From newsroom to Germany: Bangladeshi journalist pursues higher education abroad

Surrounded by the round-the-clock demands of a newsroom and the pressures of daily reporting, Md Ridoy Alom could have continued building a successful career in journalism. Instead, driven by a desire for international exposure and broader academic opportunities, he made a major career shift. Today, he is pursuing a bachelor's degree in International Business Studies at Jade University of Applied Sciences in Germany.

Ridoy's academic and professional journey has taken several turns. After completing his secondary and higher secondary education in business studies, he followed his interest in language, literature and media by enrolling in the Department of Bengali Language and Literature at Government Titumir College in Dhaka.

Alongside his studies, he developed a career in journalism, working with several leading digital news platforms while remaining involved in writing and community volunteer activities.

After graduation, Ridoy moved into broadcast journalism, joining a private television channel where he worked for four and a half years as a newsroom editor and broadcast journalist. He later joined another television channel.

Reflecting on his professional experience, Ridoy said, "Working in a high-pressure newsroom gave me firsthand insight into complex political and economic dynamics. Analysing global affairs deepened my interest in European economic models and highlighted the immense potential of connecting Bangladesh's workforce with global markets. That realisation inspired me to pursue higher education in Germany."

While working in television journalism, Ridoy began applying to German public universities. Returning to student life after several years of professional experience was a bold decision. Moving from a humanities background to business studies also presented academic challenges, particularly in meeting Germany's stringent European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) requirements.

However, drawing on his B2-level English proficiency, professional experience, academic qualifications and a carefully prepared Statement of Purpose (SOP), he successfully met the admission requirements.

The journey to Germany demanded considerable patience and resilience. Ridoy navigated a challenging three-and-a-half-year process involving language learning, IELTS preparation, arranging funds for a blocked account and dealing with lengthy waits for visa appointments.

During periods of uncertainty and social pressure, he remained focused on his goals through blogging, reading and content creation, while drawing strength from his family's continued support.

"When your goals are far-reaching, your patience must be equally vast," he said.

Now based in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, Ridoy balances a demanding academic schedule with part-time employment. He also serves as a deputy student member of the university's Election Committee.

Alongside his studies, he creates educational content on YouTube and social media platforms, offering guidance and mentoring to aspiring international students interested in studying abroad.

Looking ahead, Ridoy hopes to build connections between European economic frameworks and Bangladesh's emerging workforce, helping young people prepare for international career opportunities.

For students planning to pursue higher education in Germany, he recommends learning basic German at A1 or A2 level before departure, using official university websites rather than relying on third-party agents, and remaining patient and determined throughout the application process.