Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1: Dear Mr Abidi, I am currently doing BS in Software Engineering and have just completed my 5th semester. I am considering a career in Cybersecurity, but I am not sure if I should specialise in this area or choose another path. Could you please guide me on which field would offer a better career scope in the future? (Areeb Khan, Faisalabad)

Ans: Dear Areeb, Cybersecurity is indeed a highly in-demand field due to the increasing need for data security across various industries. Specialising in Cybersecurity can open doors to roles like Security Analyst, Ethical Hacker, and Cybersecurity Consultant. However, fields like Cloud Computing and Data Science are also strong career paths within software engineering. I would recommend researching each specialisation’s job market and your own interests. Cybersecurity offers great growth potential, but consider internships or projects in each field to help decide.

Q2: Respected sir, I am in my 3rd year of BS Psychology. I am very interested in pursuing a Master’s degree abroad, particularly in Clinical Psychology. Could you please suggest some countries or universities known for their Psychology programmes? Additionally, I would like to know about possible scholarships. (Hina Parveen, Lahore)

Ans: Dear Hina, pursuing Clinical Psychology abroad is a wonderful choice as it provides exposure to diverse methodologies and practices. Countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada have reputable Psychology programmes, with universities such as the University of Cambridge, University of Toronto, and University of Melbourne standing out. They also offer scholarships, like the Commonwealth Scholarship (UK) and Ontario Graduate Scholarship (Canada), that you may be eligible for. I recommend researching specific programmes and requirements early as they are competitive.

Q3: Dear Sir, I have completed my FA in Humanities and am interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s in Media Studies. I am curious about the potential job roles I could pursue after completing this degree. Could you guide me on what career options are available in this field? (Ali Raza, Islamabad)

Ans: Dear Ali, a degree in Media Studies can lead to exciting and dynamic career opportunities. Common job roles include Journalist, Content Creator, Media Planner, Digital Marketer, and Public Relations Specialist. As digital media is rapidly evolving, many organisations seek skilled individuals to manage their online presence, so this field is growing. Depending on your specific interests, you might also explore video production or animation, as these areas are gaining traction in Pakistan.

Q4: Dear Mr Abidi, I am currently completing my DAE (Diploma of Associate Engineering) in Electronics. I want to further my studies but am unsure if I should pursue an engineering degree or go for a Bachelor’s in Technology (B.Tech). Could you please suggest the best option for me based on career prospects? (Naveed Aslam, Rawalpindi)

Ans: Dear Naveed, both pathways can lead to rewarding careers, but they offer slightly different focuses. A degree in Electronics Engineering is highly valued and could open doors in technical and research roles, while a B.Tech may provide a more practical approach, ideal for hands-on roles in industries like telecommunications and automation. If you prefer working in practical, technical settings B.Tech could be suitable; otherwise, an engineering degree offers broader opportunities for growth and further specialisation.

(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).