Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1: I completed intermediate last year. Please guide me which programme I should select for my graduation, BSCS or BBA? I am weak in mathematics and do not want to opt for a field that involves math. I am also exploring the possibility of admission to NCA in graphics designing, fashion designing or film making. (Umar Maajid, Lahore)

A1: Dear Umar, I have no information on the grades that you achieved in your intermediate. I see that you are weak in math. Considering the fact that you are looking to achieve a good career, I would suggest you choose business administration rather than computing science. As for your choice for graphic designing or fashion designing, I cannot advise you as I am not aware if you have any skills or aptitude towards art/drawing or fashion, etc. These things are closely related to your personality and your interest coupled with passion towards a particular career. I, therefore, suggest that you seriously consider doing a business degree.

Q2: I am currently enrolled in BS biochemistry (first semester). But I don't know the scope of this field. Kindly inform me about this field. I'll be very grateful to you. (Arooba Abbasi, Murree)

A2: Biochemistry is an emerging area and there are huge career prospects for going forward once you complete your bachelor's. I would suggest you look towards doing research in biochemistry and if you work hard and achieve a GPA of 3.5++, it is likely that you get scholarships for your master's and you can top up in biomedical sciences, haematology or advance medical sciences that involve research on Stem Cells, etc. Therefore, your chosen subject has bright future.

Q3: I completed MPhil English Language & Literature with 3.3 CGPA from a public sector university. I am now going to Malaysia for my PhD. Please let me know if my decision is correct? (Hira David - Bahawalpur)

A3: If you have done your MPhil with 3.3 CGPA, you should have got some kind of scholarship or grant even from the university that you have chosen in Malaysia. However, doing a PhD shall anyway give you a good platform and, of course, enhance your job prospects back in Pakistan. It is not an issue if you are spending some money on your education as this is going to pay you back as soon as you return and join the academia in Pakistan or perhaps find an international teaching appointment.

Q4: I want to know about fully funded scholarships opportunities in Turkey for the year 2018. (Zunash Naseem-Swat)

A4: There are a number of scholarships offered by the Turkish government that are available on different websites. However, not many are fully funded and since I am not aware of your level of qualification, undergraduate or postgraduate, etc, it is difficult for me to give you any further advice. I recommend that you go to various sites that includes www.studyinturkey.com and www.scholarshipsads.com/turkey-scholarships etc

(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).