Technology Entrepreneur Brings Solutions To Baltimore Classrooms
Saad Alam, CEO of Citelighter, a writing platform for students which automates the writing process and provides teachers with tools designed to improve overall teaching outcomes, is an excellent example of how entrepreneurs are bringing small business technology, into the classroom. Citelighter is currently being utilized in 3,000 schools and is growing.
Alam's educational background includes a B.A.degree from SUNY, Albany, N.Y., and two graduate degrees: a master's in environmental health science (MPH) from Columbia University, N.Y. and an M.B.A. in marketing & strategy from the University of Rochester. His previous work experience includes positions in marketing & sales first at Eli Lilly and then at Health Central, Arlington, Va., an online provider of health related material. He also successfully initiated a Kickstarter campaign for Mypadlife in 2011, designing an innovative new case for iPads.
What inspired you to start your current enterprise?
"To put it simply, kids can't write that well anymore. I saw my own brother struggling in college with writing; and I wanted to make the whole experience easier. So, my co-founder, Lee Jokl and I created Citelighter in 2011."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"I have an M.B.A. from business school; and that background has helped me in organizing and structuring Citelighter. Also, my co-founder Lee and I worked together in Business School; and that taught us how to create something and to manage chaos."
How has your education helped to further your career and contributed to your success?
"During my education, I acquired subject matter knowledge. I was also lucky enough to have a few really great professors and mentors who taught me that innovation is the only way forward. They also taught me to listen, be humble, and to strive to impact a larger purpose."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into your field of endeavor/ hoping to start their own business?
"First and foremost, do the things that other people don't want to do. A lot of entrepreneurs that I meet are just playing entrepreneur because it's a cool and sexy concept. If you are really going to get into the business of building businesses, you need to be willing to do whatever and whenever - just don't quit."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years. Her current interests, in which she has several certifications, are metaphysics and the healing arts. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times.