Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1: Dear Mr Abidi, I am reaching out to seek your guidance regarding my career path. I have recently completed my FSc from Islamabad, achieving a score of 716 out of 1100, equivalent to 65 percent. I have developed a keen interest in biology and I am considering pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology or a related field. Could you please advise me on which specific field within biology would be most suitable for me, considering my academic background and interests? Additionally, I would appreciate your insights on the best universities offering programmes in these subjects. (Zunaira Abbas, Karachi)

Ans: Dear Zunaira, considering your academic qualifications and interests, I recommend that you explore one of the emerging sub-specialisations within Biology, such as Biochemistry or Medical Microbiology. In my opinion, pursuing your studies in the UK would offer you better opportunities.

Q2: Dear sir, having attained a CGPA of 2.69 in my BE Electronics from Iqra University, Islamabad, I am seeking guidance on selecting a subject for my MSc and identifying suitable institutions. Additionally, I am keen to explore avenues for securing scholarships to pursue studies abroad. (Ahmed Jamal, Islamabad)

Ans: Dear Ahmed, I highly suggest considering pursuing your Postgraduate (masters) studies in Telecommunications or Control Systems, given your CGPA. Eastern European countries like Hungary, Sweden, and Latvia present excellent options due to their affordable tuition fees and living expenses. Moreover, the medium of instruction is English. Successful completion of your studies could enhance your prospects of obtaining a work permit post-graduation.

Q3: Dear sir, I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business & Commerce degree at an Australian University. Following this, I aspire to pursue a Master's in Professional Accounting in Australia. I would greatly appreciate your guidance in this matter. My educational background includes O and A levels, as well as passing the CAT and several ACCA papers. Additionally, I hold an HND in Business and Management from the UK. (Imad Javed, Lahore)

Ans: Dear Imad, it appears that you have already completed a degree from an Australian university. In this case, I recommend submitting your full CV to them and seeking their advice. You may qualify for certain exemptions, and they are the best source of information on how to proceed with your professional qualification or select a specific master's program.

Q4: Dear Mr Abidi, I am currently completing my BS Hons in Biology and I’m looking towards doing a post-graduation please, can you advise me on an emerging sub-specialisation? (Razaq Aqeel, Multan).

Ans: Dear Razaq, there are a number of specialisms that you can opt after completing your BS Hons in Biological Sciences. However, the two most prominent and emerging areas would be molecular Biology or Genetics. Both of these courses can be combined with Microbiology, Biochemistry and Pathology which you can then look at doing a further PhD and your research.

(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).