My name is Jahid Hasan, and I’m currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Business with a focus on Marketing Analytics and Insights at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. Looking back at my career path, I realize how each role has shaped me into the marketing professional I am today. What started as a simple door-to-door subscription job in Bangladesh has evolved into a diverse career spanning traditional media, digital content creation, education, and student consulting.
The Foundation: Learning Sales from the Ground Up
Fresh out of university in 2017, I took my first professional step at Prothom Alo, Bangladesh’s leading newspaper company. Starting as a Subscription Coordinator, my job was straightforward yet challenging: visit households door-to-door to secure new newspaper subscribers.
Every morning, I would set out with determination, spending entire days walking through neighborhoods, engaging with potential customers, and explaining the value of staying informed through quality journalism. This role, while humble, became the cornerstone of my professional development. Working for 15,000 BDT monthly, I learned the art of communication, developed resilience in the face of rejection, and understood the fundamentals of sales that would serve me throughout my career.
The hard work paid off when, after just three months, I earned my first promotion to Territory Sales Officer with a salary increase to 20,000 BDT.
Scaling Up: From Local Sales to Regional Management
As a Territory Sales Officer, my responsibilities expanded dramatically. I found myself managing operations across four cities in southern Bangladesh, coordinating with over 60 vendors and agents to boost circulation numbers. This role taught me the complexities of distribution networks and the importance of relationship management in business success.
The newspaper industry was facing unprecedented challenges during this period, with digital media transforming how people consumed news. Despite these headwinds, I implemented various sales strategies and marketing campaigns to maintain and grow our subscriber base. The experience of selling a traditional product in a rapidly digitalizing world taught me adaptability and creative problem-solving.
My efforts were recognized when I was promoted to Territory Sales Manager and transferred to Sylhet division, where I managed six cities. This role expanded my leadership skills as I coordinated larger teams and handled more complex logistics. I was even honored as Employee of the Month in May 2018, a recognition that validated my dedication and performance.
Throughout my journey at Prothom Alo, I was fortunate to work under the guidance of Amirul Hoque Sajib, former Assistant General Manager of the Circulation Sales Department. His mentorship was instrumental in my professional development, and he provided invaluable guidance that helped shape my approach to sales, management, and professional growth. Having a supportive leader who believed in my potential made all the difference in my early career trajectory.
After four rewarding years at Prothom Alo, I made the difficult decision to leave in 2021. I was ready for new challenges and wanted to focus on preparing for international studies while exploring my passion for travel content creation.
Brief Ventures: Exploring Different Paths
My post-Prothom Alo journey involved several shorter-term positions that, while brief, provided valuable insights into different industries and work environments.
I briefly worked as a Media Head at a small media company, focusing on content creation, planning, and execution. However, the COVID-19 pandemic created challenging working conditions, and I realized this particular role wasn’t the right fit for my career aspirations. This experience taught me the importance of workplace culture and how external circumstances can impact job satisfaction.
In 2022, after completing my IELTS examination, I spent four months as an English Language Trainer. Teaching eager Bangladeshi students who were passionate about learning English was incredibly rewarding. However, the high-pressure work environment and demanding schedule ultimately led me to seek other opportunities. This role reinforced my appreciation for education and my ability to communicate complex concepts clearly.
I also worked for four months as a Student Consultant at a consultancy firm, helping aspiring students navigate their journey to study abroad. This position was particularly meaningful because I connected with ambitious young people who shared my own dreams of international education. Working with these motivated students reminded me why I was pursuing my own educational goals.
The American Chapter: Student Life and Professional Growth
In December 2022, I achieved a major milestone by obtaining my student visa and arriving in the United States to begin my Master’s program at Wright State University. The transition from working professional to graduate student marked a new chapter in my journey, but I didn’t stop there.
During my studies, I’ve taken on several roles that combine my professional experience with my academic pursuits. As a Wright Life Reporter for The Wright State Guardian from January to April 2024, I honed my creative writing skills and conducted interviews with students, professors, and other campus community members. This role allowed me to practice journalism while staying connected to campus life.
I also served as an International Check-in Coordinator at Wright State University’s University Center for International Education (UCIE). In this position, I made more than 20 videos for the UCIE for their mobile app. I was responsible to make the script, shooting, and post prouction. It was a solo job but I enjoyed it. 
Building a Digital Presence
Parallel to my traditional career path, I’ve built a significant digital presence as a content creator. My Facebook page has grown to over 180,000 followers, with my content reaching approximately 1.3 million people monthly. I’ve created more than 300 video pieces across Facebook and YouTube, developing skills in digital marketing, video editing, and content strategy.
This digital journey has been instrumental in understanding modern marketing dynamics and has complemented my formal education in Marketing Analytics and Insights. Currently maintaining a good CGPA in my Master’s program, I’m gaining deep insights into data-driven marketing strategies while applying practical knowledge from my content creation experience.
Lessons Learned and Looking Forward
Reflecting on this journey, several key insights stand out:
Adaptability is crucial: From selling newspapers in a digital age to creating content during a global pandemic, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances has been essential to my success.
Every role teaches something valuable: Whether it was learning persistence through door-to-door sales or understanding content strategy through social media creation, each position has contributed to my professional toolkit.
Relationship building transcends industries: Whether managing vendor networks in Bangladesh or coordinating with international institutes in Ohio, success often comes down to building genuine relationships with people.
Continuous learning drives growth: My decision to pursue higher education while maintaining professional responsibilities has opened new opportunities and perspectives.
As I continue my studies and actively seek job opportunities, I’m excited about combining my diverse experience with advanced marketing analytics knowledge. My journey from a subscription coordinator in Bangladesh to a graduate student and international education professional in the United States demonstrates that career paths are rarely linear, but each step contributes to a unique and valuable professional narrative.
The future holds tremendous potential as I work to bridge my international experience, digital marketing skills, and formal business education into a career that makes a meaningful impact in the marketing field.