Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1) Dear Mr Abidi, I have completed a BA with major subjects in Journalism, History of Islam and Pakistan, and Arabic from Punjab University with a 2nd Division. I now wish to pursue a Master's in International Relations or Mass Communication. I have secured admission in MA (International Relations) at Punjab University, Lahore. Could you kindly guide me on what I should do next? I also plan to take the CSS exam after my Master's. (Asghar Waqar, Lahore)

Ans: Dear Asghar, you are on the right track. Given your BA background in social sciences, I recommend pursuing a Master's in International Relations rather than Mass Communication. To attempt the CSS exam, you will need high proficiency in English communication and comprehension, extensive knowledge of current affairs, international and local politics, and socio-economic factors in the region. If you have a basic understanding of science, this combination should serve you well.

Q2). Dear sir, I am a BSc. Civil Engineering graduate from NUST and have been offered a scholarship by HEC for Turkey, Italy, and South Korea. Could you kindly guide me on which country and its universities will be most beneficial for my postgraduate studies? (Asad Ali, Islamabad)

Ans: Dear Asad, in order to provide a more accurate answer, I would need additional details, such as your grades/GPA from your Civil Engineering degree at NUST, the specific area within the civil engineering domain you wish to specialize in, and your plans after completing your postgraduate studies. Italy and South Korea appear to be strong options. You should shortlist universities based on the type of courses they offer, your interest in those areas, faculty expertise, and research rankings. These factors should be key considerations when selecting your university.

Q3). Sir, could you kindly advise me about the scope of a BS in Accounting & Finance in Pakistan? (Ahmed Bilal, Gujrat)

Ans: Dear Ahmed, Accounting and Finance are key subject areas within the management and social science spectrum. Earning a degree is important, but it is equally crucial to have a clear vision and chosen career path to specialize and apply your qualifications in a specific area of expertise. I hope this information is useful to you.

Q4). Dear Mr Abidi, I have passed my O-levels with 5 A*s and 4 As. I am currently doing my A-levels in Chemistry, Physics, Math, and Computer Science. I have completed my AS levels. I am interested in fields related to Physics, Computer Science, Management, and Art and Design. I want to pursue a career with ample job opportunities, good pay, and suitability for girls. Please guide me on which career path to follow and which career options are best for me. (Nur Fatima, Lahore)

Ans: It's great to see that you are a high-achieving student. Keep up the excellent work. The combination of Physics, Computer Science, and Management is very versatile and ideal for several emerging professions, especially for females. While I would like to provide further guidance through a one-on-one counseling session, I recommend you start researching and considering the following degrees: Management Information Systems, Internet Security, Cybercrime and Investigative Management or Digital Forensics.

(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).