In an era where artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping industries, the question of graduate employability has never been more pressing -- especially in developing nations like Bangladesh. Every year, over a million graduates enter the workforce, yet many remain unemployed or underemployed. The gap between academic qualifications and job market demands is widening, with multinational companies (MNCs) increasingly prioritizing soft skills, technological expertise, and extracurricular exposure.
Why degrees aren’t enough anymore
Once upon a time, a university degree was a golden ticket to a respectable job. Today, it's merely a stepping stone. Employers are no longer just looking at GPAs; they want candidates who can communicate effectively, solve problems, and adapt to technological changes. Unfortunately, traditional education systems in Bangladesh still prioritize rote learning over practical skill development.
Soft skills -- such as communication, teamwork, and professionalism -- are often an afterthought in universities. This leaves graduates struggling to articulate their ideas, work collaboratively, or even navigate workplace dynamics. A multinational company operating in Bangladesh recently revealed that more than 60% of entry-level applicants fail interviews due to poor communication and interpersonal skills.
Tech skills: A necessity, not a luxury
The fourth industrial revolution has turned digital literacy into a non-negotiable requirement. From basic office software to advanced data analytics, technological proficiency is a game-changer in today’s job market.
Yet, many Bangladeshi graduates enter interviews unable to demonstrate even basic digital competencies. A report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights that while global job markets are moving towards automation, a significant portion of Bangladeshi graduates still lack fundamental tech skills.
This raises the question: Are universities equipping students with the tools they need, or are they just handing out degrees with little real-world value?
Extracurriculars: The silent career boosters
It’s not just about what you learn in classrooms; it’s also about what you do outside of them. Employers highly value graduates who engage in extracurricular activities -- be it student organizations, volunteering, or sports -- because they demonstrate leadership, time management, and teamwork. However, many students in Bangladesh view extracurricular involvement as secondary to academics, missing out on crucial skill-building opportunities.
A study on graduate employability in Bangladesh found that students actively involved in extracurricular activities were 30% more likely to secure jobs in multinational companies compared to their academically-focused peers. This suggests that a well-rounded graduate is far more attractive to employers than one with just a stellar academic record.
Bridging the gap: What needs to change?
The solution is clear but requires collective effort:
1. Curriculum reform: Universities must integrate soft skills training and technological courses into their curricula. A shift from rote memorization to experiential learning -- through internships, case studies, and industry collaborations -- could significantly enhance graduate employability.
2. Industry-academia collaboration: Multinational companies should actively engage with universities to develop industry-relevant training programs, ensuring students acquire skills that align with job market needs.
3. Encouraging extracurricular participation: Students should be encouraged (or even required) to participate in clubs, hackathons, and leadership programs to develop skills beyond academics.
The road ahead
If Bangladesh wants to remain competitive in the global job market, we must rethink how we prepare our graduates. Degrees alone won’t cut it anymore -- employability is about skill, adaptability, and the willingness to learn. It’s time we stopped blaming the economy and started addressing the root of the problem: The outdated educational mindset.
After all, multinational companies are hiring -- but are our graduates ready?
Md Hasan Shimum Wahab (Saimum) is a PhD Scholar, Putra Business School, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
