QCC STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Shahriar Hossain
What do you look forward to in your role at Queens Chamber? I am looking forward to learning how local governments, non-profits, and business leaders can come together to solve various local issues. I am excited to understand the complexities involved in helping small business flourish and overcome whatever odds they may face.
What was your previous job? I was working at TD Bank for the last three years as a personal banker. I really learned a lot about the business world and how you can come together to provide solutions to clients, while also meeting people from all different walks of life. I think my experience working in TD with businesses and working sales definitely has given me the experience to excel in this role.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? The mantra that I live by is “You can’t take it with you.” Don’t get me wrong I like to prepare for the future as much as others, however I always prioritize the present. These last two years and coronavirus has really cemented this idea in my head and helped me put into perspective what is important to me. I think we have all been kind of hardwired to put in 40 years, retiring and then pursuing our passions, but you can have your cake and eat it too.
What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join a new team? My best advice would be to be flexible and self-determined. You have to be willing to go out on your on and take the initiative to learn a job. In terms of being flexible, it really is the only way to overcome anything that’s thrown at you. Often times it may feel like you’re just being thrown into the deep end, but having a good team around you and the ability to adjust to whatever situation can be make or break.
What is your favorite music or movie genre? Like most people I can’t really choose a favorite genre of music, but if I had to choose, I would go with Hip-Hop. Being from Queens and listening to the music that has come out of the borough really adds another layer to the music for me. Especially walking through the streets and the neighborhoods that have inspired the music, it really feels like there is a deeper connection beyond the lyrics. My favorite genre of movies would definitely be period pieces. Leonardo DiCaprio’s body of work is really astounding, and being a fan and student of history I am just blown away by the sets and the wardrobes. It really feels like you are being taken back in time.
What is one thing you hope to accomplish in 2022? I hope to add more skills and certifications to my repertoire. It is so easy to take an online course these days, often at no cost, and learn a new skill that is going to open so many more doors for me. I put special emphasis on technological skills, because at this point it isn’t even about gaining an edge but keeping up with the status quo.
What is your biggest takeaway from surviving the coronavirus pandemic? I can connect this to my previous answers because the most important things that I learned were to enjoy the here and now and be flexible. I was just making myself anxious thinking about the job markets and my career goals 5, 10, 20 years into the future without taking a moment to understand what it is I wanted right now. Of course, these two things aren’t mutually exclusive and that is where being flexible comes in to play. I have to roll with the punches and always evaluate where I am and where I want to be, both career-wise and mentally if I want to succeed.