Career Talk for English Graduates
The Department of English and Humanities at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) organized a virtual adda titled “Career Talk for English Graduates” on December 4, 2020 for its students. Three distinguished guests from the Bangladesh Civil Service, Muhammad Abdul Hye Milton, First-Seccretary Designate, Passport and Visa Wing, Bangladesh Embassy, Washington DC; Mir Abidur Rahman, Assistant Superintandent of Police, Police Headquarters; and Mondip Gharai, Senior Assistant Secretary, BIDA, Prime Minister’s Office, were present at the program as speakers. The goal of the talk was to encourage students of the English Department to think about their career options and to understand that the choices open to them are varied.
The three speakers, graduates of English themselves, discussed their career choices and how they related their course of studies to their professions.
Muhammad Abdul Hye Milton spoke about his reasons for joining the Administrative Service and focused on several important aspects including how graduates of English can do well in the civil service, how their academic background can support them, and how they can contribute to the nation. He also stressed on the reasons for the necessity of English graduates in civil service. Mr. Milton said, “Students from English Studies learn empathy and can contribute to meeting the SDG goal of creating an inclusive society by improving people’s lives.”
Mir Abidur Rahman advised the student participants on how to prepare for the BCS examination. He also said that those who are interested to serve the people and the nation should enter the civil service.
Mondip Gharai advised the participants to decide on their goal first but he also stressed on the importance of being a good human being. He said that students should concentrate on improving their public speaking skills. Mr. Gharai also mentioned that as civil servants, there are many opportunities to do good in the community.
All three speakers stressed on the importance of having general knowledge and reading newspapers and editorials regularly. They presented a very practical picture of life as a civil servant. The speakers also shared stories of some of the different projects they are or were involved in. The Pro Vice-Chancellor of ULAB and Head of the Department of English and Humanities, Professor Shamsad Mortuza, participated in the lively chat where the three guests also shared their life changing experiences in the civil service. Finally, Dr. Mortuza offered his vote of thanks to the guests and participants. Faculty members and students of the department actively participated in the adda and asked meaningful questions. The session was moderated by Dr. Syeda Farzana Sultana, Assistant Professor, DEH.