Evaluating the career readiness of university students in Bangladesh: insights from Japan

Purpose This research explores tertiary students' career preparedness in Bangladesh. In addition, this research assesses the extent to which the Japanese University-Industry Linkage model can be implemented to advance their employability within the Bangladeshi higher education context. Design/methodology/approach This research employed a mixed-methods design with deductive reasoning. This research used a structured questionnaire to survey 200 tertiary students from public and private universities in Bangladesh. In addition, 20 Key Informant Interviews were conducted with professionals using a semi-structured questionnaire. Findings The moderate level of career readiness among Bangladeshi students persisted. At the same time, some students have substantially higher expectations for their career prospects. However, they lack important skills such as communication, digital literacy and problem-solving. On the other side of the coin, the institutionalized career centers, compulsory internships, active industry involvement in curriculum development and tight collaboration between universities and industry, supported by long-term policies, have made the Japanese approach integrated and comprehensive. Practical implications At the macro level, it calls for the proliferation of dedicated career consultancy centers and the inclusion of credit-bearing internships in academic programs. Additionally, at the institutional level, industry leaders should support curriculum design to align curricula with market demand. Together, these multi-level strategies establish a structured framework for sustainable career preparation and workforce transition. Originality/value This research, based on empirical data, is the first and foremost to examine the Bangladeshi context through the lens of Japan's UIL model of higher education and to provide cross-cultural policy lessons.