Q1: Dear Mr Abidi, I am currently studying in the final year of FSc Pre-Medical and am interested in pursuing a career in Medicine or Dentistry. Could you please advise me on the scope of both fields and the best universities in Pakistan or abroad that offer these programmes? (Sara Khan, Multan)
Ans: Dear Sara, both Medicine and Dentistry are highly respected fields with vast career opportunities. Medicine offers a wide range of specialties and career paths, including surgery, pediatrics, and psychiatry, among others. Dentistry, while more specialised, offers excellent career prospects as well, with options to specialise in areas like orthodontics or oral surgery. In Pakistan, leading universities such as Aga Khan University, Khyber Medical University, and Allama Iqbal Medical College offer outstanding programmes in both fields. If you are considering studying abroad, countries like the UK, the US, and Australia have some of the world’s best medical and dental schools, such as the University of Oxford, Harvard University, and the University of Sydney. I encourage you to research the specific entry requirements for each field and consider factors like internships and residency programmes. Best of luck with your decision!
Q2: Dear Sir, I have recently completed my BBA and am interested in pursuing a Master’s in International Business. Could you guide me on the best programmes and career opportunities in this field? (Ali Asghar, Rawalpindi)
Ans: Dear Ali, pursuing a Master’s in International Business (MIB) is a great choice, as this field opens up a variety of global career opportunities in multinational corporations, international trade, and economic consulting. Programmes in MIB often include subjects like international marketing, global finance, and international law, which equip you with skills to work in diverse, multicultural environments. Some of the top institutions offering MIB include
INSEAD, Harvard Business School, and the University of St. Gallen. In Pakistan, you could consider universities such as Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and IBA Karachi. The field is expanding rapidly, with careers available in international trade, project management, and foreign investment. I recommend exploring programmes that offer international exposure and internships with global companies.
Q3: Dear Sir, I have completed my A-levels in Computer Science and am now considering pursuing a degree in Game Development or Software Development. Could you advise me on which field has better career prospects? (Kashan Ali, Islamabad)
Ans: Dear Kashan, both Game Development and Software Development are exciting fields with excellent career prospects, but they cater to different interests. Game Development is a highly creative field where you can combine programming skills with design to develop interactive entertainment experiences. With the gaming industry expanding rapidly, opportunities are available in roles like game design, animation, and game programming. On the other hand, Software Development is a broader field that includes building software applications, websites, and mobile apps for various industries, with high demand in nearly every sector. If you are passionate about the gaming industry and have an interest in interactive media, Game Development is a fantastic choice. However, if you prefer a more versatile and widely applicable career in software applications, Software Development would be ideal. Both fields have strong job prospects, so your choice should reflect your passion and long-term goals.
Q4: Dear Mr Abidi, I have completed my undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and am considering pursuing further studies in Environmental Policy or Environmental Engineering. Could you guide me on which field has more growth potential? (Sana Iqbal, Faisalabad)
Ans: Dear Sana, both Environmental Policy and Environmental Engineering are fields with significant growth potential, but they focus on different aspects of environmental sustainability. Environmental Engineering is a more technical field, focusing on developing solutions for environmental problems, such as waste management, water treatment, and pollution control. If you are interested in solving environmental issues through engineering solutions, this would be an ideal path. Environmental Policy, on the other hand, focuses on the legal, social, and economic aspects of environmental conservation. Professionals in this field work in policy-making, advocacy, and environmental law. Both fields offer promising career opportunities, but if you are more inclined towards technical problem-solving, Environmental Engineering would be the better fit. If you are passionate about influencing policy and sustainable development, Environmental Policy might be a better option. Both fields are crucial to addressing global environmental challenges, so you can choose based on your skills and interests.
(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).