Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1: Dear Mr Abidi, I have recently completed my BS in English this year from BZU Multan. I would be grateful if you can guide me on where to apply for a job after such a degree?

(Farah Masood, Multan)

Ans: Dear Farah, there are many options which you can choose from after BS in English, especially in teaching English Language. You only have to get some training material for competitive exams like TOEFL/TEFL. Thereafter, you can apply for jobs as a teacher at different schools or colleges. If you are interested in research, I would also advise you to apply to any universities for research assistant roles which will give you exposure to research and teaching practice for the future.

Q2: Dear sir, I am awaiting my FSc Pre Medical results and currently applying for university admission. I wish to study BS Social Sciences. Please guide me is there any scope in this area and what subjects I will have to study?

(Gulzar Haseeb, Lahore)

Ans: Dear Gulzar, Social Science is a big domain that includes Economics, Business Studies, International Relations, Education etc and all offer great career prospects in business, development and corporate and education sectors. So, it depends on which area you are particularly tilted towards. But be sure that having the background of science, you should be able to pursue any Social Science degree with comfort.

Q3: Dear sir, I need your expert advice on my university selection for my MPhil in Physics. I have secured admission in both COMSATS Islamabad and GCU Lahore. Which of the two is better for this subject in your opinion?

(Muhammad Irfan, Layyah)

Ans: Dear Irfan, congratulations on being selected at two of the country’s top universities. Both the universities are well-equipped with labs and faculty for Physics and have a good global recognition as well. I think the factors you should consider before finalizing either are: finances, budgeting, social life, locality and maybe even weather conditions. Whichever fits best in your current and future plan, choose that.

Q4: Dear Mr Abidi, I am doing MBA in Banking & Finance. I want to know what kind of short courses are suitable to enhance the worth of my degree. My degree is almost complete but I am confused about how to start my professional career.

(Amir Shahzad, Khushab)

Ans: Dear Amir, MBA Banking and Finance is a really rewarding degree programme and you should not be worried about your future. What I will suggest is that if you haven’t already done any internships (paid or unpaid), please find one now and invest some time in

getting hands-on training and experience in the field. You can find an internship in a bank or a financial institution. The training you will have by working in either, will be really instrumental and it may even lead to a fulltime employment.

(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).