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Civil engineer-cum-interior designer Kamruzzaman Sishir found his success in freelancing and now provides guidance and training to new freelancers to help them secure a good future in this field. Sishir shares his experience with The Business Post’s Rifat Islam regarding his journey into the world of freelancing
The Business Post: How did you get into freelancing and what platforms did you use?
Kamruzzaman Sishir: After being advised by an acquaintance, I opened an account with online marketplace Fiverr during my student life in 2014. I got my first job almost a month after setting up the account.
Since then, I have been working with graphics design in various marketplaces including microstock platform such as Freepik, Shutterstock, Creativefabrica, among others.
Currently, I am a top-rated seller in the mascot log category in Fiverr from Bangladesh.
TBP: Tell us about your academic background and how you became proficient in this sector?
KS: Academically, I am a civil engineer as well as an interior designer. However, I no longer practice that profession.
At first, I didn’t find any proper guideline or advice. It was my willpower and sincere efforts that brought me to the place where I am today. But now I am supporting others in the community in various ways.
I have been working as the admin of a reputed Facebook group called Fiverr Bangladesh, where we provide guidance to newcomers and also organise various meetings to inspire them.
I was invited as a speaker in various conferences in the country, such as the Bangladesh IT Professional Association, DESCON- Designer Conference 2019, as well as a judge at the National Freelancer Awards in 2019.
I also received the Memento of Honour from State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak.
Currently, I am working as a senior instructor on online learning platform “Instructory”.
TBP: In which areas do you think freelancers can earn the most?
KS: It is difficult to point out any specific area which brings the highest income for freelancers. All areas have the opportunity to earn.
However, in my opinion, one should focus more on acquiring skills needed to take complex work instead to catering to only simple and easy tasks.
TBP: What are the main obstacles you faced in this field of work?
KS: In Bangladesh, the sad part is that many new talents leave this sector due to lack of proper guidance and training.
Another big problem for freelancers in our country is the payment gateway, which is a long-standing issue in our community.
We hope that the government will soon expedite our work by launching full services of PayPal in our country to enable us to earn more through easily available transactions.
Although it is true that the developed world wants us for our low rates, but this does not apply to everyone. Now, we also have many skilled workers in our country who work as per the European standard prices.
TBP: Who are the main competitors for Bangladeshi freelancers?
KS: I think neighbouring India and Pakistan are on this list. However, there will be competitors for any job and the only way to deal with it is develop skill. Communication skills should also be improved.
TBP: What are your tips or suggestions for new freelancers?
KS: The potential of freelancing as a profession in our country is big. However, before becoming a freelancer, it is better to build some confidence by acquiring proper skills.
Nowadays, many people are being cheated and misguided by so-called “freelancing coaching centres,” so you have to proceed with caution, you need to keep an eye on social media to be aware of such fraudulent activities.
One has to wait patiently. It’s not something that you can achieve overnight.
TBP: What are your expectations from the government in flourishing this sector further?
KS: As a freelancer, my demand from the government will be to find a solution regarding the issue of payment gateways.
The government has taken many good initiatives to flourish the freelancing sector, some of which have been implemented while some are yet to be realised.
TBP: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
KS: I want to work with my own startup “DewApples” to create smart and skilled freelancers through proper guidance.
