Career counselling: Questions and answers

Q: Sir, I have done FSc (pre-medical). Can you please advise which field would be appropriate for me a BS biochemistry or BS food and technology? I would appreciate your advice and career counselling. (Abu Bakar, Multan)

Ans: If you are good in chemistry and biology, and you are interested in making a career in medical and allied sciences, you should choose biochemistry or perhaps molecular biology. There are more career opportunities in these areas considering the increasing spread of new viruses and the developments that are taking place in this area. However, food technology is also an emerging subject, but comparatively the opportunities are limited in Pakistan.

Q: I am a student of 10th grade. I scored 92 percent marks in my 9th grade. I’m a student of biology and I’m confused whether I choose engineering or medical pathway after I would get free from my final exams? I’m good in mathematics. Sir, I can do well in both medical and engineering fields. I have a strong interest in computer but do not like computing as a subject. My mother suggested me choose medical subject in future. I would be grateful if you please guide me so that I choose the right path after my Matric. (Muhammad Saad, Lahore).

Ans: If you are strong in mathematics and biology, I would recommend that you continue with the pre medical subjects and work hard to get into MBBS. If you fail to get into MBBS, the other option would be to look at the allied and biomedical/biological sciences that have better career opportunities too. Engineering, of course, is slightly less competitive as compared to the medical and if your maths is strong as you say; it would be easier for you to get into an engineering university. It is important that you decide the right engineering area and you can look at doing electronic communication or mechatronics as your first preference.

Q: My son completed his MPA with three CGPA from Islamia University, Bahawalpur, in 2017. He has applied for job but no one is interested to hire him as he has no internship or experience. Where he should go for this experience or job? Can he go abroad for further studies to improve upon? What and where is the scope of this qualification? What next he should go about it. He holds a B.Com degree. (Tariq Mahmood, Bahawalpur).

Ans: Unfortunately, it is important for your son to find a job and, yes, I agree it takes time to get a reasonable opportunity. I’m unable to provide information on job opportunities in your area (Bahawalpur) but I’m sure there are a number of industries and business houses that would require the services of a public administrator, etc. I think your son must have chosen MPA after doing some research where he wants to work and something about his career? It is a good idea to find an internship to start with. This could be paid or unpaid and a little bit of hard work and struggle, he should be able to convince an ornganisation to accept him through preparing a good CV and interview.

Q.No.4: I have done my B.A in 2004 and then started my job in private sector and passed my bachelor's in business studies (HR) in 2017. Sir, I need your help regarding my next education as I want to do MS in supply chain or HR. I have been working in an administration department as a supervisor since 2011.

Ans: I think you have worked hard and done well to get a 4-year honours degree in human resource which is an important area. If you think you understand the importance of supply and logistics, a degree in supply chain management would certainly add more value to your bachelor's degree in human resource and open up more career opportunities. The decision is yours as I’m not aware of the type of administration work that you are currently involved as a supervisor? If this job needs more qualifications in supply chain, certainly, I would recommend that you do an MSc in supply chain.

(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).