Career counselling: Questions and answers

Q1. My brother’s name appeared in the merit list of Punjab University’s BS Computational Physics. We are unaware of the scope and future of this field. Please help us on this matter. Your advice is needed on an urgent basis. (Naveed Iqbal, Lahore)

Ans: Until your brother is extremely good in Physics this is not something that I will recommend. The subject involves use of computers in developing and building numerical models that are then used for processing problems and issues that are used in high energy physics by scientists. A lot of applied numerical calculations are involved and he should be really good at maths. I would recommend he does his BS in Computer Science and then decide to specialize in computational physics if that is what his interest is. As far opportunities are concerned physics when studied at master's and PhD level has good opportunities in Pakistan but computer science will give him wider career choice internationally.

Q2. Sir, I have taken my 9th grade exams in April. I am very confused in choosing a field as my interest is in biology. Sir, whichever field you suggest kindly tell me the scope also. (Ammara Nadeem, Lahore)

Ans: Biology is a very good field and is an interesting subject. If you wish to become a doctor then you cannot do it without biology, physics and maths but even if you failed to get admission to a medical university there is huge scope in the area of biology through degrees that are called molecular biology, microbiology, cellular biology and biotechnology all these areas have strong career opportunities.

Q3. Sir, I have done Bachelor's in Psychology and Education with 453 marks. Now I want to pursue my master's and very much confused in choosing subjects. Kindly guide me. I would be really thankful to you. (Momna Syed, Islamabad)

Ans: Psychology itself is a very emerging subject area provided you have an interest and you are ready to make a career in this field. If you feel you want to continue studying psychology then there are two areas in which you may find better and wider career opportunities, these are: Applied psychology or Child psychology. Most schools especially those involved in providing early childhood education now employ specialists and psychologists to monitor their learning and delivering curves.

Q4. I have done my FSc with 60 percent marks. Now I am confused as what subject to choose further. In government sector universities the merit is too high and I have applied in several universities and I was not selected in International Relations but accepted in BS English, Biochemistry and Biotechnology. I have heard that private universities degrees are of less value. Kindly help me as what field should I choose and suggest me a good private university?  (Hania Awan, Lahore)

Ans: There is nothing to be disappointed on getting low marks in your FSc. I understand you had biology and physics in your intermediate and if this is the case please go ahead and try to get a degree in molecular biology, biochemistry or microbiology from any good university and I think you are wrong as there are a number of private universities that are good in these areas. FC of course should be the first choice but BNU, UCP and UMT are other good universities to consider. I wish you all the best.

 (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 the recipient of the most coveted civil award Tamgha-e-Imtiaz).