Computer science and engineering have been a popular path to pursue in terms of education for the past few years, especially given the leaps and bounds technology has advanced both locally and globally. However, students are often doubtful about the potential of such a degree to provide income for them once they graduate. To get an idea of the contemporary scenario in this field, we spoke to Sadbin Ahmed, a successful CSE graduate.
The choice is simple. Either you work on your dreams or someone else’s
Why did you decide to go for entrepreneurship instead of a convenient 9-5 job?
The answer is a bit vague. People are more or less driven by money. Most people fail to pursue their calling while making a decision to earn their living. Entrepreneurship is not always about money. For me it’s an opportunity to implement all my crazy ideas and to create a positive impact, no matter how small or big. I was always fascinated with solving problems and this was something I had fun doing – so why not exercise it to the fullest by pursuing entrepreneurship? It’s fast paced, challenging and when you love what you do – the "inconvenience" is barely felt. Inconvenience is, for me, a lack of job security, and I believe job security is just a myth. Moreover who wouldn’t love to be their own boss?
The choice is simple. Either you work on your dreams or someone else’s. Entrepreneurship is nothing like a 9-5 job, in fact, it needs involvement 24/7, 365 days a year. If you are able to establish one then you start working on the next venture. At least you don’t end up being confined in an endless loop for the rest of your life.
What motivated you to pursue this path?
To tell you the truth, while growing up, I’ve felt unemployment to be a major stigma. Many people are clamoring for jobs but there are very few on offer. The queue of job seekers keeps increasing exponentially to that of job providers. Moreover, the local and multinational companies are keener on employing a foreigner. Isn’t there a way to restore balance to this unbalanced structure of the society? As we grow up, our career plan keeps changing more and more as we start to understand and accept the real world. The desire for what once was our dream job vanishes into thin air. As for me, I am simply driven by perseverance.
Why stand in a line for a job when you can create one for yourself? It might not have a very high return but at least you will have full control over your decisions. And when you get to do what you love, you can do wonders. In the process you might end up doing something extraordinary for the society. What motivates me the most are the people who make things happen and inspire others to do the same. It all starts with a dream and you will never know if it’s possible until you work on it.
According to you, what are the differences in requirement of an immediate CSE graduate from a university in Bangladesh with those required at an entry level (or higher) well-paying IT job?
Experience - the industry is moving so fast that it needs a 25 years old with 30 years’ worth of experience. Then how can a fresh graduate compete against someone with years of experience in the IT sector? One way to overcome this is to create your own opportunity. Try to work on all your small ideas and create an enriched portfolio. The drop-outs are doing well but they have limitations as well. Very few are lucky enough to go up the ladder. Most of them are stagnant and can’t make it to the managerial positions for not having proper qualifications. However, a degree will only get you a foot through the door. To thrive in the industry you need to have the hunger to learn more since what is being taught in the institutions are not enough to compete in the industry. In the IT industry you grow with the job or get left behind.
Fresh graduates are not used to working under pressure. They are not deadline-oriented which makes it very difficult for them to give efficient output. The international market places still lacks around three million developers which means there is enough room for anyone who is still thinking of starting. The online outsourcing marketplace is the biggest opportunity for all those who are interested in working in this industry. Although it’s not that easy to get work from the market place, it’s not impossible either. A proper mindset is really important and you need to push yourself beyond limits to debug problems which might be new.
What are the universities missing? What can the government/institutions do?
The pathways of our educational institutions are fragmented and those of the industry are segmented. The gap between this fragmentation and segmentation is what the institutions are lacking. The demanding technologies are changing rapidly where as our institutional curriculum is static. The curriculum needs to be updated with time to keep up with the fast moving tech world. For example, the most demanding and highly paid projects in the industry at this moment are on mobile platform but our institutions are not taking any measures to keep our skills belt updated. Bangladesh is a country with selective education. Simply put, a willingness to learn is not enough; you must have the ability to pay for it as well.
The IT industry is a service industry and the rates are determined by the work hours and quality. The institutions are unable to provide professional knowledge of the practical field. The government is extending all sorts of aids to develop more quality developers by organising training programs. Our PM’s IT advisor and IT Minister are working very closely to develop this emerging sector.
What kinds of opportunities are available in Bangladesh for the IT sector according to you?
Bangladesh is a perfect platform for foreign direct investment. If we can ensure quality, I believe we can be the largest IT solution provider in the world. A proper mindset is really important and you need to push yourself beyond limits to debug problems which might be new.
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