Freshmen Explore Strategies for Academic and Personal Balance in Department of Finance Session
On October 24, 2024, the Department of Finance at the University of Dhaka organized an engaging session titled "Balancing Academic and Personal Life" for its BBA 30th batch of students. Led by Assistant Professor Mohd. Anisul Islam, the event also featured Shoumik Shahriar, Assistant Vice President of 10 Minute School and a distinguished alumnus from the department. The session aimed to equip freshmen with tools to navigate the challenges of university life, balancing rigorous academics with personal growth.
Kicking off the event, Mr. Islam posed a compelling question to the students: What single factor helped them succeed in the competitive admission process? This set the stage for an interactive session where he emphasized the values of discipline, consistency, and punctuality. Students were encouraged to leave procrastination behind and tackle tasks with immediate action. He highlighted the importance of staying grounded by moving beyond past accomplishments to embrace new goals, which fosters both humility and resilience.
Mr. Islam stressed the significance of effective communication in both Bangla and English and advised students to avoid informal language in professional settings. For academic success, he recommended consistent attendance in classes and exams, diligent note-taking, and careful preparation for assessments. Alongside, he encouraged them to build a support network by fostering strong relationships with faculty and peers. Additionally, he emphasized a balanced focus on academic performance (CGPA), spiritual values, family bonds, and personal well-being. Good habits—maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding harmful habits, and practicing cleanliness—were among his suggestions for a holistic approach to student life.
Acknowledging the emotional challenges students face while living away from home, Mr. Islam advised students to keep a positive outlook and share uplifting updates with family members. By doing so, he suggested, students can enhance their resilience and maintain a strong morale while keeping their families reassured.
In his address, Shoumik Shahriar shared personal insights from his time as a finance student, recounting both achievements and missed opportunities. He advised students to balance academics with extracurriculars for a well-rounded university experience and shared tips on career planning in finance. Additionally, Shahriar offered practical advice on managing time effectively and minimizing internet distractions to stay productive.
The session provided a robust foundation for students to handle academic pressures while keeping their personal lives balanced. With an open invitation to embrace both successes and setbacks, Mr. Islam likened life’s ups and downs to the heart’s rhythm—a reminder that life’s natural fluctuations should be accepted with grace. The seminar left students feeling motivated and better prepared to tackle the challenges ahead with clarity, confidence, and a growth mindset.