Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1: Dear Mr Abidi, I have achieved 85% marks in DAE Electrical. However, I have been contemplating a shift in my career path due to perceived limitations in the field. I am particularly interested in pursuing a BS in IT, but I would appreciate your guidance on the best course of action for me. Your advice would be invaluable in helping me to make an informed decision regarding my future academic endeavours. (Amjad Abbas Faisalabad)

Ans: Dear Amjad, I recommend considering a transition to IT or Computing Science, which could complement your existing qualifications and offer greater career prospects. Software Engineering presents promising opportunities, and you may also explore fields like internet security and networking. However, I advise exploring potential opportunities in these areas before committing to a specific path.

Q2: Dear Sir, as a student of DVM/Veterinary Medicine, I am contemplating pursuing an MPhil after completing my degree. However, I am uncertain about the best subject area for my specialisation. Your insights would be highly appreciated in guiding me towards the most suitable option for further study in Veterinary Medicine. (Gohar Ali Narowal)

Ans: Dear Gohar, following your DVM degree, gaining practical experience in the field would provide valuable insights for your future research endeavors.

Considering the evolving landscape of animal diseases, areas such as Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary Pathology, and Parasitology offer promising avenues for further study. Additionally, explore scholarship opportunities in OECD countries and consider pursuing Veterinary Sciences abroad.

Q3: Dear Sir, I have been an avid reader of your column in Jang. Recently, I completed my Masters in Commerce (MCom) and am considering further studies. I seek your guidance on potential areas of specialisation and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further. (Saqlain Kiramat Rawalpindi)

Ans: Dear Saqlain, congratulations on completing your master's degree. I recommend gaining practical experience in your field before pursuing further studies. Consider undertaking relevant banking courses to enhance your skills. For your PhD, options such as Banking, Finance, or Economics would be suitable, given your academic background and professional experience.

Q4: Dear Mr Abidi, I am currently pursuing an MBA at Virtual University and have achieved 86% marks in the first semester. With my background in BCom and several years of experience in accounts, I am seeking guidance on choosing a specialisation for my upcoming third semester. Your expertise would be invaluable in helping me to make an informed decision regarding my academic and professional pursuits. (Natasha Hassan Karachi)

Ans: Dear Ms Natasha, congratulations on your outstanding performance in the first semester of your MBA programme. Based on your impressive academic record and extensive experience in accounts, I recommend specialising in finance, accounting, or financial management for your third semester. Consider exploring topics such as live trading and risk analysis to enrich your learning experience and enhance your skills for completing your MBA project successfully.

(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).