So, What's Next?: A Guidance Session for Spring 2023 Graduates

A session entitled “So, What's Next: A Guidance Session for Spring 2023 Graduates” was conducted by the Department of English and Humanities, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), with an emphasis on upcoming academic plans for the BA graduating students of Spring 2023. Ms. Arifa Ghani Rahman, Head of the Department, facilitated the session. The session was held online on May 18, 2023.

Ms. Nadia Rahman, MA Coordinator, set the program into motion with warm congratulations to the successful graduates. Ms. Arifa Rahman then commenced the main segment. The aim of the program was to assist the students in deciding what to do next. Ms. Rahman began with emphasizing that graduate studies was an absolute necessity in the competitive job market. She provided information on what the students could expect if they were planning to study abroad. Pointing out the importance of gaining specialization in a certain field, Ms. Rahman encouraged the students to work toward a master’s degree to hone their skills further, and get an upper hand in the job market. She elaborated on the procedure of applying for higher studies abroad step-by-step, such as assembling academic documents (transcripts and certificates), recommendation letters, SoPs and other necessary essays, as well as proof of funds and language proficiency tests. She further underlined the merit of initiating contact with possible supervisors beforehand and creating a research proposal, which would increase the likelihood of the students being awarded with funding for their degree.

Since the application process and research for study abroad takes at least a year, Ms. Rahman urged the students to make use of the time by completing their Masters at ULAB in the interim in a familiar environment to get better used to the rigor of graduate school.

Following Ms. Rahman’s discussions, Mr. Zamal Uddin Bhuiyan, Director, Admissions, ULAB, presented the graduating students with necessary information on graduate studies at ULAB. He prompted the students to seek the multifarious opportunities, faculty expertise, and facilities that come with the different tracks of MA in English at ULAB.

The session elicited a variety of responses from students towards the end, and was rounded up with Ms. Arifa Ghani Rahman and Ms. Nadia Rahman clarifying the students’ concerns and queries about studying abroad and at ULAB. Thus, the crucial session regarding the future prospects for graduating students concluded with the students finding it extremely valuable to embark on their next academic adventure.

Report by Afreena Rahman (183013069)