"Every journey begins with a single step. For me, that step began yesterday at the gates of Ha-Meem Group."
As a final-year student of Textile Engineering, yesterday was more than just a day — it was an entry into the professional world I’ve been preparing for over the past several years. I visited Ha-Meem Group's Nishat Complex to attend an internship viva – a major moment that I had been looking forward to with both excitement and nervousness.
Let me take you through that day – not just to share my experience, but also to inspire fellow students who are about to start their own journey from classrooms to corporate floors.
👨🎓 My Background: A Quick Introduction
Before diving into the experience, here’s a quick overview of who I am.
📘 I have completed a Diploma in Textile Engineering, which gave me the foundational knowledge of fabrics, garments, and production systems.
🎓 Currently, I’m pursuing my BSc in Textile Engineering, majoring in Apparel/Garments Technology, and I’m in the final semester.
🧵 I am particularly interested in Merchandising, Costing, and Production Planning – the real engines behind any successful RMG (Ready-Made Garments) business.
My goal is simple but ambitious — to become a skilled, industry-ready merchandiser who can thrive in both local and global apparel markets.
🏢 Arriving at Ha-Meem Group – A First Look at the Real Industry
As I arrived at Nishat Complex, I was stunned by the scale and structure of the place. The building stood tall and modern — a multi-storey facility full of energy, discipline, and motion.
🚛 Trucks were moving in and out,
👔 Employees were walking with purpose,
🌿 Even the greenery and cleanliness gave the sense of a well-maintained ecosystem.
It felt like a place where real work happens, and I was lucky to be standing at its gates with a visitor pass around my neck — Visitor Card #498, a simple plastic tag that held so much meaning to me.
I paused to take a photo in front of the building. Not just for memories, but as a reminder of where I started.
👥 I Wasn’t Alone — But I Was Representing Alone
Interestingly, I wasn’t the only one attending the viva that day. A total of 16 textile engineering students from various universities joined the session.
Here's the breakdown:
👕 I was the only student representing my university, proudly standing alone.
👞 8 students came from BUTEX (Bangladesh University of Textiles).
🌐 1 student came from World University.
🏛 1 student joined from Primeasia University.
🏙 5 students were from City University.
Though we all came from different institutions, one thing united us — our shared passion for textile engineering and the dream of stepping into the industry. We supported each other, shared experiences, and kept the environment friendly and professional.
💼 Inside the Interview: Facing the Viva
Once inside, I was taken to a conference room. The room was well-lit, fully air-conditioned, and equipped with chairs, projectors, whiteboards, and screens — a typical professional setup you'd expect in a major corporate environment.
The interviewers were experienced, but friendly. They wanted to see how well we understood the industry and how ready we were to join it.
Some of the questions I was asked:
"What are the main types of knit fabrics?"
"Can you explain how garment costing works?"
"What are the responsibilities of a merchandiser in the RMG sector?"
"How would you handle order follow-ups and buyer communication?"
I answered based on my academic learning, personal research, and industry case studies I had read. I also mentioned my interest in merchandising and how I’m continuously working to improve my communication, Excel, and analytical skills to become a better fit for this role.
Almost everyone did well in the viva, and it felt more like a professional discussion than a test.
📅 Internship Begins Soon!
At the end of the session, we were informed that our internship would officially begin the day after tomorrow. That news brought a mix of excitement and responsibility.
It's the start of something real — working with professionals, learning practical things, and most importantly, applying what we’ve studied for years.
🧠 Key Takeaways from My Visit
This one-day experience taught me more than any textbook ever could. Here’s what I learned:
✅ The real industry is fast, focused, and always evolving.
✅ Confidence is important, but preparation is everything.
✅ Observing your surroundings can teach you a lot about culture and workflow.
✅ Punctuality and presentation matter. First impressions really count.
✅ Passion alone isn't enough — you need to keep learning and adapting.
🎯 My Career Vision After This Experience
After visiting Ha-Meem Group, I feel more certain about my future:
🔹 I want to work in merchandising, especially in knit garments and international buyer handling.
🔹 I’m preparing myself to master costing, TNA (Time and Action), and supply chain basics.
🔹 I plan to keep learning through internships, short courses, and practical exposure.
🔹 Eventually, I dream of becoming a Senior Merchandiser who leads a team and handles major clients confidently.
This visit didn’t just motivate me — it showed me what’s possible.
🙏 Final Words for Fellow Textile Students
If you're reading this and still studying — remember, your degree is only the beginning. The real world is waiting for you.
✔ Attend viva sessions with full preparation.
✔ Stay curious and humble.
✔ Don’t just study — observe, ask questions, and reflect.
✔ Take every opportunity to visit factories, offices, or exhibitions. Each visit adds a new layer to your understanding.
This was my first real encounter with the textile industry, but definitely not my last.
Standing outside Nishat Complex
My visitor card
Inside the conference room
If you’ve made it this far — thank you for reading! Let’s keep learning, growing, and building a better future for Bangladesh’s RMG sector.