Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1: Dear Mr Abidi, I am currently an A-level student and I've chosen Math, Physics, and Chemistry. I'm feeling a bit confused about selecting a specific engineering profession. Despite researching various engineering fields, I find it challenging to make a decision. I've had a passion for engineering since childhood, particularly in the areas of Math and Physics. The dilemma lies in choosing the right specialisation. When deciding on a field, it's essential to consider its future scope. I hope you can provide guidance on this matter. (Waris Baig, Lahore)

Ans: Dear Waris, with your proficiency in Math, Physics, and Chemistry, you have a solid foundation to explore the best and emerging engineering fields. Critical thinking is crucial for success in the engineering field, and your academic background makes it easier for you to gain admission to an engineering university. Considering your interests, Electronic Communication or Mechatronics could be suitable as your first preference. Additionally, emerging areas like Digital Security and Forensics, Robotics, Sustainable Energy, Petroleum, Mechanical, and Power Plant Engineering offer promising career prospects.

Q2: Dear sir, I have recently passed FSc Pre-Engineering with a score of 656/1100 marks. Now, I am interested in pursuing studies in Tourism, Hospitality/Hotel Management, or becoming a chef. Could you please recommend any colleges in Lahore/Islamabad? (Maryam Usman, Islamabad)

Ans: Dear Maryam, there are several institutions in Pakistan offering programs in Tourism and Hospitality Management. I recommend conducting thorough research. However, considering your preferences, pursuing a BS in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Air University, Islamabad, or the same degree from Superior University, Lahore, could be excellent choices for your studies. If you are interested in short courses or programs, COTHM and TDCP in Lahore are reputable options. I wish you success in your future endeavors.

Q3: Dear Mr Abidi, please inform me about the scope of MSc Criminology. (Ilyas Ahmed, Sialkot)

Ans: Dear Ilyas, criminologists delve into the study of crime and criminals, criminal law origins, crime etymology, social reactions to crime, and the functioning of law enforcement and penal institutions. Careers in criminology often involve research and teaching in university settings, covering areas such as police administration, juvenile justice, corrections, drug addiction, criminal ethnography, macro-level models of criminal behaviour, victimology, and theoretical criminology. Pursuing MSc Criminology can open doors to diverse and promising career prospects.

Q4: Dear sir, I seek your guidance. Kindly recommend medical fields other than MBBS and provide insights into the scope of these fields in Pakistan. (Sara Siddiqui, Karachi).

Ans: Dear Sara, there are numerous medical fields other than MBBS that offer substantial scope in both Pakistan and foreign countries. Some popular options include: DVM (Veterinary Doctor), DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy), D-Pharmacy (Doctor of Pharmacy), BSc (Hons) Biotechnology, BSc (Hons) Microbiology, BSc (Hons) DMLS (Doctor of Medical Lab Sciences) and BSc (Hons) MMG (Microbiology and Molecular Genetics).

Each of these fields provides a range of job opportunities, and you can explore roles in various sectors. Wishing you the best of luck in your future endeavours.

(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).