Q1: Sir, currently I am in second year intermediate (pre-engineering). My percentage of first year was 63.88%. I am interested in doing graduation in geophysics or environmental sciences. Kindly tell me about its scope in Pakistan and also that which universities are best in Karachi to seek admission in geophysics and environmental sciences. One more thing is that, if I would be unable to choose the above-mentioned fields because of my percentage then which fields should I choose? (Mifrah Khan, Karachi)
Ans: Geophysics within the domain of geological sciences is an important area and has strong demand worldwide including Pakistan. However, it is important that once you complete your undergraduate degree you should very carefully select your specialism or master’s degree in an area that is showing growth at that particular time. Environmental Sciences is generally considered a very good area but again you will have to look at specialism to gain expertise in one of the focused area. Both degrees are available at Karachi University and I think this would be a good choice.
Q2: I need your advice regarding my career. I am 8th semester student in Industrial Engineering Department, UET Taxila and hopefully going to pass-out by the end of May 2016. I want to know what would be the best track to pursue for masters. I think, based on my BS degree, Industrial Engineering, Engineering Management, Project Management are few courses I may adopt. I have also found interest in Oil and Gas sector. Out of the following which one to choose for MS Industrial Engineering, Engineering Management, Project Management or Petroleum Engineering. Or nothing from these and start searching for job right now as I am a job person and would seek for job even if I did masters. (Muhammad Arslan, Islamabad)
Ans: My advice to you would be your last option in which you said you want to do a job. I would prefer that you work for few years and get some experience to understand which area interests you more before choosing your specialism at MS level. If you do have funding available for studying abroad then the best area would be MS in industrial engineering or engineering management. Canada has a number of options so has Sweden and Germany.
Q3: Sir, I am doing BS Hons Chemistry at LCWU. I have got 3.74 and 3.58 GPA in 1st and 2nd semester respectively. Kindly suggest me in which field should I do research or thesis. Kindly give me some advice about study plan in routine. I’ll wait for your suggestions. Thanking you in anticipation. (Hafsa, Lahore)
Ans: From your email I understand you are in your second year or third semester which means you have still a long way to finish your BS in Chemistry. There are a number of innovative areas in chemistry but I am afraid it is too early for you to look towards them at this moment in time.
I would recommend you to contact me once you have a degree in Chemistry and your GPA shows that you would do with distinction. I shall be able to guide you at that point. I will be more than happy to advise you research areas.
Q4: I have done BSc (Chemistry) from Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad with 75% marks in 2016. Before that I have done FSc with 80% marks from federal board. My problem is that I have to wait for one whole year to take admission in MSc Chemistry in Quaid-i-Azam University (as Iwas unable to get admission this year). Sir, can you give me a piece of advice that what should I do now. I don't want to waste my one year. Also, can I apply for foreign universities scholarship programmes, with this academic background? (Umar Farooq, Islamabad)
Ans: My advice to you would be to engage yourself in an industry or a research project that involves chemistry or chemical engineering/environmental science etc. There are several opportunities for you to seek an MSc or a postgraduate degree and perhaps with some or the other kind of scholarship keeping in view your GPA and your pass grades. I would suggest you to do an IELTS or TOEFL with at least 6.5 or above which will support your scholarship application at many places.
Q5: Sir, after completion of BBA Hons, I am doing MS (project management) from Comsats Lahore, which is almost complete. My research is related to "people littering behaviour". I have more interest in working with NGO, and I want to know for PhD which field should I choose?
Ans: I think sociology would be the right area to pursue and you may find a number of relevant research areas to what you did in your master’s project management. I think once you complete your MS you should look towards doing an internship with an NGO and this experience and exposure will provide you the relevant information which will help and navigate your future research topic going forward for your PhD. I am sure a lot of NGOs would be interested in your CV.
(Syed Azhar Husnain Abidi is a renowned educationist in Pakistan, with more than 20 years of experience as a provider of education counselling services. He has represented Pakistan in over 100 national and international seminars, conferences and fora. He is the recipient of the most coveted civil award Tamgha-e-Imtiaz).