Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1: Dear Mr Abidi, I have recently completed my FSC Pre-Engineering with 656 out of 1,100 marks. Now, I aspire to venture into Tourism, Hospitality/Hotel Management, or Culinary Arts. Could you kindly recommend any reputable colleges in Lahore or Islamabad for these fields? (Wahaj Amjad, Islamabad)

Ans: Dear Wahaj, there are several reputable institutions in Pakistan offering programmes in Tourism and Hospitality Management. I recommend conducting thorough research to identify suitable options. However, for a Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management, Air University in Islamabad or Superior University in Lahore could be favourable choices. Alternatively, for short courses or programmes, institutions like COTHM and TDCP in Lahore are worth considering. I wish you success in pursuing your future endeavours.

Q2: Dear Sir, please enlighten me about the scope of MSc Criminology. Regards

(Yousaf Javed, Sialkot)

Ans: Dear Yousaf, criminologists are involved in studying various aspects related to crime, including its nature, origins, social reactions, and the functioning of law enforcement and penal institutions. They often work in academic settings, conducting research and teaching subjects such as police administration, juvenile justice, and theoretical criminology. Pursuing MSc Criminology can offer promising career prospects in the field.

Q3: Dear Sir, I seek your guidance regarding medical fields other than MBBS and their scope in Pakistan. Regards, (Maryam Amir, Karachi).

Ans: Dear Maryam, thank you for your inquiry. There are numerous medical fields besides MBBS that offer promising career opportunities in both Pakistan and abroad. Some popular options include: DVM (Veterinary Doctor), DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy), D-Pharmacy (Doctor of Pharmacy), BSc (Hons) Biotechnology,

BSc (Hons) Microbiology, BSc (Hons) DMLS (Doctor of Medical Lab Sciences), BSc (Hons) MMG (Microbiology and Molecular Genetics).

These fields provide a wide range of job opportunities, and with dedication and hard work, you can excel in your chosen path. Best of luck with your future endeavours.

Q4: Dear Mr Abidi, I am currently an A-level student and have selected Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry as my subjects. I am facing a dilemma regarding which engineering profession to pursue. Despite my interest in Mathematics and Physics since childhood, I am uncertain about which field of engineering to choose. When selecting a field, it is crucial to consider its future scope and, more importantly, to align it with one's passion. I hope to receive guidance to resolve my queries.

(Hamza Javed, Lahore)

Ans: Dear Hamza, with your proficiency in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, you are well-equipped to pursue various engineering fields. Strong critical thinking skills are essential for students aspiring to join the engineering field, which makes your academic background favourable. Considering your interests, fields like Electronic Communication or Mechatronics could be suitable initial preferences. Additionally, emerging areas such as Digital Security and Forensics, Robotics, Sustainable Energy, Petroleum, Mechanical, and Power Plant Engineering offer promising career prospects

(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).