Career counselling; questions and answers

Q1: I’m studying in A-Levels (first year) with subject combination of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. I would need your help in a few things I’m confused on. First, I planned to move ahead in Bio field but certainly don’t want to be a doctor. I’m interested in Biotechnology, Genetics and similar fields. Please let me know something about the scope in these fields in Pakistan as well as abroad. I seek your advice for future prospects of these subjects as well as guidance for other emerging subject areas.(Noreen Ashfaq – Karachi)

A: You are on right track with the choice of biology with combination of chemistry and physics. These subjects will give you opportunity to take up the subjects high in demand of 2020 and beyond such as microbiology, genetic engineering cellular biology, with biochemistry and biotechnology which are known as emerging subjects in future. I’m very hopeful that you might have chance to work with doctors in medical research, virology and immunology if you move ahead with cellular biology. There can be a lot of opportunities for researchers as to find cure to existing viruses and disease like Ebola Virus, Swine Flu, Bird Flu and Cancer as much work has to be done. So you can be successful if you are good at biology, move ahead with this.

Q2: I did MSc (Hons) in Development Economics. I would need your guidance about what I should do now? Should you suggest me to do PhD or some short courses in Computer Science? If a short computer course, which course will be beneficial for me? (Zafar Ali – Sargodha)

A: After MSc (Hons) in Development Economics, if you are getting difficulty in getting a job, I’ll advise you to find an internship. You can develop contacts by doing internship even without getting paid which can definitely lead you to find more opportunities. Also, it’ll help you to engage with the work environment and you can gain your experience in relevant field. You can find internship opportunities in Pakistan and internationally by doing research on the internet.

Q3: I completed A-Levels in World History, Law and Economics and nowadays I’m an undergraduate student. I’m interested to do CSS as I’m willing to start my professional career in Foreign Services. Please suggest me the best undergraduate programme I should pursue in Pakistan. (Nazim Ali – Sialkot)

A: In accordance with start of your career in Foreign Services, I would suggest you to do a degree in International Relations or Economics with Development Studies. Further, keep reading books of general IQ, newspapers and journals published locally and internationally. Best wishes for your CSS.

Q4: I did FSc Pre-Engineering with 81% marks. I failed to get admission to UET Lahore and because of this, I wasted one educational year. I’m confused on what should I choose from BS Chemical Engineering and BS Petroleum Engineering at UET Lahore. Please suggest me the best choice for my professional career. (Tanveer Ali – Lahore)

A: I’ll suggest you to do a degree in Chemical Engineering if you are looking to pursue your career in Pakistan. For your career abroad i.e. Middle East or EU, I’ll suggest you a degree in Petroleum Engineering. You can have an option to do MBA in Oil & Gas which is available in several international universities.

(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).