Desk Report:
The two-day National Career Fair 2026 at BRAC University has concluded. Eighty renowned employer organizations from various sectors participated in the fair. Notable participants included Nestle, bKash, BRAC Bank, City Bank PLC, Meghna Group of Industries, and Bangladesh Steel Re-Rolling Mills (BSRM).
At the fair, which ended on Tuesday (October 13, 2026) students not only learned about job opportunities but also had the chance to interact directly with recruiters, submit resumes, attend interviews, and receive career advice. In addition to BRAC University students and alumni, approximately 500 students from various universities across the country participated in the event.
The Office of Career Services and Alumni Relations organized the fair as part of the celebrations marking BRAC University’s 25th anniversary.
Masud Khan, a member of the BRAC University Board of Trustees, attended the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest. In his address, he said, “A career is like a marathon. There are no shortcuts; one must exercise patience.”
He emphasized the importance of excellence, integrity, a sense of responsibility, and the continuous acquisition of new skills for students and job seekers. He also advised candidates to thoroughly research prospective employers, understand their needs, and highlight their own unique qualifications during interviews.
BRAC University Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar said, “The knowledge acquired in educational institutions forms our foundation. The knowledge found in textbooks and research stems from real-world experiences; thus, what we have learned constitutes the basis of our knowledge.”
He added, “We discuss many skills, but to me, human skills are the most important. Without them, we cannot properly value others, and the sense of empathy is lost.” On the second day of the career fair, a panel discussion titled “From Early Career to Future Leader: Building a Career That Creates Impact” was held. During the discussion, Rupali Haque Chowdhury, the current Independent Director of Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited, shared the story of a monk. Even amidst the monotonous daily chore of washing dishes, the monk found purpose in his work, believing that his efforts were helping others stay healthy.
Ariful Islam, Treasurer of BRAC University, said, “You will face various challenges in your career. There will be times of disappointment and rejection. However, you must learn from these experiences and move forward. Remember, it is the difficult times that make you stronger.”
He added, “A significant shift in one’s career involves moving from managing one’s own tasks to leading a team, and eventually taking on the responsibility of guiding others.”
The panel discussion was moderated by Shahriar Sayeed, Director of Human Resources at BRAC University. He remarked, “You need to acquire new skills and learn new methods of utilizing artificial intelligence. This is how you might remain relevant in the workplace even twenty years from now. However, it is difficult to predict what the situation will be like in the next two, three, or even five years.”
Earlier in the day, Masrur Arefin, Managing Director and CEO of City Bank PLC, interacted with students during the “Meet the CEO” session.
He stated, “Before joining a bank, it is crucial to consider the institution’s corporate governance and overall work environment.”
He further added, “GDP growth is slowing down while inflation is rising. Therefore, you need to be more responsible towards yourselves and your parents.”
Other speakers at various sessions of the fair included Dr. David Dowland, Registrar of BRAC University, and Md. [Name Incomplete], Deputy Managing Director, Chief Economist, and Country Business Manager of City Bank PLC. Ashanur Rahman; Rizwan Dawood Shams, Managing Director and CEO of IPDC Finance; Sharmin Sultan, Chief People and Culture Officer, and Shah Ali Newaz Tapu, Chief Solutions Architect of BRAC IT Services Limited; Taufika Irfan, Director of HR and Operations at IHH Healthcare; and Shahriar Rahman, Head of Human Resources at Premium Sweets. They shared their experiences during various sessions of the fair.
