Zubayer Khaled, MBA ’24, was already a very educated man when he arrived on the campus of Illinois State University in December 2021 to begin work on his master’s degree in the College of Business.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences and a master’s in pharmacology and clinical pharmacy from North South University in his hometown of Dhaka, Bangladesh. But he wanted more.
“I always wanted to pursue a master’s degree from the U.S. but was never sure when and how it would happen,” Khaled said.
Turns out Illinois State was just a few clicks away on his computer as he was searching for an MBA program that would match up with his educational background.
“I wanted to get my business administration degree, but getting accepted to a business degree program with a science background is not always an easy task,” Khaled said. “Luckily I came across ISU and submitted my application.”
He was accepted and even offered the International Scholarship for First-time Students.
Illinois State’s deep connections to Bangladesh include a large student population studying here. According to the University’s Office of International Engagement, Illinois State is a popular choice for students from Bangladesh, ranking in the top five most common home countries for international students on campus.
In addition, an Illinois State faculty member has spent months helping rewrite the country’s constitution. Dr. Ali Riaz, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Politics and Government and a native of Bangladesh, recently led the country’s Constitution Reform Commission.
“Everyone who works here is so cordial and helpful, and that makes it so much fun to work with them.”
Zubayer Khaled
Before coming to the U.S., Khaled worked in a corporate setting for more than six years as a team leader. His goal was to rise in his career, and he thought an MBA would help. His business background helped him land a part-time job as a personnel manager/student hiring manager with the Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality (EMDH).
“During my professional journey at ISU, I had learned so much that I decided to apply for full-time positions after I graduated,” he said. “It was not easy, and I had to go through a number of interviews to secure the position I have right now.”
His current job, now full time, is award manager for Research and Sponsored Programs. Including that first part-time position for EMDH, this is Khaled’s fourth year working at Illinois State.
“I am responsible for holding intake and budget meetings with investigators and fiscal agents to discuss new grant-funded work, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and sponsor and institutional policies,” he said. “I also support investigators in the fiscal management of grants through review and approval of expenditures and the preparation of reports and closeout of grants.”
He is also active with the Bangladesh Student Association (BSA), a registered student organization (RSO). He started soon after he arrived on campus and knew about the group from new friends he’d made from Bangladesh. He’s proud that BSA won Best RSO of the Year in 2024. He’s now part of the leadership.
“Now that I work full time at ISU, I was offered the position of RSO faculty/staff advisor,” he said. “The best part of this RSO is that every member participates wholeheartedly in all of the community events to make them successful.”
The group hosts several major events during the school year, including Food Festival and International Mother Language Day. In April, there will be a combined celebration of Eid al-Fitr and the Bengali New Year. The event’s date, time, and venue are being finalized but will be posted on the group’s Instagram page.
Khaled said there are a few important friends who helped him adjust to his new life in Illinois.
“These are people I don’t think I could have come this far without,” he said. “I made a sister here in Segufta Raonak and a dear friend in Dayton Rumbold—both have supported me and helped me throughout my journey here. And my roommate, Huzaifa Gill, has become like family and has cared about me the same way my family would.”
He said while he does miss family and friends back home, another important connection came shortly after he arrived on campus when he was introduced to the International Student Fellowship/Bridges program.
“I am still part of this group that gave me my Bengali sisters and a number of people I call friends and family,” he said. “They are the reason that I never left Normal and was adamant about staying at ISU.”
Khaled, 33, is also a twin to his brother Zunayed, who lives in Louisville, Kentucky.
“Everyone calls him Zuni, and everyone here calls me Zuby,” he said, adding that they are fraternal twins and that he is minutes older than his brother.
His favorite part of living in the U.S. is being an uncle to Zuni’s son Kaiyan, who is 2-and-a-half years old.
“I try to see him once every month or two,” he said. “It is so amazing to see him growing so fast.”
Khaled said the learning never stops at Illinois State, even when you are an employee, and he especially enjoys his colleagues.
“Working at ISU, you are always learning something new that you can then incorporate into your life,” he said. “Everyone who works here is so cordial and helpful, and that makes it so much fun to work with them.”
