Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1: Dear Mr Abidi, I am an avid reader of your column and a pre-medical student. I have a keen interest in genetics, but I'm concerned about the scope of genetics in Pakistan. I am also considering fields like Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Pathology, or Biochemistry. Do these fields have any prospects in Pakistan? What career opportunities are available in Pakistan if I pursue a bachelor's or master's degree in any of these subjects? (Aslam Ramzan, Islamabad)

Ans: Dear Aslam, I appreciate your interest in Genetics. Contrary to your belief, Genetics and all allied Biomedical Sciences, including the specializations you mentioned, offer substantial prospects in Pakistan and globally. These fields are witnessing significant research and development, attracting substantial funding and creating ample opportunities for career advancement and growth.

Q2: Dear sir, I completed my BSCS in 2019, but despite my efforts, I have been unable to secure a job in line with my degree. I am in urgent need of employment or seeking a successful business venture. Kindly provide guidance on this matter. (Amna Saleem, Taxila Wah Cantt)

Ans: Dear Amna, sometimes, finding a job may take longer than expected. I suggest you continue applying for positions and consider taking up internships, whether paid or unpaid, to gain experience and enter the workforce. Lack of prior job experience or training may be hindering your job search, and an internship or training program can help you develop relevant skills and enhance your CV, increasing your chances of securing employment opportunities.

Q3: Dear Mr Abidi, I am a recent college graduate. Despite applying to various institutes, I have only been accepted into the Computer Science program at FAST University. However, I am struggling to adapt to the curriculum. I also attended classes in Industrial Engineering at UET, but I felt unsatisfied. I am seeking your guidance to overcome my confusion and make an informed decision about my academic path. (Faizan Butt, Lahore)

Ans: Dear Mr. Faizan, it's common to face challenges when adapting to a new academic environment. I encourage you to commit to one of the areas you have been admitted to and take your studies seriously. Both computing science and industrial engineering offer exciting opportunities, and with time, you will likely adjust and appreciate the subjects. Give yourself a semester or two to immerse yourself in the coursework and explore the opportunities associated with your chosen 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).