GOVERNMENT JOBS: YES OR NO?

There's no doubt that many young Bangladeshis idolise Mashroof Hossain, the supercop who has utilised technology to single-handedly bring about a much needed reform in the law and order system of the country. Though we look up to these heroes with great admiration, how many of us want to follow their footsteps? Broadly speaking, is today's youth really considering careers in public service at all? We asked students from both public and private institutions and this is what they had to say.

Fariha Dola, BBA, North South University
I wish to get an MBA and settle for a job at one of the top-notch multinational companies. That way, I think, I will get a good return for my investment in my undergraduate degree. However, I am afraid to enter the rat race. Working for a private corporation requires you to go that extra mile if you want to climb up the success ladder. Long working hours and stress often ruin the balance between professional and personal life.

Shabeeb Ameen, Physics Department, University of Dhaka
I guess being a BCS cadre is a dream for most university graduates. Some students even study for the exam from the freshman year. Personally, I am more drawn to a career in STEM research. Hence, I might have to stick to the private sector that receives more research funding and support but I can definitely see the positives of being a BCS cadre. The position commands recognition and respect. Of course, the idea of bearing the tremendous responsibilities of such a profession fresh out of university is also quite attractive to many people.

Anoma Barua, Bangladesh Medical College
The public sector is supposedly plagued with corruption. Although as a to-be doctor, I aspire to reach out to people and serve them at the grassroots level, I am afraid I have to do that on my own. The salary in government jobs also acts as a disincentive for me. The salary is too little for the amount of hard work that one needs to put in. I wonder how I will be able to do something for the people if I am not financially solvent myself. The recent reforms in salary structure and overall system, however, give me hope.

Ishmam Chowdhury, Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka
It's interesting how the society always seems to “know” what I want to do in life. Most often they would think that I'll be getting into one of the multinational companies or a bank, but for me, a desk job is not as rewarding. In fact, I am not even sure when these jobs became such a lucrative thing. How is it that Foreign Service, Customs or any other Civil Cadet jobs never come up in such discussions? Though the public sector still has a few unpleasant issues, you can either sit where you are and point out what's wrong with everything around you or choose to act. I want to be a part of the second group and rather do something for my country instead of getting into a multinational company and branding myself as a global corporate employee.