Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1: Dear Mr Abidi, I have recently completed my A-Levels with Business, Mathematics, and Computer Science. I’m interested in pursuing a career in Business and IT. Could you advise on suitable degrees and top universities in Pakistan for this field? (Usman Akram, Lahore)

Ans: Dear Usman, both Business and IT are highly in-demand fields. You should consider a degree that offers a blend of the two: BBIT (also offered as BBIS in some universities) and the leading universities that offer these programmes include University of Management and Technology (UMT), Virtual University of Pakistan (VU), and University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore.

Q2: Dear Sir, I have completed my FSc (Pre-Engineering) and want to pursue a career in Architecture. What are the required skills for this programme and the best universities in Pakistan for this field? (Muniba Faisal, Sheikhupura)

Ans: Dear Ms Muniba, Architecture is a creative and technical field that combines design, aesthetics, and engineering principles. Students are generally required to have good drawing and sketching skills and universities conduct an aptitude test. As for top institutions in Pakistan for a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch), NCA (National College of Arts), UET Lahore, and Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture are my picks for you. During your studies, focus on developing your design thinking, drawing skills, and understanding of environmental sustainability.

Q3: Dear Sir, I recently finished my Intermediate in Commerce and am interested in Human Resource Management. Could you guide me on the best undergraduate programs for this field in Pakistan? (Khalid Mehmood, Rawalpindi)

Ans: Dear Khalid, Human Resource Management (HRM) is a vital function in every organization. You can pursue a BBA or BS in Management with a specialisation in HRM. Institutions like IBA Karachi, LUMS, and Bahria University offer reputable business programmes with strong HRM tracks.

Developing your interpersonal skills, learning about labor laws, organizational behavior, and gaining internship experience will be key to excelling in this career.

Q4: Dear Mr Abidi, I have completed my A-Levels in Psychology, Sociology, and English Literature.

I’m passionate about helping people and want to become a clinical psychologist. What would be the best educational path for me in Pakistan? (Zaryab Malik, Islamabad)

Ans: Dear Zaryab, your subject combination is well-suited for a career in psychology.

You should pursue a BS in Psychology from a recognised university, followed by an MS or MPhil in Clinical Psychology for professional practice. Institutions such as Punjab University, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad and Institute of Professional Psychology (Bahria University) are well regarded in this field. Practical training, internships, and empathy are crucial for success in clinical psychology.

(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).