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Thursday March 28, 2024

Career counselling: Questions and answers

January 29, 2018

Q1: I am in CA for last six years but I can't succeed with pace in this field. I have done two years work in six years. What should I do? (Zelqarnain, Sargodha)

A: Dear Zelqarnain! the best way out for you would be to get a formal qualification such as a BCom or an MBA that relates to your work experience within the Accounting and Financial domain. CA as you know unless fully completed is not a qualification that can bring you a professional career progression. I’m sure you understand what I’m trying to say. If you wish you can keep on pursuing your CA while getting the recognised local academic qualifications as suggested.

Q2: Sir, I did O'Level and then FSc. I need some information regarding LLB programme. Some institutions in Pakistan affiliated with UK-based universities are offering three-year LLB programme. Whereas LLB in Pakistan is a five-year programme. They claim this three-year LLB. Honors is recognised by HEC. I just want to know is this degree worth it if we want to pursue our career in Pakistan. Since it is an international degree and offered by a UK-based university, would it help me practically as a lawyer. Because I would only wish to practice as lawyer in Pakistan. Thanks I’m waiting for your reply.

A: A law degree needs to be recognised by the local bar council. This means that if you wish to pursue a degree in Pakistan, you should be able to be admitted to one of the Bars in the province of your residence such as Punjab Bar, Sindh Bar etc. it is advisable to pursue a degree from a local university than as compared to the London external law degree or an affiliated law degree particularly if you are aiming to settle and practice in Pakistan. I hope I have made myself clear.

Q3: Sir, I am student from Hyderabad APS. I passed my O'Level last year and now I am in 1st year (Federal Board) in medical. I want to know should I apply for medical or law because I am interested in Law. I want to go abroad for studying law tell me which country is best for this subject. What is scope for law for girls in Pakistan? and what about CSS after studying Law. I will be thankful if you reply me and help me. Regards. (Saba Khan, Hyderabad)

A: Dear Saba, you have asked several questions which are in conflict with each other. Medical science has nothing to do with becoming a lawyer and a lawyer is someone who should not be a qualified Biologist. The choice of course is yours as both fields offer huge growth potential. Female lawyers and those who qualify in legal education have become renowned judges in Pakistan and abroad. Once you have done your law you can of course look at appearing in CSS which you can choose the department of judiciary or the Ministry of Law and females in this area have proved to be successful.

Q5: Dear sir, we used to read your columns in Jang Newspaper and are well aware of your generous suggestions to all seekers. I also want you to please suggest me with most suitable profession for my younger sister. She passed her FSc (pre-medical) securing 963 marks. At the time of result we all were shocked because we were expecting at least 980 marks but she couldn't because of deduction of marks in chemistry practical.

We were relaxed as allied health sciences merit was much below than 963 in KEMU and Children's Hospital. I applied for her admission to UVAS, Children's Hospital, PU College of Pharmacy and Kinnaird College also but unfortunately couldn't get admission anywhere. It was totally unexpected situation.

Now as it is confirmed that she will not be able to get admission to any public institute we have two options first is to repeat chemistry subject hopefully increasing 20-25 marks so that next year she could get admission to any well-reputed public university.

And the second option is to go for University of Lahore. There are a lot of fields like doctor of medical imaging science, doctor of medical laboratory science, Pharm-D and nutrition and dietetics. As fees are very high there we will hardly be able to fulfill their expenses. But we can manage if its better option rather than wasting one year in her academics. Please suggest us what we should do.

(Mariam Tahir, MPhil scholar in PU, LHE)

A5: Dear Mariam Tahir, I’m not too sure of the exact question or advice you seek from me. However, what I understand is that you wish to get your daughter into a medical university and since she could not get the right marks and failed to get the merit; you are planning to send her to a private university. If you wish that she only chooses to become a doctor and that is your final decision; I cannot advise any further. However, if you want my recommendations I would suggest she looks at various subject streams that are related to Biological sciences; particularly molecular biology, biotechnology all these go hand in hand to medical sciences and have ample growth potential in terms of career. I’m sure you would be able to choose the best for your daughter.

(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).