Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1: Dear Mr Abidi, I completed my BBA (Hons) in Finance in 2022. I am currently working as a Junior Financial Analyst, but I feel my career is stagnant. I am unsure whether to pursue further studies in finance or shift to another field such as Data Analytics. What would you advise? (Sana Khalid, Lahore)

Ans: Dear Sana, finance is a solid career choice with opportunities to specialise further in areas like Financial Risk Management, Investment Banking, or Corporate Finance. However, the growing demand for Data Analytics has opened up significant opportunities across various industries, including finance. If you are inclined towards data-driven decision-making, pursuing Data Analytics alongside your finance expertise would be an excellent choice. This combination will make you more competitive in roles like Financial Data Analyst or Quantitative Analyst, offering new avenues for career progression.

Q2: Dear sir, I completed my BS in Psychology in 2020 and am working as a School Counsellor. I'm considering a master's degree, but I'm unsure whether to focus on Clinical Psychology or Educational Psychology. What do you recommend? (Amna Ahmed, Islamabad)

Ans: Dear Amna, both Clinical and Educational Psychology are rewarding fields, but your decision should align with your long-term career goals. If you are passionate about working directly with individuals on mental health issues, Clinical Psychology is the way to go. It offers a broad scope in hospitals, clinics, or private practice. On the other hand, if you enjoy working in academic settings and are keen on improving educational outcomes, Educational Psychology could be more suitable. Since you are already in a school environment, pursuing a degree in Educational Psychology may complement your current role well.

Q3: Dear sir, I have a Bachelor's in Environmental Sciences, and I am interested in pursuing a master's degree abroad. I am particularly drawn to Sustainability Studies. Could you guide me on the career prospects in this field? (Haris Shah, Peshawar)

Ans: Dear Haris, Sustainability is a rapidly growing field as more industries and governments are focusing on environmental responsibility. A master's degree in Sustainability Studies can open doors to various sectors, such as renewable energy, environmental consultancy, sustainable urban planning, and corporate sustainability management. Countries like the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands offer excellent programs in this area. With your background in Environmental Sciences, you will be well-equipped to tackle pressing global challenges and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.

Q4: Dear Mr Abidi, I completed my Bachelor's in Marketing and have been working in the field for two years. I'm considering pursuing a digital marketing certification to keep up with industry trends, but I'm also contemplating an MBA. Which path should I take? (Zain Ali, Faisalabad)

Ans: Dear Zain, it depends on your career goals. A digital marketing certification can immediately enhance your skill set and make you more competitive in today's marketing landscape, where digital skills are highly sought after. However, if you're looking for broader career advancement, leadership roles, or even transitioning into management, an MBA would be a better long-term investment. If possible, you can start with the certification and later pursue an MBA for a more comprehensive approach to your professional development.

(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).