Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1: Dear Mr Abidi, I have completed my FSc (Pre-Medical). Now, I am considering studying either BS Computer Science or BS Social Sciences. Could you please guide me on the scope of these areas and the subjects I will need to study? (Hamad Awais, Lahore)

Ans: Dear Hamad, it is crucial to have sufficient knowledge and a keen interest in Computing Science before opting for such a degree. Regarding your question about Social Sciences, it encompasses various domains like Economics, Business Studies, and International Relations, among others. Your choice should align with your interests, and as a science student, you should find comfort pursuing such a degree.

Q2: Dear sir, I have been accepted at COMSATS Islamabad for MS Physics and have also passed my GCU Lahore test for M.Phil. Now, I am confused about which university I should choose for MS Physics.

Can you please help me make the right decision? I would greatly appreciate your guidance. (Zain Qureshi, Layyah) Ans: Dear Zain, both universities offer well-equipped labs and faculty for Physics. Your decision should be based on convenience, considering factors like location.

I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Q3: Dear sir, I aspire to be a media anchor or a lawyer. I hail from FATA and lack guidance in this regard. Some friends and relatives have suggested I pursue Disaster Management.

However, I have lost interest in this area. I would greatly value your expert opinion on whether I should continue with this field or explore other options. (Amjad Awan, KPK)

Ans: In my opinion, Disaster Management is a crucial and emerging field with significant potential both in Pakistan and globally. You can complete your degree and still pursue a career in media or anchoring based on the knowledge gained from this program. I recommend persevering and continuing with this degree.

Q4: Dear Mr. Abidi, I'm an electrical engineer working as a trainee engineer in a leading Oil and Gas Company. The core of this industry is Petroleum Engineering, and I aspire to work as a petroleum engineer. Can you suggest whether pursuing a Masters in this area will lead to favorable opportunities in this field? (Alia Hamza, Lahore)

Ans: Dear Alia, there are numerous programs that offer more options within the Oil and Gas Industry, and you can certainly pursue a Masters in any of these fields. However, if you have over three years of experience and an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, you may consider pursuing an MBA in Oil and Gas offered by many institutions globally. This could significantly enhance your professional prospects in the industry.

(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).