The importance of English in multinational companies in Bangladesh: Corporate expectation vs reality

Abstract

English is used for all official purposes currently which makes the importance of learning English clear when it comes to job sector. Fresh graduates who are looking for jobs are required to acquire expected level of proficiency in English in order to get through the screening process. Moreover, in some cases recruiters tend to focus on the language proficiency more than the academic grades. Recruiters look for proficient and well-articulated professionals when it comes to reviewing candidates for a job position. In that regard, the current job market is competitive and difficult for non-English speaking candidates when it comes to securing a high paying job. The fresh graduates are unaware of the required language skills in order to stand out amongst the crowd. The employment sector in Bangladesh is developing with passing time, which means that employers focus more on the candidates’ acquisition of English and relevant language skills in order to maintain a good performance in the corporate scene. This study aims to examine the candidates’ required language proficiency level and their mastery of the English language in contrast to the growing needs in the professional sector. Also, the difficulties and challenges perceived by candidates as well as Employers. Having said that, the candidates’ and Employers’ ability to cope with said challenges was looked into while conducting this study.