How Private Universities Propel Students towards Successful Careers

In today's ever-evolving world, the pursuit of higher education has become a cornerstone for success and personal growth. While public universities have long been recognized as bastions of knowledge, it is crucial to acknowledge the remarkable strides made by students from private universities in shaping the future of our nation.

These institutions have emerged as dynamic hubs of learning, not only equipping their students with academic prowess but also providing them with the necessary tools to navigate the path to prestigious job placements.

The journey of students from private universities has been marked by a smooth transition into the realm of professional life, propelling them towards promising careers. Recognizing the significance of practical experience and industry exposure, these universities have taken on the role of facilitators, bridging the gap between academia and the demands of the job market. By implementing a range of initiatives, they empower their students to not only compete but thrive in the competitive job market, fostering the development of socially aware and conscious citizens along the way.

The Tracer Study of Graduates of Universities in Bangladesh, conducted by the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) in 2019, reveals that the rate of employment is higher among private university graduates, standing at 44 percent, compared to public university graduates, at 32 percent. The study, based on interviews with 2,549 university graduates, also indicates that more male graduates of private universities tend to be self-employed, as opposed to those from public universities.

According to the study, the job support services offered by private universities outperform those provided by public universities, as reported by the graduates. Additionally, private university graduates secure more positions in the multinational sector, while public university graduates tend to find more opportunities in the government sector.

Image: freepik

Siban Shahana, one of the members of the study team, highlighted that the interviews were conducted with the most recent graduates, revealing that many public university students tend to wait for government service positions, while private university students swiftly enter non-government jobs without wasting time.

Fahim Mashroor, the CEO and co-founder of Bdjobs.com, a leading career management site in the country, echoed Siban's sentiment. He stated that the majority of public university students usually show disinterest in pursuing jobs in the private sector.

He further emphasized that private universities emphasize the importance of students having strong communication, IT, and presentation skills, which provide them with advantages in the job market.

Fahim mentioned that the highest number of private university students are entering the IT sector, banking, and the garments sector.

Tareq Omar, Assistant Director of State University of Bangladesh, mentioned that they have a career development center where CEOs from different renowned companies and associations visit the campus and share their experiences with students. On many occasions, these CEOs discuss with the university the type of graduates they require, and if necessary, the university adjusts its curriculum. Through these programs, they establish an academy-industry linkage.

The university's HR department maintains close contact with the HR departments of various companies and organizations regarding internship and employment opportunities. Additionally, the university plays a role in fostering a connection between alumni and current students. Their alumni are employed at Google, Facebook, Pran, Akij Groups, and other prominent institutions.

Mohammad Imtiaj, Director of PR at Southeast University, stated that they employ faculty members who hold foreign degrees and preferably have PhD degrees.

Students are provided with opportunities to attend seminars and symposiums with the aim of preparing them for their careers.

The university organizes programs that provide knowledge on various topics, including how to write better CVs, the importance of corporate grooming and business etiquette in the workplace, working in a more professional manner, applying appropriate grooming techniques for a professional outlook, developing positive personality traits, and acquiring skills that employers seek in job candidates, as well as exploring suitable career interests.

Approximately 10 percent of students from the university pursue further degrees or work abroad. Imtiaz shared that many students are employed at Google, Beximco Pharmaceuticals, Square Pharmaceuticals, Care, and other renowned organizations.

Kazi Tareq Ullah, Chairman of Business Administration at Uttara University, stated that the university's clubs provide lessons on leadership and team membership. Many programs have special courses aimed at enhancing students' professional skills and developing the employability of graduates. The university has a career counseling department that maintains contact with alumni and organizations to facilitate student placements.

The university authorities also take steps to encourage students to become entrepreneurs.

He mentioned that many of their students go abroad and even secure jobs at Google USA and other international companies, as well as Bangladesh Bank, Walton, and others.

Abu Mia Akanda Tuhin, Chief Public Relations Officer of American International University-Bangladesh, explained that over the years, the university has developed various linkages with major corporate houses in the country. This paves the way for greater cooperation between the two parties in terms of curriculum development, research promotion, and participation of leading corporate personalities as university faculty, among other aspects.

The University's Office of Placement and Alumni facilitates dual linkages with both the country's corporate sector and its alumni.

Approximately 21 percent of the alumni work in the IT and Telecom sector, 9 percent in a group of industries, 8 percent in the education and research sector, and 7 percent in the power, energy, and engineering sector.

Abu Hashem Rony, Head of Public Relations at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, stated that the curriculum teaches students critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success as professionals and entrepreneurs.

The extensive ULAB alumni network plays a crucial role in the continued success of graduates. University alumni have founded TechHub, a leading technology company, Green Delta Insurance, one of the leading insurance companies, DigiShohor, a leading e-commerce platform, and Barisal Youth Society (BYS), which received the prestigious Diana Award.

According to Alamin Sikdar Shihab, the Deputy Director of Public Relations at the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT), the university's programs are designed to meet the needs and demands of the industry, ensuring that students graduate with the knowledge and skills required to excel in their chosen fields. Students receive excellent guidance and mentorship from the university.

