Career counselling: Questions and answers

Q1: I did BS Hons (Economics) in 2016, with 60.7 percent marks and 2.07 CGPA. Let me know if I am eligible to apply for studies abroad like in UK or Canada. I want to get admission in MPhil Economics. I belong to a poor family and my parents died last year. (Rizwana Azam, Narowal)

A: Unfortunately, your CGPA is too low to qualify for admission into a university abroad especially in UK or Canada. My suggestion would be that you complete your MPhil in Pakistan, work hard and get a good grade and then apply for a full scholarship towards your PhD in Economics or a related field.

Q2: I am a student of BS Public Administration in BZU Multan. Now I am in 6th semester and almost one year is remaining in completion of my degree. Sir, I want to start my career from now; so please suggest me some areas of jobs where can I start my career. I also want to ask that after BS, either Master in Public Administration or MBA will be suitable for best career? (Ahmad Malik, Multan)

A: I would suggest that you work hard and complete your undergraduate degree in Public Administration. Once you have done so, you should try to find opportunities into public and semi- autonomous corporations/ organisations. In case that is not possible, go for an internship that would help you to gain some experience and make some contacts. My recommendations would be to gain some work experience before looking towards a postgraduate or further studies.

Q3: I am finalist of BSc Electrical Technology. Need your kind assistance in choosing a right subject in future and a career/scope? Your guidance shall be highly appreciated. (Suhail Chaudhry, Multan)

A: Electrical Engineering is a broad domain and the most emerging areas include energy distribution and conservation, electrical power systems, solar energy systems engineering etc.

Q4: I have passed ICS with 52% marks. Please guide me in which programme I can take admission? I am interested in aviation and software. Please suggest the best field having scope in future and which are best the institutes for admissions? (Wakil Akbar, Lahore)

A: Aviation is a field that requires strong knowledge and command over mathematics. I think your percentage is not that high to attempt a degree in Aviation Engineering or Aeronautical Engineering. However, you can look at Aviation Management courses that are being offered which may also utilise your knowledge about computers etc. The other option could be to go for a Bachelor Engineering in Computing Science and then find career opportunities in the aviation industry using your IT skills if you think that is of more interest to you.

(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).