North South University is infamous for having one of the toughest CGPA scale in Bangladesh. Something that has been annoying to its students for a long time. On the other hand, the university has been in regular spotlight for its array of business competitions and events hosted by its many active clubs. But as a student, how difficult is it to flourish in both aspects of North South University life?
TBS Graduates spoke to Ramadan Abdullah, a senior who has an impressive CG of 3.97 and at the same time holds the presidency of NSU YES, about the ways to succeed in the academic and extracurricular scene simultaneously in the country’s oldest private university.
What is the key to flourishing at NSU as a student?
Ans: Flourishing at NSU varies for each student, but I can share what worked for me. Above all, class attendance is paramount. Being fully engaged during the 1.5-hour class time can do wonders for academic performance. While this may seem obvious, many students underestimate its significance.
In one of my English courses, I conducted research on the correlation between class attendance and CGPA. The findings were striking. Students who consistently attended classes performed significantly better, while those who frequently missed classes saw their grades decline. Even weaker students showed notable improvement in semesters where they maintained high attendance, whereas stronger students experienced a drop in performance when their attendance decreased.
Additionally, surrounding yourself with academically driven peers can be beneficial. Lastly, attention to detail and note-taking are invaluable. I firmly believe that “Writing is thinking formalized”, when you write, you process information more effectively and retain it better.
How do you manage to successfully make time for academics and club activities?
Ans: Balancing academics, tuition and club responsibilities requires discipline and prioritisation. I make sure to attend all my classes and stay fully engaged, which reduces the need for excessive study hours later.
I take all my classes in the morning starting at 8am, which allows me to have the rest of the day to do everything else. Effective time management, delegation, and structured planning help me juggle all my responsibilities without compromising any of them.
Talk us through your journey at NSU YES
Ans: My journey at NSU YES has been a transformative experience. I started as a writer, crafting captions, cases, scripts, and promotional content. Over time, I became deeply involved in event planning, leadership development, and strategic initiatives, eventually leading the club as its president.
In my time at NSU YES, I’d like to thank all the seniors that helped me during my journey, but I want to give a special appreciation to Ishfar Quaderi. I’d also like to thank our current faculty advisor Mirza M Ferdous. I am a firm believer that leaders are created rather than born and Mirza sir is the one who guided me to become the leader I am today.
What contributes to your continued success at Bizcomps?
Ans: I haven’t won many business competitions, but I participate in plenty and learn from each one. Success comes from structured thinking, adaptability, teamwork, and mentorship. Although NSU is an open-credit university, I was fortunate to find incredible mentors like Talib Hossain and Ishfar Quaderi, whose guidance has been invaluable. Mentorship from senior business competition veterans is key, they offer insights and feedback that can refine strategies and help avoid common mistakes.
I strongly advise NSUers to always reach out to seniors for help, as their experience can truly make a difference in improving your approach. Breaking down problems clearly, pivoting when needed, and collaborating effectively have all helped me improve with every competition.
I want to foster a mentorship culture where senior members guide new talents, helping everyone grow personally and professionally within the NSU YES community.
What is the future for Ramadan Abdullah?
Ans: The future is a challenging question to answer, as it holds many possibilities, but I do have a sense of direction. With my background in Finance and Economics, my goal is to apply the knowledge I’ve gained to make a meaningful contribution to the development sector in Bangladesh.
I am deeply inspired by the country’s immense potential and the opportunity to be part of its growth. I hope to work alongside others who are equally passionate about driving positive change, helping to build a more inclusive and sustainable future. Ultimately, I aspire to play a small yet impactful role in the progress of our nation, approaching it with humility and a commitment to service.