Significance of Co-curricular Activities to be Skilled Manpower: A Case Study on Khulna University

Abstract

Debates on defining quality education in academia are not new. Nevertheless, most scholars stress out the function of quality education to promote skilled manpower. Upliftment of skilled human resources through confirming standard education largely depends on various academic and non-academic activities. Along with other things, several researchers have highlighted the importance of co-curricular activities like debating, singing, volunteering for development affairs and so on which are sometimes also considered non-academic affairs that can exert a strong influence in ensuring quality education. Contrasting with the earlier studies where the importance of co-curricular activities has got priority, this study is designed to explore how involvement in co-curricular activities has helped tertiary-level students to perform better in professional life. To do so, in a qualitative manner, this study purposively selected some alumni from Khulna University, a promising university in southern Bangladesh, who were actively engaged in co-curricular activities at undergraduate and graduate level. Through the in- depth interviews, this study found that some general soft skills like better team management, critical reasoning, public speaking and presentation skills, organizing ability, pressure management in a critical situation, successful leadership skills, and ability to take risks were acquired through co-curricular activities which had assisted the respondents to perform better in the professional arena. Besides, it was also found that better public relations and social networking skills were also other specific expertise that distinguished the respondents from their colleagues. However, the findings of this study may assist policymakers to undertake the necessary steps in adopting successful policy measures.