Career counselling; questions and answers

Q1: Sir, I passed BSc (Hons) Genetics in 2017 and after that I did MPhil in Genetics in 2019. I have worked as Research Associate at HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi for one year in Biotechnology Wing/Tissue Culture. I was working on a Hybrid Rice Seed Production Project but I was not satisfied. I resigned from the job and now I am planning to do a PhD in Crop Breeding and Genetics from China on scholarship. Kindly suggest which subject should I choose for my PhD or work in a related field more or avail the opportunity for PhD. Your guidance shall be highly appreciated. (Abdul Jabbar Siddiqui, Karachi)

Ans: Dear Mr Siddiqui, if you are getting an opportunity of scholarship in China for your research in Crop Breeding, this would be an ideal opportunity. I suggest you explore the most relevant areas relating to the crop specific industries. I would also recommend that you explore the universities in China who are doing research in interbreeding. I’m sure you’ll know more that plant breeding is accomplished through different techniques that range from simply selecting plants with desirable characteristics for propagation to more complex molecular techniques. Latest technologies are being implied within the genetics domain and more modern plant breeding through Molecular Biology to insert desirable trades into plants.

Q2: Respected Mr Abidi, I recently completed my bachelors (2-year degree) in Political Science & Journalism. I want to study further, but I am confused which field to choose? My interest is in IT but I think I can’t be good in IT. Please advise a suitable field of studies for me? (Anjum Saadiq, Lahore)

Ans: Dear Anjum, Political Science, Journalism and International Relations are very emerging areas. Each has a sub specialism when you wish to do a post graduation. However, you would need to thoroughly do your research if you want to become part of this huge social sciences domain. As a female, you have great opportunities in finding scholarships as a social scientist in women studies, gender studies, or poverty reduction and most international NGOs and World Bank, United Nations, and UNESCO tend to hire such specialists. Today all areas of studies require the support of IT; therefore, you can still use your interest in IT to move forward.

Q3: I am doing a BS in Criminology from a public sector university in Sindh. I am interested in joining the Armed Forces. What is the scope of my studies in the future? Is it suitable for CSS or PCS? Please guide me to the best study area for going forward. (Athar Naazir, Hyderabad)

Ans: I think joining the armed forces has nothing to do with your graduation or your degree subject area. This is a competitive selection board known as ISSB which is followed by your interview and medical examination etc. They require intelligence along with physical fitness to accept you in the army. CSS on the other hand is also a competitive exam but once you have done your degree you should appear in exams which is mainly with one specialist subject area and you need to choose optional subjects from a long list. CSS requires a high degree of English language proficiency, knowledge on current affairs, international relations, basic science and mathematics etc. Therefore a criminology degree is not something that directly goes to help towards your CSS or getting into the army.

Q4: I have completed BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Engineering in 2019 and now I am working in the School Education Department Punjab as an SESE (BPS-14). I want to study further, but I cannot take regular classes for MS in the same field. Please guide me how I can complete my Masters along with my job? (Khannan Ismaeel, Narowal)

Ans: Khannan, I think you will have to check with the university if they can allow you to take a part time MPhil or research in your area of Agricultural Sciences. If not, then there are several degrees in Management Sciences or Economics that are related to Agriculture which you can choose and take up in the evening. Once you have worked for two or more years, it would also be good to consider doing an MBA. This may help you in your progression within your department.

(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).