Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1: Dear Mr Abidi, I completed my bachelor's in commerce and later pursued CMA Inter in Cost and Management Accountancy from ICMAP. I am currently in stage 4, with two stages remaining for CMA. I seek your expert advice on its scope in Gulf countries. Additionally, could you advise on the type of organization/industry that would be most beneficial for my career, such as FMCG, Petroleum, Textile, or Power Generation? I also request guidance on finalizing my specialization, either in Costing, Finance, or Taxation. (Amna Iqbal, Lahore)

Ans: Dear Amna, after reviewing your academic background and future plans, I recommend considering Power Generation or Energy Conservation after completing your current CMA stage. I suggest Power Generation because it is an emerging field with high demand for financial specialists like you, who excel in developing business proposals, feasibility, and project reports.

Q2: Dear sir, I am currently pursuing a Master's in Business Administration with a major in Banking and Finance. Could you advise on suitable short courses to enhance my academic background? I will complete my master's next year but I am unsure how to begin my career. (Ahmed Jahenzeb, Haripur)

Ans: Dear Ahmed, I recommend seeking an internship in a financial institution or bank, even if it is unpaid. Practical experience will be more effective and valuable than a short course or certificate, providing better job prospects.

Q3: Dear Mr Abidi, I have completed my final exams in Electronic Engineering from NED University. I am confused about pursuing an MS, MBA, or another option. Could you suggest which path to take, and if going abroad for study is advisable, are there any low-cost countries? (Imam Anwar, Karachi)

Ans: Dear Imam, based on your academic profile, you have two options leading to an MS. After completing your MS, gaining 2-3 years of hands-on experience, then pursuing an MBA is recommended. However, considering your current academic profile, I suggest pursuing a PG degree in Mechatronics or Communication Engineering with a specialization in Wireless and Mobile Communication. These degrees are in high demand and offer better prospects, both in Pakistan and abroad.

Q4: Dear sir, I am currently studying Town Planning Engineering (BS) at the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore. Could you advise on the prospects of this degree in Pakistan or abroad? If I plan to pursue an MS after this degree, what would you recommend? (Kamran Malik, Sheikhupura)

Ans: Dear Kamran, your current degree in Town Planning Engineering is exceptional. It offers excellent prospects both in Pakistan and abroad, especially in the Middle East. Consider topping up your degree with Construction Management for an added advantage over colleagues in the field.

(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).