Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1: Dear Mr Abidi, I have completed my Bachelor’s in Software Engineering from GIKI with a CGPA of 3.6. I am planning to pursue a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Data Science. Could you advise me on which field has better career prospects? (Sara Khalid, Waah Cantt)

Ans: Dear Ms Sara, both AI and Data Science are highly in-demand fields with excellent career opportunities. AI focuses on building intelligent systems and algorithms, enabling machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as natural language processing and autonomous driving. Data Science, on the other hand, involves the analysis of large datasets to extract insights and drive decision-making, with applications across finance, healthcare, and e-commerce. AI is a bit more specialised, while Data Science offers a broader range of roles in analytics, research, and machine learning.

Q2: Dear Sir, I have completed my Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from NED University with a CGPA of 3.5. I am considering pursuing a Master’s in Mechatronics or Renewable Energy Engineering. Could you help me decide which would offer better career growth? (Hamza Ahmed, Hyderabad)

Ans: Dear Mr Hamza, both Mechatronics and Renewable Energy Engineering are promising fields. Mechatronics combines mechanics, electronics, and computer science, with applications in robotics, manufacturing, and automation. It’s ideal if you're interested in designing complex systems with cutting-edge technology. Renewable Energy Engineering, on the other hand, is centered around developing sustainable energy solutions like solar and wind power, which are gaining traction globally due to the shift towards greener technologies. Mechatronics offers a broader range of opportunities in automation, while Renewable Energy is focused on sustainability.

Q3: Respected Sir, I completed my Bachelor’s in Business Administration from IBA Karachi with a CGPA of 3.3. I am thinking of pursuing a Master’s in Supply Chain Management (SCM) or Human Resource Management (HRM). Could you guide me on which path has more career potential? (Ayesha Siddiqui, Karachi)

Ans: Dear Ms Ayesha, both SCM and HRM are vital in business operations but cater to different interests. Supply Chain Management focuses on logistics, procurement, and the optimization of product flow from manufacturers to consumers, which is especially important in global trade and e-commerce. Human Resource Management, on the other hand, deals with managing people, recruitment, employee development, and organisational behaviour. If you're inclined towards operations and analytics, Supply Chain Management is a great fit, whereas Human Resource Management is ideal for those interested in organisational culture and people management. IBA Karachi and LUMS offer strong programs in both areas.

Q4: Dear Mr Abidi, I have completed my Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from UET Taxila with a CGPA of 3.4. I am planning to pursue a Master’s in Communication Systems or Control Systems. Could you advise me on which field offers better career opportunities? (Hassan Raza, Hasan Abdal)

Ans: Dear Mr Hassan, both Communication Systems and Control Systems are important subfields of Electrical Engineering. Communication Systems focuses on the transmission of data through various mediums, such as wireless networks, satellite communications, and fiber optics, with applications in telecommunications and IT. Control Systems, on the other hand, involves designing systems to regulate the behavior of machines and devices, with applications in automation, robotics, and aerospace. Communication Systems is more focused on telecommunications and networking, while Control Systems offers broader roles in automation and industry. UET Taxila and PIEAS offer strong programs in both areas.

(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).