Career counselling; questions and answers

Q1). I would like to request your kind self to please guide me to make a decision for my youngest son’s future education. He is studying in second year with commerce subjects in Karachi. His percentage is 80 plus in first year and he also appeared in the entry test of IBA, but could not succeed. Please let me know what subjects, or group should he join to make his career in banking or insurance industry, or you may guide us to choose any field related to commerce education. (Kashif Ali-Karachi)

Ans: Considering the current academic achievements of your son the ideal degree subject for him would be Financial Risk Management, or Actuarial Sciences which is being offered at a number of universities in Pakistan, but certainly University of Karachi and University of Punjab. I am sure your son will succeed in this area of business or commerce.

Q2). Sir, I have read your article in which you assist and guide students about their future and career. I am government employee and it’s been ten years that I am serving the federal government. Recently, I have done MSc in International Relations from Preston University Islamabad. I want to proceed for my further higher studies therefore please let me know that should I apply for MPhil, or PhD and which major should I choose? (Abdullah Minhas- Islamabad)

Ans:  I am not sure if your undergraduate degree from Pakistan is of four years or two years? If it’s a recognised four years Hons degree then you should look at doing a good MPhil based on your extensive experience as a government employee.

Q3). My son is student of A-level-II. His subjects are Computer, Mathematics, Business, Accounting and Economics. He got straight five As in AS. We want him to go for CA. What is your advice? Do you recommend any college for CA in Islamabad or somewhere else? (Jaffar Hussain- Lahore)

Ans: If your mindset is getting your son into chartered accountancy then it is that he will certainly make a career as an accountant. However with the subject combination that you have mentioned I would prefer that he does a Bsc in Economics and Finance and do Masters in Risk Management to become a financial analyst or specialist which has a wider scope. There are several institutions in Islamabad which offer tuition for CA including IBL and SKANS, but it’s worthwhile to go on ICAP’s website and check the recognised institutions.

Q4). I have completed my graduation in the discipline of BBA (Hons) from Karachi University and my specialisation was human resource management. I have moved to Lahore and planning to do my Maters from here. Please let me know that which masters should I go for? Should it be MBA and if yes then from which university? I cannot apply for LUMS due to high fee and my economical situations. (Fahad Jalal- Lahore)

Ans: I suggest that before you opt to MBA you try finding a job or internship for few years and gain some field experience. Because experience will improve your understanding for HR and Management subjects and then any further qualification will strengthen your skills and job prospects.

(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 the recipient of the most coveted civil award Tamgha-e-Imtiaz).