The reign of IBA graduates in local and foreign organizations

This is a country of unemployment so much so that hundreds of people gather in moments just to watch soil being cut, a metaphor for the scarcity of work.

Here, a job is a "boon"—not a matter of merit. Yet, nearly 100% of students from one educational institution secure jobs. Many even before crossing the threshold of their student life. To students, parents, and the general public, the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) of Dhaka University is a symbol of a successful educational institution. It enjoys equal renown in the corporate world. Even before graduation, corporate leaders often seek commitments from many students to join their organizations.

IBA graduates have a commanding presence not only in the local market but also on the international stage. Some become entrepreneurs, opening new doors to employment. Others go on to represent Bangladesh in multinational corporations. By testing classroom theories against the touchstone of reality, they hone their decision-making abilities, foresight, and leadership qualities. As a result, they are not just in demand in the workplace; for many organizations, they are irreplaceable. Their distinct identity comes from the triple confluence of intellect, work efficiency, and professionalism.

According to data provided by IBA, over 65 national and multinational organizations currently have alumni of the institute in their top leadership positions. Notable among these include Coca-Cola, Unilever Bangladesh, Nestlé Bangladesh, Robi Axiata, Grameenphone, Banglalink, BRAC Bank, City Bank, HSBC Bangladesh, Standard Chartered Bangladesh, KPMG, Deloitte, IFC, the World Bank, various UN agencies, bKash, Marico Bangladesh, British American Tobacco Bangladesh, and many more.

Not just in Bangladesh—IBA alumni are also serving in important roles in international organizations in the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, the UAE, Malaysia, and various European countries.

The institute shows that nearly 100% of its graduates enter the workforce immediately after graduation. Many receive job offers from various multinational companies, banks, and international organizations in their final semester. Several organizations occasionally hire IBA students through campus recruitment.

The IBA admission test is highly competitive. Following the written test, candidates must face an effective viva voce—a process not even seen at BUET or Dhaka University. During the viva, their ability to efficiently handle bizarre situations, present themselves smartly, and demonstrate diversity in their thinking is assessed. Only 120 students are admitted each year, but application forms are sold for five thousand candidates. Only the top scorers based on marks are eligible to apply.

A couple of years ago, an employer survey conducted by IBA saw participation from 59 government and private organizations. This included 32.2% listed companies. Besides 22% banks and financial institutions, representatives from the IT, RMG, automobile, ceramics, consulting, telecommunications, development agencies, and manufacturing sectors took part. The survey revealed that 56% of employers believe IBA students are ready for the workplace from their very first day on the job. They are ahead of others in problem-solving, analytical skills, eagerness to learn, and communication skills. IBA graduates demonstrate high capability in leadership development. According to the survey—in Project Management, 46% were rated 'excellent' and 14% 'outstanding'; in Financial Risk Analysis, 37% 'excellent' and 15% 'outstanding'; in Customer Service, 31% 'excellent' and 19% 'outstanding'; in Career Progression, 54% were rated 'excellent' and 17% rated 'above excellent'.

Beyond Jobs, IBA Plays a Vital Role in Creating Entrepreneurs

Alongside creating job seekers, IBA is also playing a vital role in creating entrepreneurs. Many IBA alumni have built successful startups, technology firms, e-commerce ventures, consulting firms, and manufacturing industries. Beyond awarding degrees, IBA regularly conducts management training programs for officials of the country's government, private, and autonomous organizations.

Through training in leadership, human resource management, finance, supply chain, marketing, digital transformation, corporate governance, and other various subjects, it is contributing to enhancing the country's institutional capacity. Thousands of alumni working in various countries around the world regularly provide career guidance, mentorship, internship, and employment opportunities to students. This is why the acceptance of IBA graduates in many international organizations is continuously increasing.

Professor Dr. Syed Ferhat Anwar, former director of IBA and current Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University, said, "IBA students receive distinct importance in the job market compared to general students. Their way of thinking and learning is also different. The training they receive is also different from others. Here, studies do not emphasize only old data or theories excessively. Rather, they are taught subjects that are necessary in the current times and will also be useful in the future—especially since old knowledge eventually ceases to be relevant."

IBA was established in 1966 with academic support from Indiana University Bloomington in the USA and financial assistance from the Ford Foundation. At that time, modern business education was limited in South Asia. The institution embarked on its journey with the goal of providing international-standard business administration education and fostering skilled corporate leadership.

Professor Dr. Abu Yousuf Md. Abdullah, the current director of IBA, said, "Our objective is not just to produce job seekers; it is to create such leaders who will be capable of bringing positive change in various institutions in the country and the world."

Initially, there was only the MBA program, but later M.Phil, PhD, and in 1993, the BBA program were introduced. Currently, IBA is conducting educational programs at various levels—BBA, MBA, Executive MBA, DBA, M.Phil, and PhD.