Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1: Dear Mr Abidi, I have completed my Bachelor’s from NED University of Engineering & Technology in Software Engineering with a CGPA of 3.6. I am contemplating between pursuing a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Data Science. Could you guide me on which field has a better career outlook? (Farhan Ahmed, Karachi)

Ans: Dear Farhan, both AI and Data Science are highly sought-after fields in the tech industry today. If you are interested in developing intelligent systems and working on machine learning models, AI may be more suitable for you, with growing demand across industries like robotics, automation, and natural language processing. On the other hand, Data Science focuses on extracting valuable insights from vast amounts of data, and professionals skilled in this area are needed in sectors like finance, healthcare, and tech companies. AI tends to lean more towards system intelligence and innovation, while Data Science is more about analysis and prediction. Both have excellent prospects, with institutions like NED University and FAST-NUCES offering quality Master's programmes in these fields.

Q2: Dear sir, I completed my Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI) with a CGPA of 3.5. I am considering pursuing a Master’s in Renewable Energy or Automotive Engineering. Could you advise me on which field would be more beneficial for future growth? (Raza Shah, Rawalpindi)

Ans: Dear Raza, both Renewable Energy and Automotive Engineering are emerging fields with tremendous opportunities. Renewable Energy is particularly relevant as countries push towards sustainable solutions, with growing demand for engineers who can develop solar, wind, and other clean energy technologies. Automotive Engineering, on the other hand, is also evolving with advancements in electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving technologies. If you are passionate about sustainability and energy transitions, Renewable Energy might be a better fit. If you are more inclined towards automotive innovations, Automotive Engineering could be your path. GIKI and UET Lahore offer well-regarded Master's programs in both areas.

Q3: Respected Sir, I have a Bachelor’s in Finance from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi, with a CGPA of 3.3. I am currently working in the financial sector and would like to pursue a Master’s degree. I am unsure whether to specialise in Financial Technology (FinTech) or Investment Management. Could you guide me? (Sana Zafar, Karachi)

Ans: Dear Ms Sana, both FinTech and Investment Management offer excellent opportunities in the financial sector. If you are interested in the intersection of finance and technology, FinTech would be ideal, with increasing demand for professionals skilled in block chain, digital payments, and financial analytics. On the other hand, Investment Management focuses on managing portfolios, stocks, and financial assets, and offers promising career paths in banks, asset management firms, and consultancies. FinTech is disruptive and technology-driven, while Investment Management requires strong analytical skills and knowledge of financial markets. Both IBA and LUMS provide high-quality Master’s programmes in these specialisations.

Q4: Dear Sir, I completed my Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from UET Taxila with a CGPA of 3.6. I am interested in pursuing a Master’s in either Electronics Engineering or Control Systems. Could you help me to choose which field would be more advantageous for my career? (Hassan Ali, Islamabad)

Ans: Dear Hassan, both Electronics Engineering and Control Systems are critical fields within Electrical Engineering, with robust career prospects. Electronics Engineering will give you expertise in designing electronic circuits and systems, which are widely used in industries such as telecommunications, consumer electronics, and automation. Control Systems, on the other hand, focuses on managing and automating systems using sensors and actuators, and is essential in manufacturing, aerospace, and robotics. Electronics tends to be broader, while Control Systems offers more specialised roles. UET Taxila and PIEAS offer strong Master’s programs in both fields.

Q5: Dear Mr Abidi, I have completed my Bachelor’s in Architecture from NED University with a CGPA of 3.7. I am considering pursuing a Master’s in Urban Planning or Sustainable Architecture. Could you please guide me on which specialization is more future-oriented? (Amina Noor, Karachi)

Ans: Dear Ms Amina, both Urban Planning and Sustainable Architecture are important fields, especially with the growing focus on sustainable cities and environmentally-friendly designs. Urban Planning involves developing and improving cities and communities, and is crucial for infrastructure development, zoning, and public transportation projects. Sustainable Architecture focuses more on creating energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable buildings, which is increasingly important in today's world. If you're interested in broader city-wide projects, Urban Planning would be more suitable, while Sustainable Architecture allows you to specialise in eco-friendly building design. Institutions like NED University and UET Lahore offer specialised Master’s programmes in these fields.

(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).