Exploring the Reasons for Over Emphasis on Government Job and Its Consequences: A Study on Public University Students of Bangladesh

Abstract

Government jobs in Bangladesh have been considered the zenith of career success for a long time, providing stability, prestige and social security. Specifically, this study attempts to shed light on the underlying reasons for the overemphasis on government jobs among public university students, and the consequences of this for their career aspirations, professional development and well-being. This qualitative research, in the form of in-depth interviews of 30 participants from Dhaka University, aims to examine the societal, cultural and economic factors that drive this mindset, such as familial expectations, social status and the perceived security of government employment. Government jobs are traditionally viewed as a safe bet, but the study shows that this preference can result in underutilization of talent, as many students concentrating exclusively on government jobs may be disappointed if they don't get one. The consequences of this failure can be quite serious, for students' mental health, career satisfaction, and social integration. In addition, while government jobs may be concentrated on, they are very narrow to allow people to grow personally, innovate or achieve professional success in different fields. This study’s findings suggest that a change in perspective about choosing a career is needed, and that a more balanced approach to career planning is needed, which is sensitive to the various opportunities across the public and private sectors. This research contributes to the larger debate on youth employment and career development in Bangladesh by understanding the root causes of the overemphasis on government job