is changing fast as new and flexible job opportunities for students are increasing. Everyone has their own need, and through working many students are paying for their education, travelling and even contributing to their families. Out of all the possible needs, the idea of self-reliance and being independent are the main reasons that are driving students to start working. In many developed countries in the world, students are encouraged to work. Through work, students are able to gather a great deal of practical job experience, which undoubtedly comes handy in their future career. This week, Y&I spoke with a few students who are working, their parents and their teachers. They talked about their thoughts, expectations, and future plans. Working Students
Sheikh Iraj
Nowadays, many university students of our country start working before finishing their graduation. Not too long ago, there was this widespread notion that one should complete his/her graduation before starting a job. Students mostly used to do tutoring to earn some extra money. Now that scenario is changing fast as new and flexible job opportunities for students are increasing. Everyone has their own need, and through working many students are paying for their education, travelling and even contributing to their families. Out of all the possible needs, the idea of self-reliance and being independent are the main reasons that are driving students to start working. In many developed countries in the world, students are encouraged to work. Through work, students are able to gather a great deal of practical job experience, which undoubtedly comes handy in their future career. This week, YI spoke with a few students who are working, their parents and their teachers. They talked about their thoughts, expectations, and future plans.
Rifat Tamanna Asha, Student
I am studying MBA in Human Resource at Stamford University Bangladesh. I started working at Shwapno Super Shop one and a half years ago. I started working here because I believe before finishing your graduation, you need to have some work experience. Through my work here I am communicating with different types of people every day and that is enriching my practical knowledge about a lot of things. I work in the Khamar Bari outlet and its close to my house. I work eight hours a day but I have the option to choose shifts and that helps. For example, when I have class in the morning I work in the evening shift. To be honest, I dont think its that hard to work and study at the same time. Rarely do I miss any class but if I do, then I go to counseling sessions. My teachers, family, and friends encourage me a lot. One of my friends got so inspired by me that she started working as well. In future, I want to work in the HR department of any well-known company.
Mahfuz Hasan, Student
Besides studying MBA in Stamford University Bangladesh, I am working in one of the distinguished hotels in Dhaka city, The Westin. I started working there about four and a half years ago. I started working because 15 days before my HSC exams, my father died and I wanted to bear the cost of my own education. First, I participated in a hotel management course and then applied for an internship. After nine months of internship, they offered me a job. I started from the bottom and now I am working as a Food and Beverage (FB) Coordinator. I bear my own cost and contribute to my family as well. When I first started working I made a promise to myself that I will finish graduation at my own cost. I have to admit that working while you are still a student is not as easy as it sounds but it has some amazing benefits. My studies are not hampered due to my job because I always try to maintain a balance. Every semester I collect the class routine and try to choose my working hours according to that. I have to say my superiors, my family members, and my friends have motivated me every step of the way, without their support I would not have been here. After completing my graduation I want to work in the corporate sector in the hotel industry.
Abedin Sabbir, Student
I am studying MBA in Accounting Information System at Jagannath University. I started working at Grameenphones Customer Service department in 2013 when I was a BBA student. One of the main reason I started working is because my father retired in 2010 and you know studying in university is not cheap. So I decided to find work and bear the expense of my own education. Today, I contribute to my family as much as I can and I also pay for my younger sisters education. In the call centre, I work for six hours a day, but I have the advantage of choosing my shifts. My family and friends support me all the time. But I dont always reveal to my teachers that I do a job. When I went for the interview, I was asked how I am going to manage time, and it was suggested to match my working hours according to my class timings. I have a wonderful working environment where I consider my colleagues as my second family. After completing my graduation I would like to work in some other sector of Grameenphone.
Mostafa Ferdous Hassan, Student
I am currently studying at Dhaka University and working at a call centre. Like most other students, I have joined here just to increase my confidence and experience, besides earning some pocket money. I work six hours a day for six days a week. These jobs are very unstable but during a short time, one can get advantage if he/she knows how to gain it. As a call centre executive, I like my job nonetheless. Since I am the youngest son of my parents, they dont like it too much that I work. My father says I do not need to work because he will provide me as much pocket money as I need. But I have to do it for my own freedom. I like the way my fathers eyes glow with pride when I hand him my salary and tell him to spend it his own way. I know he feels proud when I gift him something. I actually had to convince him that the job will not be too hard, and it will not hamper my studies before I took it up. He always emphasises that my degree is my priority and I can leave the job anytime if it hampers my studies even a little bit.
Moinul Hoque Tanmoy, Student
I just finished my BBA from BRAC University and soon I am going to take admission in MBA. Besides studying, I have also been working as an executive in a real estate company for the last five months. I started doing this job because I wanted to help my mother. My father is no longer with us and its expensive to study in a private university. I dont think anyone would complain about having some extra cash in their pockets. By working, I am able to fulfill some small dreams of my own. I work for six hours a day and during exams, I get extra time off from my office. My office is close to my house and this is another reason I started this job in the first place. My friends really appreciate the fact that I am working and studying at the same time. Like everyone else, I have dreams as well. Right now, I want to continue my work here. After completing MBA, if any good opportunity comes my way, I will like to make the best use of it.
Sheikh Nahid Neazy, Teacher
Nowadays a lot of students studying at colleges and universities do part-time jobs. Some of them want to earn to pay their tuition fees and other educational expenses, whereas others do it for pocket money. Whatever the reason, working is a great experience for all. Working gives them sense of responsibility and discipline. It also teaches them how to be self-dependent and punctual. Since I teach English at a private university, I know some of my students are working in jobs at media houses, telecommunication companies, super shops, restaurants, and other businesses. Many students studying business administration do part-time jobs as sales persons in supermarkets and fashion houses. Some students studying journalism work for newspapers, radio and TV stations. Some others work at fast food restaurants, cafs or bakeries.
While teaching at some private universities, what I have observed is students with experience in doing jobs look more confident and independent. The experience helps them to be more practical and responsible. They try to think out of the box and stand on their feet while they are studying. They learn how to communicate with customers, how to cooperate with others and how to act responsibly at the workplace. But simultaneously, students need to be very careful about their studies, and they should make sure their coursework is not hampered by their jobs. Nevertheless, doing a job is a terrific idea because the experience will, no doubt, benefit them in their professional careers.
Ferdous Hassan, Parent
I really dont like much the idea of students working before graduation. A student should give more priority to his/her studies, but thats my own thought. I cant deny the fact that many students nowadays are working and if they are able to learn something that they can use to excel in the future, I support that.
Shamsur Nahar, Guardian
My grandson works for a Bengali daily and he is a childrens book writer as well. He started working while he was a second-year university student. Now he is doing his MA in English from Dhaka University. He started working because he wanted to travel the world. When he first started working his idea was to learn, then he realised that he has a deep interest in travelling and so far, he has visited over seven different countries. In the beginning, some of his friends didnt like it because he was not able to spend much time with them. Now, some of them even travel abroad with him. I know that he is planning to go to Bali in Indonesia next year. I always support him, because I myself worked when I was a student.
Noirit Mustapha contributed to this article.
