Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1: Dear Mr Abidi, I have completed my intermediate (HSSC) in Pre-Engineering with 89% marks. I am interested in pursuing a career in Environmental Sciences or Environmental Engineering. Could you please guide me about the scope of these fields in Pakistan and the best universities to apply to? (Ahsan Qureshi – Multan)

Ans: Dear Mr Qureshi, Environmental Sciences and Environmental Engineering are emerging fields with increasing relevance in today’s world due to the growing concerns about climate change and sustainability. In Pakistan, there is a growing demand for environmental professionals in both the public and private sectors, including roles in policy-making, research, consultancy, and NGOs. Top universities offering these programmes include NUST, Quaid-i-Azam University, Punjab University, and COMSATS. With a good academic record, you can excel in these fields and have the opportunity to work in diverse environments, both locally and internationally.

Q2: Dear sir, I have completed my FSc (HSSC) in General Science with a focus on Computer Science and achieved 85% marks. I am not sure whether to pursue Software Engineering or Data Science for my undergraduate studies. Could you suggest which field has more scope and growth potential in Pakistan? (Rabia Ahmed – Rawalpindi)

Ans: Dear Ms Rabia, both Software Engineering and Data Science have immense scope and growth potential, especially in the current technological landscape. Software Engineering focuses on the development, design, and maintenance of software systems, while Data Science revolves around data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. In Pakistan, there is a growing need for professionals in both areas; however, Data Science is rapidly becoming more prominent due to the rise in big data and AI-driven solutions. You might consider universities like FAST, NUST, LUMS, and GIKI, which offer strong programmes in both fields. I recommend you look into the specific course offerings and future prospects to make a well-informed decision.

Q3 Respected sir, I have done my BBA (Hons) with a major in Human Resource Management and graduated with a CGPA of 3.8. I am now considering further studies but am confused between an MBA or pursuing a Master’s in Organisational Psychology. What would you recommend? (Hina Kamal – Faisalabad)

Ans: Dear Ms Hina, your choice between an MBA and a Master’s in Organisational Psychology depends on your career aspirations. An MBA, especially if focused on HR, would provide broader managerial skills and open doors to leadership roles in various organisations. On the other hand, a Master’s in Organisational Psychology is more specialised and would be ideal if you are interested in focusing on workplace dynamics, employee well-being, and organisational development.

Both fields have great potential, but if you enjoy understanding human behaviour in corporate settings and wish to specialise further, Organisational Psychology could be the right choice. Consider programmes offered by universities like LUMS, IBA Karachi, and Quaid-i-Azam University.

Q4: Dear sir, I recently graduated with a degree in Mass Communication from Karachi University and am very interested in Digital Media and Content Creation. Could you guide me on the potential career paths in this field and suggest any relevant certifications or further studies? (Zain Abbas – Karachi)

Ans: Dear Abbas, with a background in Mass Communication and an interest in Digital Media and Content Creation, you are well-positioned to enter a dynamic and rapidly evolving field. Career paths include roles such as Digital Marketer, Content Strategist, Social Media Manager, and Multimedia Journalist. In terms of certifications, consider digital marketing courses from platforms like Google and Coursera etc to enhance your skills. Additionally, pursuing a Master's in Digital Media or Digital Marketing could be beneficial. Look into programmes offered by institutions like IBA Karachi, SZABIST, and Punjab University. Practical experience, creativity, and continuous learning are key in this domain.

(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).