Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1: Dear Mr Abidi, I am pursuing a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering at NUST. I’m in my final semester but have no internship experience due to academic workload. Will this affect my career prospects, and should I take an internship after graduation before applying for jobs? (Bilal - Islamabad)

Ans: Dear Bilal, while it’s ideal to have internship experience during your degree, it’s not too late to address this now. Taking an internship after graduation: This is a great way to gain practical experience, build your resume, and make professional connections. It will also help you to stand out in job applications.

Applying directly for jobs: If you have strong academic performance, project work, or certifications, you can still apply for entry-level positions. Many employers value enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

If possible, try to secure a short-term internship before applying for jobs. It will boost your confidence and give you practical exposure, especially in your areas of interest, such as robotics or thermodynamics.

Q2: Dear Sir, I am a student at NUML, pursuing a Bachelor’s in English Literature. I’m torn between continuing with a master’s in Literature or switching to Linguistics. Which would be better for career opportunities? (Sana - Lahore)

Ans: Dear Sana, both Literature and Linguistics have distinct career paths, and your choice depends on your interests and goals: Master’s in Literature: This is ideal if you’re passionate about analysing literary texts and enjoy teaching, writing, or academia. It can lead to careers in education, publishing, or creative writing.

Master’s in Linguistics: If you’re interested in the scientific study of language, including syntax, semantics, and phonetics, this is a great option. It opens up opportunities in fields like computational linguistics, language teaching, or translation.

Consider the type of work you enjoy most and the job market in your preferred location. Internships or research assistant roles in these fields can also help you to make a more informed decision.

Q3: Dear Sir, I am a student at FAST, pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering. I am unsure whether to focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Cybersecurity for my master’s. Which field has better career prospects in the coming years? (Saad - Lahore)

Ans: Dear Saad, both Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity are rapidly growing fields with excellent career prospects. Your choice should align with your interests and skills:

Artificial Intelligence (AI): This field is ideal if you are passionate about machine learning, data analysis, and developing intelligent systems. AI is revolutionising industries like healthcare, finance, and autonomous vehicles, making it one of the most sought-after specialisations.

Cybersecurity: If you enjoy problem-solving and want to protect systems from digital threats, this is the right field. With the increasing number of cyberattacks, professionals in this domain are in high demand across industries, including government, finance, and IT.

Consider your strengths: AI is more analytical and research-driven, while Cybersecurity is practical and requires attention to detail. You can also take introductory courses in both areas to identify which aligns better with your interests.

Q4: Dear Mr Abidi, I am a NUML student currently doing a Bachelor’s in International Relations (IR). I’m interested in pursuing a master’s but am unsure whether to specialise in Diplomacy or Global Security Studies. Which field offers better career prospects? (Ayesha - Multan)

Ans: Dear Ayesha, both Diplomacy and Global Security Studies are excellent options in the field of International Relations, depending on your career aspirations:

Diplomacy: This specialisation is ideal if you aim to work in foreign services, embassies, or international organisations. It requires strong communication and negotiation skills and is perfect for those interested in promoting international cooperation.

Global Security Studies: This focuses on global challenges such as terrorism, cybersecurity, and conflict resolution. It’s an excellent choice if you’re interested in research or policy analysis roles in think tanks, NGOs, or government agencies.

Consider your long-term career goals and research the job market for each specialisation. Internships at embassies, NGOs, or think tanks can also help you make a well-informed decision.

(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).