Staff Spotlight: Khandakar Shafiullah, MBA, SHRM-SCP Celebrating 5 Years
Khandakar Shafiullah is celebrating five impactful years with Civiltec Engineering, where his contributions to human resources have shaped a supportive and thriving workplace culture. Known for his dedication to continuous personal and professional growth, Khandakar exemplifies leadership and commitment in every aspect of his work. His ability to connect with team members and champion their success makes this milestone especially meaningful. His dedication to continuous learning and creating meaningful connections within the organization makes him a standout colleague and leader.
How would you describe your journey with Civiltec over the past five years?
Over the past five years, my journey with Civiltec has been incredibly rewarding. It’s been a period of growth, both personally and professionally, as I’ve had the chance to work alongside talented individuals, contribute to meaningful projects, and see the company evolve. What stands out most is the supportive environment that has allowed me to push boundaries and develop in ways I didn’t anticipate when I first joined.
What personal or professional growth are you most proud of during your five years here?
The growth I’m most proud of is fostering a stronger sense of community at Civiltec through people-centric initiatives, team-building efforts, and being a resource for others. Personally, I’ve grown more confident as a leader and advocate for employees, learning how to balance empathy with strategic thinking. A major milestone for me was passing the SHRM-SCP certification in early 2024.
How has your role evolved since you first joined Civiltec?
My role has evolved significantly since joining Civiltec. What started as a focus on day-to-day HR functions has grown into a strategic position where I contribute to help shape company culture, lead impactful initiatives, and align HR practices with long-term goals. It’s been rewarding to see how my contributions directly influence employee satisfaction and, ultimately, organizational success.
How does working in HR within the engineering field differ from other industries you’ve encountered?
What sets HR in engineering apart from other industries is the need to deeply understand the technical and specialized nature of the roles. This includes fostering a culture that values continuous learning, offering opportunities for professional development, and providing resources for career advancement in a fast-evolving field.
Equally important is communication. With multidisciplinary teams often collaborating on complex projects, HR plays a key role in ensuring that communication is seamless and that everyone feels aligned toward common goals. Ultimately, HR in engineering isn’t just about managing people—it’s about empowering them to reach their full potential while supporting the innovation and precision that drive the industry forward.
Are there any initiatives or projects you’re particularly excited about pursuing in the future?
I’m excited to continue focusing on employee development, particularly through employee development programs. Leveraging technology to streamline HR processes and improve communication is also a key area I’m looking to explore.
Are there any trends or changes in HR practices that you feel are particularly relevant for the engineering industry?
The engineering industry is increasingly leveraging AI and data-driven analytics to enhance recruitment, identify skill gaps, and predict workforce needs. Upskilling programs are becoming critical as companies prepare employees for emerging technologies and roles. Flexible work models and structured career development initiatives are also being prioritized to attract and retain top talent in this competitive field.
In your opinion, what makes Civiltec stand out as an employer in the engineering industry?
Civiltec truly invests in its people. From offering a 9/80 work schedule that prioritizes work-life balance to fostering a collaborative and supportive culture, the company places employees at the heart of its success. Leadership is approachable and genuinely listens to employee feedback, which creates a sense of value and belonging. Civiltec also emphasizes professional growth through opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects that make a tangible difference.
Is there a book, movie, or TV show you’ve enjoyed recently that you’d recommend to others?
During graduate school, I was captivated by Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne. It introduced the concept of “blue oceans”—untapped market spaces where competition becomes irrelevant—versus “red oceans,” which are overcrowded with fierce competition. The idea resonated deeply with me as it emphasized innovation and uncovering new growth opportunities.
Now, I’m reading its follow-up, Beyond Disruption, which expands on these principles, offering insights into achieving lasting value in a rapidly changing world. What I love about these ideas is that they’re not just applicable to business but can be applied across many aspects of life, including engineering, where thinking creatively to solve problems and innovate is equally vital.
Do you have a favorite type of cuisine or go-to dish you like to cook or eat?
While I’m from the land of incredible curries, my all-time favorite cuisine is Mediterranean. There’s something about its simplicity, fresh ingredients, and perfect balance of flavors that always draws me in. That said, I have a deep love for exploring different cuisines and make it a point to try local favorites whenever I visit new places. It’s fascinating how food reflects a region’s culture, history, and way of life.
What is something you’ve learned about in the world of artificial intelligence (AI) that would benefit others in your industry? Or that you think would be beneficial to Civiltec?
AI has immense potential to benefit Civiltec. From streamlining recruitment and identifying top candidates to optimizing workflows and improving project efficiency with predictive analytics, AI can be a game changer. However, AI isn’t flawless and can “hallucinate,” generating inaccurate information. For now, I see it as a powerful tool for generating ideas and a strong starting point that still requires human oversight and judgment.