Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1). I am doing BS Biomedical Engineering from Sir Syed University and want to ask the scope of my degree in Pakistan. Please let me know if I opt to do CSS, then what subject should I choose for master's; English, and International Relations or should I continue with any Engineering field? I await your response. (Zahid Baig – Islamabad)

Ans: Biomedical engineering is an upcoming subject area and depending on the area that you focus following your graduation at the workplace. I am sure you will find huge career opportunities both on technical and management side. As far CSS is concerned it’s a competitive examination that requires you to show a very high degree of intelligence and competence in English language, international relations, current affairs, politics, general knowledge and basic sciences which in your case should not be too difficult. I wish you all the best in your future career. 

Q2). I have done BS Social Work and my CGPA is 2.43. Kindly guide me should I do job or continue my MPhil and if you advise me to continue my studies, then which university is best for me? (Huma Afzal – Lahore)

Ans: I am sure you agree that your GPA is rather low. I am not sure whether this is due to the fact that you did not work hard or perhaps for any other reason. However, social work has a huge working landscape and I would suggest that you work for at least 2 to 3 years with a good local or international NGO and then decide for your further studies such as MPhil.

A bit of practical experience will provide you better understating of your subject area and will reflect well on your CV too.

Q3). I have done MPhil in Economics in 2014 and master's in Economics in 2002 and finance was my specialization. I am working as a lecture in a private college. I want to upgrade my skills and education but I do not want to do PhD as it is too costly and time consuming. Please guide me regarding short courses or diploma relevant to my field. Business Studies, Management Sciences or Economics are my field of interest. (Fareeha Naz – Bahawalpur)

Ans: I think you should look out for short training programs for teachers that are usually offered by British Council. There may be a number of courses that you can take online offered by institutions in the UK and the US. In Pakistan, however, there are no short courses but I may be wrong or you should check with institutions that offer degrees in education, they may have customized courses which you can take to enhance your teaching skills. If you feel you need to go abroad then the UK has one year MSC in higher education, primary and secondly education. 

Q4). Sir, I am doing BA and in future I want to do MBA. Kindly tell me is it a right decision and also tell me its career prospects in Pakistan and abroad. (Umer Zafar – Gujranwala)

Ans: I understand by BA you mean 14 years of qualification. I am not sure why would you do an MBA after a two-year BA. I normally recommend MBA to people who have a Hons degree along with a minimum of 2 years of experience. MBA is a conversion course and professional qualifications and is only suitable for people who have work experience.  

 (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).