Career counselling: Questions and answers

By our correspondents
October 30, 2016

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AQ1). I am studying in FSc Pre-Engineering year two. I already reappeared in the exams of Chemistry and Physics in year one. Now I am trying hard to clear the year two in one go. Please suggest me, the specialisation in my bachelor's. (Taha Ramzan, Islamabad)

Ans: Considering your results it appears that you have not worked hard and perhaps you also may not have the flare for science subjects. I am not too sure on your grades in matriculation especially in maths, physics and chemistry as this would now be the basis for your future subject streams. I will suggest you switch to social sciences or IT that could be attempting inter commerce or doing an intermediate with IT. I am sure you are good at IT because this is every youngster’s choice these days. Once you have passed your intermediate with a minimum of B grade we can look to advise you further.

Q2). I have done DAE in Chemical and now by the end of December, 2016 I will complete BTech Chemical. What should I do next, sir? Should I apply for Management stream or should I apply for CSS? (Nasir Iftikhar – Bahawalpur)

Ans: You have plenty of time considering your age factor. If you are serious about doing CSS and serving the public sector in the government cadre you will need to plan your preparation strategy thoroughly making sure that you pass CSS. CSS is not dependent upon a basic degree whether you are a doctor or an engineer it hardly matters, what is important is that you have a strong communication skills both in English and in Urdu, strong analytical skills and through understanding of verbal learning along with command of critical thinking, all are components that will help you succeed in your CSS.

As far the subjects are concerned you need to be good at international relations, politics and current affairs with strong general knowledge in addition to your specialists’ subjects in sciences or engineering. I hope you will follow the advice and succeed in your CSS.

Q3). I am doing Pharm-D from Punjab University and it’s my second semester. I have heard that there is no scoop for females in this field. Should I leave this degree and take admission to any other specialisation which has better future than this? I shall be waiting for your response. (Farwa Haris – Lahore)

Ans: I think someone has misguided you in terms of the career prospects in pharmacy especially for females.

If you do get a good pharmacy degree you can use it to find career opportunities in many ways and certainly in two distinctive areas; pharmaceutical marketing, pharmaceutical research or drug development.

The first one leads to find senior career opportunities in multinational drug companies in Pakistan and the second one leads to getting a good MSc in pharmaceutical research in the area of modern drug development that is available around the world. I hope this advice ill encourage you to make the right decision.

Q4). I have done bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and I want to do a MBA to mix my Engineering and Management to broaden my career prospects. What is your advice? (Zafar Fawad – Islamabad)

Ans: I will suggest that following your graduation as an engineer and your registration with the PEC you should commence some internships or perhaps a job for at least a year or two, try to find one in your own specialty area.

This will give you a little bit of idea on the specialism that you may need to pursue on the management side as an engineer and will ultimately save your time in making a career growth.

(Syed Azhar Husnain Abidi is a renowned educationist in Pakistan, with more than 20 years of experience as 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).

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