Staff Spotlight: Khandakar Shafiullah, SHRM-CP, MBA 
Human Resources Manager
Way to put the Human in Human Resources Manager here at Civiltec Engineering! It’s been a few years since we’ve shouted out all you do for our growing company so we would love to expand upon that now.
What did you do before joining Civiltec? (Work/School)
After finishing my Bachelor’s in Human Resources Management, I started my career at a McDonald’s franchise as an HR Associate/Coordinator in London. Soon after, I realized that my growth, learning opportunities, and flexibility to get done the things I wanted to were limited at a larger company
So I pursued an MBA and slowly after going part-time and eventually quitting focused on my studies. After finishing my MBA, I moved to the USA and landed a role as an HR Generalist at a rapidly growing company with a one-person HR department. Working there gave me the opportunity to gain exposure to all aspects of HR and taught me how to handle diverse responsibilities. It was an excellent learning experience for me and helped me to develop a solid foundation in HR.
Can you explain your day-to-day for those that don’t know?
Every day is a roller coaster ride, whether it’s employee reviews, organization planning, employee retention, getting familiarized with new employment laws, compensation analysis, or dealing with employee relations issues. No two days are the same, and that’s what keeps the job exciting and challenging.
What about that day-to-day keeps you motivated?
Definitely the dynamic nature of the role, and being able to make an impact on the culture of the company. In addition to that, I like the strategic part of the role that allows me to think about how we can improve our practices and processes. I analyze data to identify trends and areas where we can improve. I also work closely with our leaders, managers, and employees in the organization to develop and implement initiatives to help us achieve our goals. The thought of everything I do being able to contribute to a better future for Civiltec is pretty exciting and motivating.
Last time we chatted you stated you came to us due to our positive reviews, would you say in your experience with the company they were accurate?
Absolutely! The positive reviews I read about Civiltec before joining have been completely accurate. My experience with Civiltec has been incredibly positive, with a supportive and collaborative work environment, opportunities for growth, and a strong emphasis on providing a comfortable and professional work environment. I’m grateful to be a part of Civiltec and to be able to play my part to make this company a Great Place To Work. Including making it official by getting certified. (Read more about our designation here and check out our culture page as well)
What has been something that you have persevered on and what advice do you have for others?
One of the most challenging experiences I’ve faced was navigating through periods of uncertainty and change. It required perseverance, resilience, and a mindset that embraced growth and adaptability.
K’s advice: Struggle is the gateway to growth. Trust in your abilities and keep pushing forward.
Where does your love of learning spur from?
I am a firm believer in lifelong learning. I’ve got a curious mind that craves learning about anything and everything. I find joy in exploring diverse topics and connecting the dots between different fields. It is also important to stay up-to-date with industry trends and expand my skills allowing me to bring fresh ideas to my work. I actively seek out professional development opportunities, attend industry conferences and workshops, participate in online courses, and engage in knowledge-sharing.
Talking about industry conferences, I am attending SHRM Annual Conference And Expo this year. Attending industry conferences like SHRM Annual Conference is truly an exhilarating experience. With a jam-packed program schedule and a diverse range of sessions, it’s like being a kid in a candy store. Drive your career forward and learn more here.
Since the last interview, you know 4 languages. How many are we at now? Did you learn Spanish?
Still, at 4, I have managed to learn a few Spanish words here and there but still a long way to go.
Any new hobbies that you have picked up since then or new spartans to run?
One new and thrilling hobby that I have recently picked up is diving deep into the world of artificial intelligence (AI). It has been very exciting so far with a lot of learning and exploration. It has become my passion to understand how AI is revolutionizing various industries and transforming the way we live and work. AI has the potential to enhance and streamline HR processes, allowing professionals like us to focus more on strategic and value-added activities. It’s pretty cool indeed.
