learned over the years. I have been involved in different work environments, working under different seniors, managers and partners. What I’ve learnt is that no matter what sort of experience one goes through, there is something always to be learnt from every bit of experience no matter how trifle or how bitter it may be. I value the challenges and opportunities that I have been exposed to. All those little bits of experience have made me the person that I am today. One interesting and eye opening experience of being an articled (apprentice) student is that within a relatively short time we come to play the metaphorical roles of foot solder, lieutenant, and general in a span of three years. (Sorry folks the coveted roles of field marshals are held by the honorable partners!). We are presented with this unique opportunity to be lead, to supervise and to lead. In my humble opinion this is leadership cultivation at its basic.

AQC’s portfolio of clients boasts some of the biggest and renowned names, be it national or multinational. Having been assigned in a few of them gave me the right confidence and skills to work for any organization. It is a fact that the AQC name carries your resume a long way. The professional experience gathered working for different client environments will prove invaluable to pass the professional exams, especially in the advance stages. The combination of the AQC articleship and ever-demanding professional exams are a sure formula for success in life and career.

I also need to acknowledge just how much my life has been shaped by my friends and colleagues at AQC. We tend to make most of our everlasting friendships in schools and colleges. However, this firm has been a breeding ground for some of my most cherished relationships - as Almighty would have it I met my better half here. I take this opportunity to thank our honorable managing partner Mr.Akhtar Sohel Kasem FCA to let me be a part of his firm. I’d like to thank my batch mates (13th batch), and all my colleagues for making my stay memorable.

This small article will be incomplete if I don’t share a particular experience. When I first came to AQC for my interview with Ms. Akhtar Sanjida Kasem FCA FCMA, (fondly known as ‘Apa’), she handed me a handful of toffee from that clear crystal jar she keeps on her workstation. At the end of my articleship when I went to bid farewell to my principal and mentor, she once again handed me a handful of toffee. I don’t know the actual significance of this experience, but like a little child who receives a bunch of candy from his teacher I did not enjoy the experience any less.