Time to prioritise skill development

In today's competitive world, academic knowledge alone is no longer enough. The job market now demands far more than high CGPAs or classroom performance. Employers seek individuals with communication skills, teamwork experience, problem-solving abilities, leadership qualities, and technical competence.

Unfortunately, many university students in Bangladesh become so absorbed in textbook studies that they overlook the importance of real-world capabilities. As a result, when they graduate, they often find themselves unprepared, unemployed, and unsure of what to do next. This disconnect between academic learning and market readiness is a key reason for the growing unemployment problem in our country.

If students start developing skills alongside their academic education, they can become not just job seekers but job creators. Universities must encourage participation in co-curricular activities, such as tech clubs, entrepreneurship workshops, internships, competitions, and real-life projects. These initiatives foster creativity, confidence, and a sense of ownership.

At the same time, families should support children in pursuing passions beyond textbooks-whether it's learning coding, design, public speaking, or other 21st-century skills. It's crucial to understand that education is not the destination-it's the foundation.

Md. Ala Uddin

Department of Computer Science & Engineering

BGC Trust University Bangladesh

alauddin@bgctub.ac.bd