From Campus to Corner Office: BUP’s Career Fest Returns Bigger Than Ever

The Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) is preparing to host one of the country’s most engaging student-focused events, as the BUP Career Club unveils the eighth edition of its annual flagship initiative. Titled East Coast Group presents BUP Career and Education Fest 2025 powered by Mentors’ Study Abroad, the event will take place on campus …

The Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) is preparing to host one of the country’s most engaging student-focused events, as the BUP Career Club unveils the eighth edition of its annual flagship initiative. Titled East Coast Group presents BUP Career and Education Fest 2025 powered by Mentors’ Study Abroad, the event will take place on campus from 23 to 25 June. Known for drawing strong interest from students and industry alike, the fest continues to serve as a meaningful bridge between academic learning and the evolving professional landscape.

Each year, the fest brings together students, academics, recruiters, and thought leaders in a forum that combines corporate engagement, career-building activities and in-depth discussions on future pathways. This year’s edition promises to extend that ambition even further, offering a more expansive platform for skill development, exposure to industry practices, and informed conversations around career readiness.

More than 35 companies are confirmed to participate in this year’s event. Students will have the opportunity to meet directly with recruiters, submit their CVs, and gain first-hand insights into career trajectories across a wide range of sectors. The presence of both established corporations and dynamic new players reflects the increasing importance of strategic partnerships between academia and industry in preparing graduates for the world of work.

BUP graduates have consistently demonstrated strong performance in both the local and international spheres. Many have secured competitive positions in multinational corporations, national conglomerates, research institutions, and international graduate programmes. Their academic rigour, work ethic and adaptability have earned them placements in diverse sectors including finance, development, consulting, technology and academia. As a result, BUP has emerged as a preferred talent pool among top recruiters, with many companies identifying the university as a key institution for sourcing fresh graduates who are both well-prepared and career-focused.

The event’s continued success has been made possible through support from a number of prominent sponsors and partners. East Coast Group joins as the Title Sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing emerging talent. Mentors’ Study Abroad, the Co-Sponsor, will guide students exploring international higher education opportunities and will conduct a dedicated session during the fest. Additional support comes from Reckitt as Event Partner, City Bank as Banking Partner, AMA Coffee as Coffee Partner and SunQuick as Beverage Partner. The involvement of these organisations reflects a shared investment in the future of the country’s educated workforce.

The inaugural session on 23 June will feature Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud, Planning Advisor to the Interim Government of Bangladesh, as the Chief Guest. The day’s headline event will be an exclusive panel discussion featuring prominent figures from academia and industry. Among the panellists are G. M. Kamrul Hassan, Chief Executive Officer of Akij Infotech, Akij BPL, and Akij Telecom Ltd; Sabbir Ahmed, Country Manager of Visa for Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan; and Dr Ummya Salma, Associate Professor at BUP and PhD graduate from the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), China. The session is expected to offer valuable perspectives on leadership, global competencies and the transition from education to employment.

A special segment titled “Meet the CEO” will further enrich the day’s agenda. This interactive session will offer students rare access to the experiences and insights of leading industry figures. Among the featured guests is Mashrur Arefin, Chief Executive Officer of City Bank, whose presence is expected to draw keen interest. These conversations will cover a wide range of topics including the evolving role of higher education, the demands of the modern workplace, and the qualities sought in emerging professionals.

The second day, 24 June, will centre around company engagements and expert-led seminars. Students will visit booths, interact with representatives, and explore job prospects while learning more about specific sectors. Industry-led sessions will focus on practical knowledge, employer expectations, and the preparation required to transition successfully from university to career. Co-sponsor Mentors’ Study Abroad will conduct a dedicated seminar outlining higher study opportunities abroad and offering guidance on international admissions, scholarships, and career alignment. On this day, Ali Ahmmed, Chief Commercial Officer of Bkash Ltd, will lead a session sharing his insights on innovation and leadership in the fintech industry, highlighting emerging trends and career opportunities. Additionally, Sabbir Ahmed, Head of Human Resources at Marico, will conduct a session focusing on talent acquisition, workplace culture, and strategies for career growth. Several other companies will also present sessions on their operations, recruitment processes, and workplace environment.

The fest will conclude on 25 June with a closing ceremony that brings together senior BUP officials and representatives from all participating organisations. The Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of BUP will preside over the occasion as Chief Guest and formally recognise the contributions of the event’s partners by presenting tokens of appreciation. The ceremony will mark the end of three days of collaboration, engagement and strategic learning.

Now in its eighth iteration, BUP Career and Education Fest has grown into a signature event that continues to evolve with each passing year. Building on past initiatives such as Career Edge 2024, this year’s edition expands its reach while maintaining its core objective of preparing students for life beyond university. It reflects both the ambition of the institution and the adaptability of its students in a rapidly changing professional environment.

Through this initiative, the BUP Career Club remains committed to equipping students with the networks, skills and information they need to thrive. The 2025 edition of the Career and Education Fest is not simply a gathering of stakeholders—it is a purposeful step toward shaping the future of BUP graduates as they prepare to enter a competitive and complex global workforce.

Author: MD Farhan Masrur | fmordun@gmail.com