BRAC University business and economics forum hosts corporate curveball

The BRAC University Business and Economics Forum (BUBeF) organised Corporate Curveball, an insightful event to prepare students to transition from campus to the corporate world.

Held at BRAC University, the event featured two esteemed alumni— Shihab Noor Alam, Senior Officer of Trade Marketing at bKash Limited, and Saika Binte Islam, Officer of Portfolio and Communications at SwissContact—who shared their experiences and provided valuable guidance on navigating professional challenges.

The first session, led by Shihab Noor Alam, focused on debunking corporate myths and encouraging personal development. He emphasised the importance of conducting a personal SWOT analysis, helping individuals identify their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to improve their career readiness. He clarified misconceptions about the significance of CGPA, stating that while a strong CGPA is essential for initial screening, it is not the sole determinant of success. He further highlighted that well-rounded candidates with extracurricular achievements stand out more than those solely focused on academics.

Moreover, he stressed the importance of building skills and starting from the ground up to excel in any profession. Encouraging students to embrace uncertainty, he advised them to take action and explore new opportunities with an open mind, emphasising the mantra to "TRY."

The second session, led by Saika Binte Islam, addressed career anxieties and strategic decision-making. She highlighted the value of joining university clubs to develop leadership, communication, and management skills. She encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, participate in meaningful competitions, and align their efforts with long-term career goals. Saika also stressed the importance of tailoring CVs to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and choosing internships and jobs that offer growth opportunities.

In her speech, Ms. Saika urged students to focus on effective self-promotion, stating that "selling yourself" is a key skill in the job market. She also discussed the challenges of transitioning into professional life and encouraged participants to continuously seek feedback to improve their performance.

The event concluded with a prize-giving ceremony and was lauded as BUBeF's signature initiative. With actionable insights and practical advice, Corporate Curveball equipped students with the tools to navigate the complexities of career development and set a new standard for career-focused events at BRAC University.