Background The increasing trend of students from developing countries pursuing higher education abroad as a pathway to international careers has become a significant global concern, particularly in Bangladesh. This study aimed to explore the career preferences of Bangladeshi university students, focusing on the roles of socio-economic background, academic discipline, and gender. Methodology Data were collected from 648 undergraduate students at public, private, and national universities across Bangladesh via an online survey administered from October to December 2023. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression models were used to analyze the factors associated with career preferences. Results The study found that 61% of undergraduate students preferred pursuing higher education abroad as a career pathway, whereas 39% opted to remain in Bangladesh. Socio-demographic factors, including gender (p < 0.001), marital status (p = 0.024), and living area (p = 0.032), significantly influenced career preferences. Students from higher-income families (p < 0.001) and those with family members abroad (p < 0.001) were more likely to prefer international careers. Academic background, particularly faculty type (p < 0.001), and mentorship support (p < 0.001) were critical determinants. Negative perceptions of the education system (p < 0.001) also increased the likelihood of preferring international opportunities. Conclusion The study reveals significant socio-economic and gender divides in career preferences, underscoring the need for educational institutions and policymakers to align academic offerings with students’ aspirations better and address the increasing trend of student migration; significantly, it extends the career choice literature in developing-country contexts by offering empirical evidence on how structural and socio-economic inequalities systematically shape students’ career aspirations.

This study examines the impact of natural resource exploitation, renewable energy consumption, economic growth, biocapacity, and information and communication technologies (ICT) on the ecological footprint of BRICS+ nations using panel data from 1991 to 2019. Advanced econometric techniques, including FMOLS, DOLS, CCR, and GMM, reveal significant findings relevant to sustainability-focused policymakers. The results show that natural resource exploitation significantly contributes to environmental degradation, while renewable energy consumption mitigates these effects to varying degrees across the studied countries. Although economic growth is crucial, it worsens ecological footprints unless accompanied by sustainable practices. ICT and biocapacity emerge as key factors in promoting environmental sustainability, with ICT enhancing innovation and efficiency to reduce ecological impacts. The study emphasizes the need for tailored policy frameworks that align economic growth with environmental sustainability, advocating for the adoption of renewable energy, eco-innovations, and green finance initiatives suited to the unique conditions of BRICS+ nations. The findings aim to guide policymakers in advancing sustainable development and mitigating the adverse environmental impacts of rapid industrialization and urbanization, while contributing to the global discourse on achieving a balance between economic growth and ecological well-being in developing countries.