The university's facilities create an optimal learning environment for students, enabling them to engage in hands-on learning and research activities. The university maintains strong ties with various industries and organizations, providing students with internship and job placement opportunities.

Their alumni are working with Bangladesh Bank, ZED Group, RNR Limited, BRAC Bank Limited, Grameen Phone, Banglalink, and others.

Fatius Fahmid, Deputy Manager of Communication at BRAC University, stated that they offer a transformative learning experience for their students, helping them grow as skilled professionals and empathetic future leaders. The university provides an excellent teaching-learning environment, conducts impactful research, and places significant focus on socio-economic development. With partnerships with over 250 universities worldwide, BRAC University has a global reach.

The university's dedicated career counseling center supports students throughout the year, assisting them in planning and preparing for their future careers to effectively compete in local and global job markets. Many graduates of BRAC University hold senior positions in various industries and sectors, including academia, government organizations, mainstream corporations, and the development sector, both domestically and internationally.

Hasibul Hassan, Public Relations Officer of East Delta University, mentioned that the university offers modern facilities and infrastructure to enhance the learning experience. It has student exchange agreements with several foreign universities. The Access Academy of the university not only focuses on students' academic issues but also nurtures their critical thinking skills and leadership abilities.

Academic advising is in place to develop meaningful educational goals and abilities. The Networking and Placement Cell assists graduates in pursuing a lifetime of career success by mapping out career paths, finding new opportunities, planning next steps, and connecting with a strong alumni network. EDU graduates find employment in prominent organizations such as Grameenphone, Unilever, bKash, MGH, HSBC, and others.

Abu Sadat, Director of PR at United International University, highlighted that the university always produces graduates with market-oriented skills and meets industry demands. The syllabus for all subjects is prepared and timely modified according to industry needs. The curriculum committee includes representatives from respective industries who provide valuable input and suggestions.

Since its inception, UIU has received numerous awards at national and international levels in various sectors, including research, sports, debates, cultural activities, and more.

UIU graduates work in financial institutions, corporate sectors, and the IT industry, as well as in top corporations abroad, such as HSBC Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, British American Tobacco, Nestle, GP, Robi, Banglalink, and bKash.

Mohammad Foyej, Deputy Director of PR at Canadian University of Bangladesh (CUB), mentioned that they offer courses that reflect the university's commitment to academic excellence, career development, and inclusivity.

To ensure an enriched career path for students, CUB has established collaborations with globally recognized organizations. They support students' career development by providing job placement opportunities from internationally renowned companies such as Digicon. The university's students are working at Premier Bank, Trust Bank, Teletalk, British American Tobacco, and others.

Bacchu Sheikh, Public Relations Officer of the University of Asia Pacific, stated that they organize internships for students at various renowned companies in the country and abroad through academia-industry collaborations. The university has an Office of International Advisory Council (IAC) that assists in making better strategic plans for quality enhancement and internationalization.

University alumni are currently teaching at Graz University of Technology, Austria, working at AIST Tokyo, founding the Mastul Foundation, and working at Kazi Farms, Standard Chartered Bank, and others. Additionally, a good number of UAP alumni are studying in reputed foreign universities and working in government organizations both at home and abroad.

Md Wahiduzzaman, Assistant Director of Independent University, Bangladesh, stated that their students are equipped with the hard and soft skills required to start their careers on the right track. The Office of Career Guidance and Placement (CGP) prepares students for the ever-changing industry landscape and organizes Career and Networking events every year, with participation from top corporate organizations to promote industry-academia collaboration. Campus recruitments are also organized to connect eligible graduates with employers. Currently, IUB students are successfully working at Standard Chartered Bank, HSBC, Grameenphone, Banglalink, British American Tobacco Bangladesh, Unilever, UNDP, UNICEF, and others.

Recently, an IUB alumna won a prestigious research grant from NASA to work on developing next-generation renewable energy-powered batteries for space tech.

Mohiuddin Jewel, Senior Officer of PR and Communication at Chittagong Independent University, mentioned that they assist their students in improving their skills to secure jobs in the competitive job market. They regularly host career talks to share the stories of the nation's most successful people. They also organize workshops on how to write better and attractive CVs, public speaking, and presentations.

The CIU HRM Society introduces students to the activities of various corporate offices and financial institutions, with an emphasis on acquiring practical knowledge. The university has established industry-academia linkages with several banks and other organizations.

After obtaining degrees from the university, students are securing jobs at Asian Paints, Berger Paints, City Bank, MGH Group, BSRM, and others.

Raisul Haque Chowdhury, Director of PR at International Standard University, mentioned that no students have completed their graduation courses at the university so far. Keeping in mind the employability of alumni, the university has successfully established collaborations with a range of corporate houses to help students enhance their capacity in the right direction and apply their acquired knowledge and skills for career development.

The university is developing part-time job opportunities and has founded the Center for Higher Studies and Career Development (CHSCD) with the aim of providing job opportunities for its current students.