Factors associated with career choice among university students in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

The increasing trend of students from developing countries pursuing higher education abroad as a pathway to international careers has become a significant global concern, particularly in Bangladesh. This study aimed to explore the career preferences of Bangladeshi university students, focusing on the roles of socio-economic background, academic discipline, and gender. Data were collected from 648 undergraduate students at public, private, and national universities across Bangladesh via an online survey administered from October to December 2023. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression models were used to analyze the factors associated with career preferences. The study found that 61% of undergraduate students preferred pursuing higher education abroad as a career pathway, whereas 39% opted to remain in Bangladesh. Socio-demographic factors, including gender (p < 0.001), marital status (p = 0.024), and living area (p = 0.032), significantly influenced career preferences. Students from higher-income families (p < 0.001) and those with family members abroad (p < 0.001) were more likely to prefer international careers. Academic background, particularly faculty type (p < 0.001), and mentorship support (p < 0.001) were critical determinants. Negative perceptions of the education system (p < 0.001) also increased the likelihood of preferring international opportunities. The study reveals significant socio-economic and gender divides in career preferences, underscoring the need for educational institutions and policymakers to align academic offerings with students’ aspirations better and address the increasing trend of student migration; significantly, it extends the career choice literature in developing-country contexts by offering empirical evidence on how structural and socio-economic inequalities systematically shape students’ career aspirations.