Career counselling: questions and answers

Q.No. 1: I have a degree in MSc biochemistry/molecular biology as well as M Phil in the same subject with 3.8/5 GPA from Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad. I completed my M Phil in 2016. I am now seeking a PhD scholarship as well as an internship or job but to no avail. What should I do now? Your worthy opinion is required please. Eqan Nauman

 Ans: Your profile seems to be very strong and you need to develop a research synopsis and then start applying for scholarship. The most likely place to start searching would be Germany. Almost all public sectors universities in Germany offer great opportunities for funding in Molecular Biology at PhD level. Details of such scholarship are also available on their Embassy website. I am sure most of the hospitals in Islamabad region would be happy to offer you internship in their labs.

 Q.No.2: My name is Suhail Nawab and I am a student of pre-medical. I have done my FSc in 2016 with 82% marks. I am from Tando Allahyar, a small district near Hyderabad, Sindh. Sir, I have appeared in entry test of LUMHS last year but didn't succeed. I want to do MBBS so I wanted to ask what should I do and where can I apply for MBBS in public sector medical colleges in Pakistan? Sir, kindly also tell me that is it possible for me to apply for medical colleges of Punjab? If I can't do MBBS then what should I do for a better career? Kindly guide me.

 Ans: I am afraid that admission to medical courses / MBBS at public sector universities is subject to competitive exams. I am not aware if LUHMS has any especial quota but you must check with them directly. I am sure you may be able to get admission to a private medical university perhaps in Hyderabad and Karachi but they are all very expensive and you will have to prepare yourself for huge expenses. Alternatively, you can choose biological sciences such as Bio Chemistry, Bio Medical or Bio Technology all have good career prospects too.

 Q.No.3: I am a student o f B.A LLB in Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto University of Law Karachi. I want to ask about the preparation for CSS exam because I intend to join the police. Please guide me which institution is best for the preparation of above exam in Pakistan? Muhammad Haris Thebo

Ans: Dear Mr Haris, once you complete your BA, LLB you must start preparing for your CSS and the best way is to take some tuition on preparatory classes from a professional academy. The most important subjects you need to prepare are English Language, Current Affairs and General Knowledge besides Law. Please download the sample test questions from previous years that will serve as guidelines from the website of Federal Public Service Commission.

Q.No.4: I have cleared matric with 1008/1100 marks and F.Sc Engineering part 1 with 480/520 marks and given the exams of part 2. Please guide me which field should I choose after my intermediate. For your information I have given ISSB test very recently for PAF Aeronautical Engineering but I could not clear as I had no idea. So what do you suggest for my future career? Momna Tahir

Ans: There are a number of new and emerging degree areas in the field of engineering which are now in increasing demand. These include Drone Engineering, Advance System and design, Combined Engineering and Automation System and Design. Most of these degrees are available in Pakistan and abroad.

(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).