Tell us about yourself, how did you get there?
I am Zafar Imam, currently serving as the Senior IT Manager at Yunus Textile Mills. With 12 years of diverse experience in the fields of education, IT, FMCG, and the textile industry, I have a track record of successfully executing IT infrastructure projects, implementing RFID automation, and driving digital transformation within the textile sector.
Now I’m sharing the journey of my life with you. It’s a story that’s deeply attached to my memory, a reminder of my humble beginnings and the path that led me to where I stand today. I come from a lower-income family, where my parents tirelessly strived to provide me with a better education.
I was residing in Orangi Town Karachi at that time, and thanks to their efforts, I had the opportunity to attend a better school. However, life demanded that I take on a job as a cloth cutter to support my family, a responsibility I undertook in the 8th grade, way back in 2003.
This journey continued, with me balancing the roles of a student, breadwinner, and rent-payer. After completing my intermediate studies, I managed to secure admission to a university. But the prospectus was an expense I struggled to afford. Nevertheless, I scraped together the money, obtained the Karachi University prospectus, and successfully passed the entrance test.
During that time, I also received admission to SSUET because my father was working in SSUET as a peon at that time. However, he later got a designation as a machine operator in the P&D Department. With Allah’s blessings, I completed my education, and my interest in networking grew. In the 7th semester, I decided to pursue a career in networking. At that time, some teachers supported me and guided me.
My professional journey commenced when I secured my first role as an assistant network engineer at CCTC, where I conducted labs for CCNA and Network+. From there, I consistently updated my skills to keep pace with evolving technology. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many exceptional individuals. Also, I’ve remained dedicated to continuously enhancing my skills.
How do you see the Industry Academia gap?
In Pakistan, this is a significant issue that has yet to be resolved. It involves some mistakes made by industry professionals as well as our esteemed academics who are, in fact, a part of it. We are still studying what is written in books, which were written by authors a long time ago, to establish a foundation.
However, today, we often forget that the industry has progressed significantly in technology. Therefore, alongside building this foundation, we should also introduce children to industry practices. This approach should align with both academics and industry. Opening more opportunities for internships, training, or other avenues to gain industry knowledge.
Additionally, our academic professionals need to update themselves in terms of technology and industry. Although many academic professionals are already up to date. Those who are not should try to catch up now.
What is your Inspires you?
Despite my humble beginnings and financial challenges, my inspiration to provide a better lifestyle for myself and my family is deeply rooted in my belief that education is the path to improving my circumstances.
This inspiration led me to overcome obstacles, balance various roles, and pursue a career in IT, supported by the guidance of my teachers and mentors. My story is a testament to my determination to succeed and uplift my family.
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