BRAC University career fair draws 80 renowned employers

A total of 80 renowned employers, such as Nestle, bKash, BRAC Bank, City Bank PLC, Meghna Group of Industries and Bangladesh Steel Re-Rolling Mills, took part in a two-day BRAC University National Career Fair 2026, which ended on Tuesday.

As many as 500 students from universities across the country visited the fair to learn about job opportunities, interact directly with recruiters, submit resumes, undergo interviews and receive career advice, according to a press release.

The fair was organised by the Office of Career Services and Alumni Relations as part of BRAC University’s 25th anniversary celebrations. 

“A career is like a marathon; there are no shortcuts. You must have patience,” Masud Khan, a member of BRAC University’s Board of Trustees, said at the inauguration ceremony as the chief guest. 

Emphasising the importance of excellence, integrity, a sense of responsibility and the continuous acquisition of new skills, he recommended that prospective jobseekers thoroughly research hiring organisations, understand their needs and highlight their unique qualifications during interviews.

“The knowledge acquired in educational institutions forms our foundation. The knowledge found in textbooks and research publications stems from real-world experiences; thus, what we have learned constitutes the basis of our knowledge,” said Vice-Chancellor Prof Syed Ferhat Anwar. 

“We discuss many skills, but to me, human skills are the most important. This is because, without these skills, we cannot properly value others, and empathy would be lost,” he added.

At a panel discussion on building impactful careers, Rupali Haque Chowdhury, an independent director of Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited, said a monk found purpose amidst monotony in washing plates in the early morning by thinking about how his efforts to maintain sanitation would help others stay healthy.

“So, there are a lot of challenges, a lot of disappointments, a lot of rejections, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Remember that,” said another panellist, BRAC University Treasurer Ariful Islam.

“One of the critical moments of our professional career…is transformation…from managing self to managing a team to managing others,” he said. 

“Continuously, keep on learning new skills, new ways of handling AIs, and maybe you will be relevant come 20 years, but it's very difficult to predict how it's going to be two, three, even five years down the line,” warned Shaharear Sayeed, director of the Human Resources Department at BRAC University, while moderating the session.

“Before joining a bank, it is crucial to consider the institution's corporate governance and overall work environment,” advised Masrur Arefin, managing director and CEO of City Bank, at a session earlier in the day.

“(GDP) Growth is slowing and inflation is rising. Therefore, you need to be more responsible—both towards yourselves and your parents,” he added.

David Dowland, BRAC University registrar; Md Ashanur Rahman, City Bank deputy managing director, chief economist and country business manager; Rizwan Dawood Shams, IPDC Finance managing director and CEO; Sharmin Sultan, chief people and culture officer, and Shah Ali Newaz Topu, chief solutions architect at BRAC IT Services Limited; Taufica Erfan, director of HR and Operations at IHH Healthcare; and Shahriar Rahman, head of Human Resources at Premium Sweets, also shared their expertise at various sessions during the fair.