The emerging Generation Z in Bangladesh

Dr. Tanvir Abir :

In the vibrant and swiftly evolving panorama of Bangladesh, the Generation Z cohort stands at a pivotal juncture. As they traverse the transition from academia to the professional realm, they confront a labour market characterised by its multifaceted nature and dynamism. In this epoch of technological progress, the amalgamation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and generative technologies is poised to revolutionise the landscape of career development. This discourse delves into the potential of AI generative technology to empower the emerging Generation Z in Bangladesh to enable them to craft successful and gratifying career trajectories.
Understanding the emerging Generation Z:
Before we delve into the influence of AI on career development, it is imperative to gain insights into the characteristics of Generation Z in Bangladesh. Born approximately between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s, they constitute the initial cohort of true digital natives. Growing up in an interconnected world, they possess an inherent familiarity with technology and an insatiable thirst for knowledge.
Challenges confronted by the emerging Generation Z:
As the emerging Generation Z in Bangladesh takes their initial steps into the professional arena, they are confronted with a distinctive set of challenges:
Heterogeneous employment market: Bangladesh boasts a heterogeneous employment market encompassing various sectors such as textiles, information technology, agriculture, and more. This diversity, while advantageous, can also be a formidable challenge, necessitating young job aspirants to align their competencies with the exigencies of the market.
Linguistic proficiency: Proficiency in the English language often serves as a prerequisite for numerous vocations in Bangladesh, particularly in the realms of IT and service industries. A substantial proportion of Generation Z individuals may find it imperative to augment their linguistic prowess to remain competitive.
Skills discrepancy: The endeavor to bridge the chasm between academic preparation and industry requisites remains a significant hurdle. While formal education furnishes the foundation, the need to further refine practical competencies is a prevalent requirement to meet the expectations of prospective employers.
Accessibility to opportunities: Access to resources and opportunities for career development is subject to significant disparities contingent upon geographical location and socioeconomic factors. Consequently, certain members of Generation Z find themselves at a disadvantage, bereft of equal prospects.
How AI generative technology can foster transformation:
AI generative technology, underpinned by advancements such as GPT-3, holds the potential to be a transformative force in mitigating these challenges and uplifting the emerging Generation Z in Bangladesh. Here’s an elucidation of its potential contributions:
Customised career guidance: AI has the capacity to scrutinise the backgrounds, inclinations, and competencies of Generation Z individuals to furnish personalised career recommendations. These recommendations can be harmonised with the diverse tapestry of the Bangladeshi job market, facilitating informed decision-making among young job aspirants.
Indigenous labour market intelligence: AI can furnish real-time insights into the local labour market, encompassing information on in-demand proficiencies, remuneration trends, and industry expansion. This knowledge equips Generation Z with invaluable insights into the domains where their skills are in high demand.
Language Support: AI-driven linguistic models can furnish tailored language enhancement resources. For those necessitating amelioration in English proficiency, AI can offer exercises, lexicon compilations, and guidance pertaining to pronunciation, all attuned to the Bangladeshi linguistic context.
Proficiency augmentation: AI can suggest online courses and training regimens tailored to the exigencies of Bangladesh’s labour market. It possesses the capability to discern skill deficiencies and present targeted remedies for competence enhancement.
Polishing the curriculum vitae: Creation of effective resumes` and cover letters can prove to be an arduous task. AI can generate content that accentuates an individual’s qualifications and aligns them with the anticipations of Bangladeshi employers.
Interview preparations: AI can simulate interview scenarios, posing questions commonly encountered in Bangladeshi employment interviews. This aids Generation Z individuals in honing their interview skills, instilling confidence in them.
Entrepreneurial support: For those nurturing entrepreneurial aspirations, AI can disseminate insights into emerging business trends within the confines of Bangladesh. It can offer counsel on the commencement and expansion of businesses in the local milieu.
Mentorship facilitation: AI can facilitate mentorship by connecting members of Generation Z with local mentors possessing substantial experience and knowledge. These mentors can proffer invaluable insights and counsel regarding the pursuit of diverse career paths within Bangladesh.
Digital portfolio crafting: AI can provide assistance in the creation of digital portfolios that showcase competencies and projects. These portfolios serve as potent instruments when seeking employment or internships within Bangladesh.
Continual Learning: AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants can extend ongoing support for queries related to career development. This enables Generation Z individuals to access information and guidance as per their requirements, fostering a perpetually evolving learning process.
The Impact of AI on Career Advancement:
The infusion of AI into the realm of career development for the emerging Generation Z in Bangladesh bequeaths profound advantages:
Enlightened Decision-Making: AI empowers Generation Z individuals with the capacity to make enlightened decisions pertaining to their careers. It furnishes them with contemporaneous data, trends, and insights that hold paramount significance in a rapidly evolving labor market.
Enhanced Efficiency: AI streamlines the job pursuit process, economising time and effort. It identifies pertinent opportunities, prescribes pertinent courses of action, and even facilitates the creation of application materials.
Personalization: The personalised nature of AI recommendations ensures that career development strategies align seamlessly with the aspirations and strengths of each individual.
Accessibility: Career development resources propelled by AI are within reach of a broad spectrum of Generation Z individuals, irrespective of their geographical coordinates. This levels the playing field and extends opportunities to all strata of society.
Mentorship: AI engenders mentorship by fostering connections between nascent job aspirants and seasoned professionals in Bangladesh. This mentorship can prove invaluable in navigating the intricacies of the employment domain.
The future of career advancement in Bangladesh:
As the labour market in Bangladesh continues its evolution, the role of AI generative technology in the realm of career development will become increasingly consequential. Generation Z stands poised to reap substantial dividends from the personalised counsel, insights, and resources that AI can provide.
Nevertheless, it is paramount to acknowledge that AI functions as a tool, not as a substitute for human expertise and mentorship. The optimal scenario harmonises the potential of AI with the sagacity and guidance offered by experienced professionals, thus nurturing a well-rounded and triumphant workforce in Bangladesh.
In conclusion, the fusion of AI generative technology with career advancement in Bangladesh portends a brighter horizon for the emerging Generation Z. As they embark on their professional odyssey, AI stands as their trusted ally, facilitating judicious decision-making, acquisition of valuable competencies, and the realisation of career aspirations within the context of a swiftly evolving and variegated labour market.

(The writer is Associate Professor and Director, Career Development Centre, Daffodil International University)