Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1: Dear sir, I recently completed my FSc (Pre-Medical) exam and am looking for several study options at the Bachelor level. My father told me to send you an email. Although I'll take the MDCAT exam for medical university admission, I am not sure as it depends on merit and the entrance test. So as backup options, I also applied for admission in these subjects.

1: Simple Biology, Bioinformatics, Biosciences and Biotechnology in different universities, 2: LLB 5-year programme and 3: BS Psychology. My parents are asking me to consider the BS English option. However, I am not sure about the difficulty level, and future scope in terms of career/job opportunities after the BS programme for each of these options. I need your guidance to select an option.

(Merwa Shehzad, Lahore)

Ans: Dear student, if you have recently done your FSc and are expecting results which I hope you understand requires high merit for entry to medical schools as well as a good score in MDCAT. If you fail to get into a public sector university, you then have a chance to apply to a private medical school depending on your financial layout. If you fail to get into a medical school for any reason and you are still interested to pursue Biological Sciences which of course depends on your interest in this subject, you prioritise this as follows: BS Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or Bioinformatics.

All other subjects require a chat with you and to understand whether or not you have an aptitude for the subjects that you mentioned i.e. Law, Psychology, or English. Remember job opportunities come across in every field and may depend on circumstances, qualifications etc; and I cannot comment on the career options on the other programmes that you mentioned as you have studied none of them as you did in Biology.

Q2: Dear Mr Abidi, I want to discuss which field I should choose. I have been selected at FAST-NU Islamabad in BS Artificial Intelligence. But I'm in doubt whether I'll get a job in this field in Pakistan or not. Please help me to select the right career. Or should I join PUCIT Lahore for BS Computer Science?

(Aakif Zaheer Raja, Islamabad)

Ans: Dear student, BS AI is a relatively new degree being offered at NU-FAST and while you may be able to find career opportunities in this growing area. I would be more inclined to recommend that you do a degree in Computer Science and then topping this up with a masters in a specialised area which may be AI, Networking, Information Systems etc. It is important to build a base if computer science is your favourite subject.

Q3: Dear sir, I have passed my MA English Literature & Linguistics from a well-reputed university here in Pakistan with a CGPA of 3.0. I was thinking it would be a good idea to have your input/views on what I should do further. I mean should I study or get some job experience?

(Tasmina Shahid Rana, Faisalabad)

Ans: Miss Tasmina, the subject which you have chosen is a very emerging area, in other words you have bright chances whether you want to become a teacher etc. On the other hand, there are many types of specialist subject areas and research in linguistics. Many of these will offer you funding/scholarships and grants in foreign countries. It is up to you whether you would like to go for a job immediately or if your financial status allows you; you would like to study further. I wish you success in your career.

Q4: Dear Mr Abidi, please guide me on what I should do after my BS Geology. This is a 4-year honors degree. Do you think I should get admission in MS? Also please advise on the future prospects of my subject Geology here in our country.

(Daanyal Chattha– Gujranwala)

Ans: Dear Mr Chattha, please note that the subject you have chosen is very popular not only in Pakistan but also in foreign countries. You have asked for guidance at the right time. Yes, you should now look for a job and have two or three years’ experience in your relevant field. You can also do some internships in some firms related to Geological Surveys, Geographic Statistics and or oil explorations etc. By doing this; you will have hands-on experience/ practical experience which will no doubt give you an edge in the market and you will have better chances for a good job.

(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 a recipient of the most coveted civil award Tamgha-e-Imtiaz).