Exploring Career Choice of Communication, Media, and Journalism Department Students in Bangladesh: A Public University Perspective

This study looks at the career aspirations, preferences, and challenges encountered by students in the Communication, Media, and Journalism departments at public universities in Bangladesh. Data were collected from 220 respondents through a structured questionnaire administered via an online survey, focusing on the factors that influence career choices, motivations, and students’ views on journalism as a profession. The findings indicate that a notable percentage of students have ambitions to enter civil services or seek positions in international organizations, while favored journalism specializations encompass crime, foreign, and sports reporting. Primary factors influencing career decisions among participants encompass a wish to contribute to society, attain social recognition, and ensure job security along with financial benefits. Nonetheless, obstacles within the journalism sector, including inadequate compensation, restricted benefits, and precarious work conditions, discourage numerous students from pursuing journalism as their main career path. Students voiced concerns regarding the outdated curricula that fail to equip them for contemporary media positions. The investigation highlights the necessity for enhanced working environments, curriculum reforms focused on career development, and governmental backing to promote careers in media. This study provides important insights into the career paths and industry expectations of Communication, Media, and Journalism students in Bangladesh, emphasizing opportunities for policy and academic improvement.