Company launch: Fine-tuning student life in Islamabad

Entrepreneur aims to socially integrate students, jumpstart their careers.

ISLAMABAD:

Osman Mirza of Ideas Set Apart (ISA) is attempting to refine the experience of student life in Islamabad. The visionary entrepreneur offers basic services that are usually uncommon in schools and universities under ISA’s single umbrella, by providing various avenues to its members in securing internships, extracurricular activities and seminars; things that make student life in Islamabad versatile. Mirza shared his vision with family, friends and investors in an intimate launch of his company, ISA, at the Crown Plaza.

The company’s aim is to socially integrate students around the city and develop tools to aid them applying to colleges. From seminars and educational events to social work, sports, arts and other creative activities, members will have a resource guide at their disposal, alerting them regarding the happenings around town.

The company also seeks to provide its members with professional ideas that eventually become the launching pad for many students’ careers. From internships while in high school to internship opportunities during college, ISA has partnered up with industrial companies such as Habib Rafiq Limited (HRL), Karachi Steel Re-rolling Mills (KSR), Kohistan Group and Wilson’s Pharmaceuticals to help jumpstart students’ careers.

The most interesting feature of the entire programme is its one-of-a-kind student discount card, which in most foreign countries are an integral part of student life. From discounts on coffee to airfare, these cards encompass everything.

Even though there are such cards existing in Pakistan, most of them have been deemed useless because they fail to attract a genuine market. ISA brings in mainstream eateries and novelty item gift shops that are frequently visited by students. Subway, Gloria Jeans, Dunkin Donuts, Illusions, Medi Plus and Honda Centre to name a few places offering discounts. The mere presentation of the ISA card will secure the card holder a discount at any of the partner outlets.

Over tea the guests discussed the uniqueness of the venture and the enterprising nature with which Mirza has taken the initiative and introducing a well-rounded and balanced student life culture in Islamabad.

With a yearly membership fee of Rs599, the services are available to virtually every student in town.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 3^rd, 2011.