Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1: Dear Mr Abidi, I recently graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering from NUST. I am considering whether to pursue a master's in Renewable Energy Systems or Embedded Systems. Which field has better future prospects globally? (Hassan Ali, Islamabad)

Ans: Dear Hassan, both Renewable Energy Systems and Embedded Systems have excellent global prospects, but your choice should align with your interests and career goals. Renewable Energy Systems is a great choice if you are passionate about sustainability and want to work on energy-efficient technologies like solar, wind, and smart grids. This field is growing rapidly, driven by global efforts to combat climate change. Embedded Systems is ideal if you enjoy working on microcontrollers, IoT devices, or hardware-software integration. It’s in high demand in industries like automotive, robotics, and telecommunications.

When deciding, consider the demand in your preferred work location and the courses offered by universities. Additionally, internships or research experience in your desired field will give you an edge in the job market.

Q2: Dear Sir, I completed my Bachelor’s in Psychology with a CGPA of 3.4. I want to pursue a career in clinical psychology but am also considering human resource management (HRM). Which field should I choose for better growth opportunities? (Sarah Khan, Peshawar)

Ans: Dear Sarah, both Clinical Psychology and Human Resource Management (HRM) offer unique opportunities, depending on your interests. Clinical Psychology is perfect if you are passionate about helping people and are willing to pursue further qualifications, such as a master’s or PhD. It is a rewarding field, but it requires dedication and years of specialised training. HRM is ideal if you enjoy working in organisational settings, managing people, and solving workplace challenges. It offers broader career opportunities in recruitment, talent management, and organisational development.

Consider whether you prefer working in healthcare or corporate environments, and explore internship opportunities in both areas to gain clarity. Additionally, HRM may offer quicker employment opportunities compared to clinical psychology.

Q3: Dear Sir, I recently completed my Bachelor's in Civil Engineering. While I enjoy design work, I find fieldwork stressful. I am considering either a master's in Construction Management or Structural Engineering. What would you recommend? (Adeel Ahmed, Lahore)

Ans: Dear Adeel, both Construction Management and Structural Engineering can lead to successful careers, but your preference for design work over fieldwork suggests the following: Structural Engineering focuses on design and analysis, which aligns with your interest in creative problem-solving. It is ideal for those who want to specialise in designing safe and sustainable structures. Construction Management involves overseeing projects and managing teams, budgets, and schedules. While it reduces hands-on fieldwork, it requires strong organisational and leadership skills.

If you prefer a technical and design-oriented role, Structural Engineering may be a better fit. However, if you aspire to leadership roles in construction projects, consider Construction Management. Research programs offering flexibility and internship opportunities to gain clarity.

Q4: Dear Mr Abidi, currently I am pursuing a Bachelor’s in Biotechnology at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. Although I like research, I am more interested in working in industries like pharmaceuticals or food technology. Should I pursue a master’s in Biotechnology or switch to Industrial Biotechnology? (Maria Iqbal, Islamabad)

Ans: Dear Maria, both options offer promising careers, but they cater to different aspects of biotechnology. Master’s in Biotechnology is broader and allows you to explore various areas, including healthcare, agriculture, and environmental science. It’s suitable if you want to keep your career options open. Industrial Biotechnology is a specialised field focusing on applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and food processing. It aligns with your interest in working in industrial settings. To make a decision, research the curriculum of both programs and identify which aligns more closely with your interests. Additionally, gaining relevant internships or industry certifications can strengthen your career prospects in either field.

(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).