Chattogram Bureau: For thousands of young people in Bangladesh, the problem is not a lack of degrees. It is a lack of connection between what they learn, what they can do, and what employers actually need. That gap was at the centre of discussion on Saturday at the BRAC Learning Centre in Chattogram, where BRAC's Career Hub hosted Employers Meet Up 2026 from 10:30am to 2:00pm.Representatives from 25 organisations took part in the event, including Royal Cement, RSGT Bangladesh, Ispahani Group, Heidelberg Materials, Chittagong Stock Exchange, PHP Motors, Banglalink, Clifton Group, KSRM, A.K. Khan and Company, Summit Alliance Port Limited, YPSA and ISDE. The aim was to make jobseekers ready not just for a job, but for a career.Opening the event, Mohammad Aliul Azim, Employment Manager of BRAC Skills Development Programme, spoke about BRAC's target to help create employment for 1 million people between 2026 and 2030. He said numbers alone will not solve unemployment. What matters is building skilled, confident and responsible human resources and creating a real link between jobseekers and employers. He said it is not only about finding a job, it is about being prepared to keep it, grow in it and contribute to it.Afroza Khanom, Manager of Career Hub Chattogram Centre, presented the activities and future plans of Career Hub. She said Career Hub staff have now received certification in psychosocial counselling to support jobseekers better, recognising that confidence, stress, family pressure and mindset are as important as a CV. She also shared a new plan under the Career Hub University Model. Under this model, Career Hub has signed agreements with three universities to support students in four stages, from their first year to graduation, so career preparation does not start only after the final exam. Two successful participants of Career Hub, Emon Barua and Jemima Israt Rizu, also shared their experiences at the event.In an open discussion, employers spoke about what is missing in today's job market. They said degrees are important but not enough. Employers are now looking for practical knowledge of AI and data analysis, technical and digital skills, punctuality, professional behaviour and responsibility. Many employers warned against the rush for quick money or a quick job. Instead, they urged young people to think about long-term career planning, gain real experience and keep learning. Several companies also expressed interest in working jointly with Career Hub on internships, industry visits, job attachments and training, so students can see a factory, an office and a port before they apply for a job there.Closing the programme, Jisan Barua, Employment and Activation Officer of Career Hub, thanked the representatives of all 25 organisations for their active participation and valuable opinions. He said the main goal of the Employers Meet Up is not just to build acquaintance with employers, but to build a working bridge between the real demands of the job market, the expectations of employers and the preparation of jobseekers. He expressed hope that such dialogue will strengthen skills development, expand employment opportunities and build long-term partnership between Career Hub and industries. He also called for continuing joint initiatives and cooperation in the future.The programme was moderated by Mariam Akter Asma, Career Counselling Officer of Career Hub. At the end of the discussion, participating organisations were invited to join the upcoming Career Expo with their vacant positions, as a next step to turn discussion into actual jobs.