Feature

Mohammad Islam

Only when the final corner is passed (as they say in Formula One racing), the finish line and reaching that chequered flag comes to mind.

University students entering the final year of their bachelors' degree will start fretting about their first job just when they are closing in on their graduation. Yes, you worry and become anxious because the job will effectively reflect how you have prepared for the past 20 years (and more).

Relentless pressures from projects, art competitions, sports competitions, debates, exams, quizzes, assignments, thesis papers and then the ultimate degree.

All this means that while the F1 driver basks in glory after winning the race, your race is only about to begin.

The first job is always the most important and definitely, the most memorable experience for everyone. It is important because it teaches us everything about our next task and how to go about it. Without having a good base, nothing is possible.

And why is it memorable? That is because it will be your first impression of the real world and it will be your knowledge for the next job and the next job.

If you already have a checklist of what you are looking for in that first job, nice work!

Otherwise, the list includes money, recognition, responsibility, room for growth and many more in that line of thought.

In Bangladesh, a student instantly distinguishes these above-mentioned qualities of a job and most are going for certain names that are unmistakably on top of the chart in every possible way.

Usually, these companies are the best in their line of business and have tremendous corporate culture in them.

What do these jobs offer? Almost anything that one wishes for in a first job. But they attract people with talent and hunger, people who deliver superior performance and who give them a competitive advantage.

Finance and INB major from NSU Imran Ahmed mentioned some of the criteria that he is looking for in his first job.

“Good salary, corporate image, corporate culture, the incentives both within the company and also outside, professional image at entry level is set in a sense that a certain standard is achieved.

Rashed Zaman, a recent graduate from North South University, responded in the affirmative when asked about his opinion in this regard.

“For example, a company that provides a challenging environment where you get the best opportunity to work professionally,” he said.

“The environment encourages growth, to speak up, take decisions, be more responsible and make yourself better. That is everyone is looking for,” he added.

Apart from all that, training & development and an international environment are things that will make you better, without you knowing it.

Muhymin Chowdhury explained that the multinational tag is a focal point.

“Firstly the brand name comes with it which gives instant recognition. The package they provide is also very good,” said Muhymin.

“There is a scope to be big as it is a big business. If it is always growing, opportunities for moving up are also there.”

BATB gives business graduates the opportunity to work as Territory Officers (TO), who usually have to work outside their home towns.

Working outside say, Dhaka, is a new experience for most who grew up in the city. And instantly they are delegating good amount of responsibility and authority to the newly graduates.

Muhymin says, “It makes you feel important which will also help you to grow as a person.”

Some of the other companies offer a lot and deliver. But let yourself know that 'hard work' is a must and so is 'dedication'.

Ambition in this day and age is a hyped word. But one might be pretty certain that working in a place like BATB is quite an ambition and when ambition is achieved, success in life is pretty certain too.