Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1: Dear Mr Abidi, I have recently completed my BS in Mechanical Engineering with a CGPA of 2.75. I have also done multiple internships in the manufacturing sector and am currently working as a trainee engineer in an automotive company. I am interested in pursuing a master’s degree abroad, preferably in Germany or Canada, but I am unsure whether I should specialise in Automotive Engineering or Industrial Engineering. Which field has better career prospects, and what are my chances of securing admission with funding? (Bilal Saeed, Faisalabad)

Ans: Dear Bilal, both Automotive Engineering and Industrial Engineering have strong career prospects, but they cater to different career paths. Automotive Engineering focuses on vehicle design, manufacturing, and innovation in the automotive sector. Germany, with its strong automotive industry, offers excellent opportunities in this field. Industrial Engineering involves optimising systems and processes, making it applicable across multiple industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and technology. Given your experience in manufacturing, Industrial Engineering may offer broader career opportunities. With a CGPA of 2.75, securing a fully funded scholarship might be challenging, but Germany’s TU9 universities and Canada’s polytechnic institutes may accept applicants with strong work experience and a compelling statement of purpose. Consider applying to universities with coursework plus internship programmes to strengthen your profile.

Q2: Respected Sir, I have completed my FA in Arts and am interested in pursuing a career in Psychology. However, my family believes I should study Law, as they think it offers better financial stability. I am passionate about understanding human behaviour and mental health. Could you please guide me on which field would be a better long-term career choice? (Hassan Raza, Rawalpindi)

Ans: Dear Hassan, both Psychology and Law are rewarding careers, but they lead to different professional paths. Psychology offers opportunities in counselling, clinical psychology, and human resource management. However, it requires further specialisation (e.g., a Master’s in Clinical Psychology) to become a certified professional. Law provides stable career options in corporate firms, legal practice, and the judiciary. If financial security is your primary concern, Law may offer quicker returns compared to Psychology, which requires additional years of study. Since you are passionate about Psychology, I recommend pursuing a BS in Psychology and later specialising in Clinical or Organisational Psychology. If you are open to Law, consider combining both by pursuing Forensic Psychology, which is a growing field internationally.

Q3: Dear Sir, I have completed my Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering and have been working as a junior engineer in the telecom sector for two years. I want to pursue a master's degree, but I am unsure whether to specialize in Telecommunications Engineering or shift to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning. Which field has better future prospects in Pakistan and internationally? (Zain Ahmed, Lahore)

Ans: Dear Zain, your decision depends on your interest and career aspirations. Telecommunications Engineering remains vital, especially with the expansion of 5G, IoT, and networking infrastructure. If you want to grow within the telecom industry, this is a logical choice. AI & Machine Learning is transforming multiple industries, including telecom, automation, and software development. A shift to AI could provide broader career opportunities in data science, automation, and smart technology. Internationally, AI and Machine Learning have immense demand, and transitioning to this field could be beneficial if you have programming and data analysis skills. If you are comfortable with coding and want a future-proof career, AI is a better choice. If you prefer working with network infrastructure and telecom systems, continue in Telecommunications Engineering.

Q4: Dear Mr Abidi, I have completed my BCom and am considering pursuing CA (Chartered Accountancy) or an MBA in Finance. I am unsure which qualification would be more beneficial in the long run. I have a strong interest in finance but want a degree that provides stable job opportunities. Please advise. (Usman Javed, Sargodha)

Ans: Dear Usman, both CA and MBA in Finance offer excellent career opportunities, but they have different requirements and career trajectories. CA is a rigorous qualification that provides deep expertise in accounting, auditing, and taxation. It is highly respected but requires passing multiple stages of exams. If you are dedicated and excel in accounting, CA can lead to top positions in auditing firms and finance departments. MBA in Finance is broader and includes financial management, investment banking, and business strategy. It is ideal if you are interested in managerial roles in corporate finance, banking, and investment firms. If you prefer a technical, accounting-focused role, CA is the best choice. If you want flexibility in finance and management, an MBA in Finance will provide a wider range of career options. Consider your strengths—CA demands strong analytical skills and perseverance, while an MBA is better suited for leadership and strategic financial planning.

(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).