In order to future-proof their career and effectively manage technology, youth need to continuously update their skills, said speakers at the opening plenary of BYLC Career Expo 2023 held on June 10.
The plenary on the future of jobs focussed on how technology will reshape the nature of jobs in Bangladesh and the strategies youth can implement to overcome radical changes in automation, artificial intelligence, and digitalization, reads a press release.
In order to remain competitive in the job market, the emerging workforce cannot simply rely on AI without working on self-development, said speakers.
“The fear of AI making many human jobs redundant will only be realized through excessive dependence on technology instead of focus on innovation and creativity,” said Jalal Ahmed, executive director, Ha-Meem Group, additional secretary (Retired), Ministry of Finance.
If young people want to ensure their career growth, they should equip themselves with relevant skills before joining the job market, added speakers.
They need to find out the skills needed in their chosen field while they are still studying.
“Only a small percentage of skills studied in educational institutes are relevant in the professional field. Learning skills such as coding is not enough. Youth should learn new skills, practice them again and again, and implement them accordingly,” said Dr. Md. Mokhlesur Rahman, Senior Operations Officer at Education Global Practice, The World Bank.
Speakers, including Gunjan Bahadur Dallakoti, head of Programme and SME Development Specialist at the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Bangladesh, Mohammad Kamal Hosen, Head of Corporate HR, DBL Group, and Md Moklesur Rahman, director of, NGO Affairs Bureau, also stressed on the importance of soft skills such as emotional intelligence, communication, presentation, and leadership that can help youth navigate the uncertainties of an ever-evolving technological landscape.
With over 1,300 registered participants, more than 40 participating employer organizations, and 30 youth engagement and club partners, the Career Expo organized by Bangladesh
Youth Leadership Center (BYLC), aims to link graduating students, fresh graduates, and young professionals with experts and professionals.
Developing leadership and employability skills, supporting young people to be future-ready, connecting aspirant youth with prospective employers, facilitating job placement, and developing enterprise and entrepreneurship are some of the major focus areas of BYLC.