Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1: Dear Mr Abidi, I recently graduated with a degree in Mass Communication from Bahria University and am deeply interested in Digital Media Marketing. Could you guide me on the potential career paths in this field? (Muzammil Haider, Lahore)

Ans: Dear Muzammil, with a degree in Mass Communication and an interest in Digital Media Marketing, you have a strong foundation to build a successful career in this dynamic field. Here are some key roles you can explore: Content Marketer / Creator, Digital Marketing Specialist, SEO Specialist, Digital Analytics Specialist and Influencer Marketing Manager.

Q2: Dear sir, I have completed my intermediate (HSSC) in Pre-Engineering but my marks are average. I am interested in pursuing a career in Environmental Sciences or Environmental Engineering within Pakistan. Could you please advise me on whether I should improve my score by reappearing in science subjects or should I take my chance with what I have got? (Huzaifa Rashid, Mianwali)

Ans: Dear Huzaifa, Environmental Sciences or Environmental Engineering—both are growing fields in Pakistan with increasing opportunities in sustainability, climate change and green technology. If you wish to get admission in top-tier Pakistani universities, I suggest you to reappear in science subjects and raise your percentage by 10 – 15%. It may be a longer route but this is what it takes to be at the top of the game.

Q3: Respected sir, I have completed my BCom Honors with a CGPA of 2.8 from Jhelum and want to pursue an MCom. Can you recommend some suitable public institutions in Pakistan that would provide quality education and good scholarship opportunities?

(Anila Raheel, Rawalpindi)

Ans: Dear Anila, pursuing an MCom is a great choice to advance your career in accounting, finance, or academia. Since you’re looking for quality education and scholarship opportunities, here are the best options in Pakistan: University of the Punjab (PU), Lahore (Need-based & merit scholarships available), Government College University (GCU), Lahore / Faisalabad (Punjab Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF) for needy students).

Q4: Dear Mr Abidi, I have a BS in IT with a CGPA of 3.4 and would like to do masters from abroad. Can you guide me on potential programmes, countries or universities to consider for masters. (Iqsa Shareef, Lahore)

Ans: Dear Iqsa, pursuing a master’s degree abroad is an excellent choice to enhance your career prospects. Here’s a structured guide to help you explore programmes, countries, universities, scholarships, and admission requirements Depending on your interest, consider: MS in Computer Science (General), MS in Data Science/AI (High demand), MS in Cybersecurity (Growing field) or MSc in IT Management (For leadership roles). Top countries for such a degree abroad are Germany, Sweden, Canada, Australia, and Turkey and Malaysia (some budget friendly countries).

(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).