Seminar on career in finance

BRAC Business School (BBS) in association with Office of Career Services and Alumni Relations (OCSAR) of BRAC University hosted a seminar on "Career in Finance: Future Prospects and Possibilities" at BRAC University Auditorium, Dhaka on the 4th of February, 2016. The seminar was conducted by independent consultant Mr. Khan Muhammad Saqiful Alam who is also an adviser of 10-Minute School  and lecturer of North South University. Mr. Mohammad Rezaur Razzak, Associate Professor and Head of Operations, BRAC Business School inaugurated the session as special guest while Professor Dr. Rahim B. Talukdar, Adviser of BRAC Business School was also present as the chief guest of the programme.
Mr. Saqiful Alam started his session laying emphasis on the generic skills employers look for in finance graduates. He has been interviewing many finance officials from banks, non- banking financial institutions and corporations and reveals that the most common generic skills employers look for was communication skills backed up by analytical and spreadsheet proficiency. Secondly, he talked about the competency set needed for banks, non-banking financial institutions and corporations. Three requirements asked for in all these three sectors were market knowledge, interpersonal skills (ability to handle clients and work in teams) and project evaluation skills.
He also mentioned about the paramount importance of reading financial newspapers or business columns, investing in the stock exchange and engaging in conversations regarding the current scenario with faculty members or anyone who holds a strong diction over finance.  Mr. Saqiful also encouraged the finance major students to pursue a degree alongside Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA) for standing out and networking.
Towards the end of the session,  he shared tips about writing better CV, few interview tactics and life in general. He emphasized the importance of being genuine, giving to others no matter how small in portion it is, investing on own and others and to always have the urge to meet new people, which may open new horizons one has never thought of.
The writer is a final year student of  BBA at BRAC University,
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