Career counselling: Questions and answers

Q: Dear sir, I have done my bachelor degree is in Botany-Zoology and Chemistry and a master degree in Zoology. Now I got admission for MPhil leading to PhD in Archeometry (Archeology). But still, I have an option to change my major to Biomedical Engineering. So please guide about the future of both subjects with respect to my study background in Pakistan. Please also guide me which one will be best for me. (Ms Amaila Khan, Karachi)

A: Dear Amaila, having seen your subject combination I would be inclined to advise you to reconsider your MPhil/ PhD in the areas of Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or Biomedical Engineering which have more opportunities for research and career. Archeology on the other hand may be a specialism that is rare but in Pakistan you would find fewer opportunities when compared to the above.

However, if this is something that you are doing as your interest and passion, then I would be very reluctant to ask you to change your focus from Archeology. I wish you all the best in your future.

Q: Sir, I wanted to ask you that I have done BA with Library Science. Can you please advise what subject I should choose for master’s degree? Which subject will have bright future prospects/ scope? I want to do masters in Gender Studies or MSc in Livestock. Can you please guide me which subject I should choose as a girl? (Saira Rajpoot, Gujrat)

A: Dear Saira, Library Science has now become very important particularly due to technology and information, E-books and virtual libraries being used in the modern institutions of higher learning in Pakistan and across the world. There are degrees leading to a Masters in Information Science and Library Management that trains you the art of becoming a library professional and understand the latest processes and techniques being used in modern libraries and academic/literary archive hubs globally. I think there are huge opportunities within this area of expertise and I’m sure you will be able to find suitable career opportunities going forward.

Q: Dear Mr Abidi, my LLM class study has been completed and only thesis is remaining. I’m planning to do PhD after my LLM. Sir, I will appreciate if you can please guide me for such a topic which will help me in getting scholarship in PhD? Regards (M Sulyman Akbar, Lahore)

A: Dear Sulyman, it’s good to hear that you are about to complete your LLM however the award of scholarship / or research funding is granted on the basis of all academic achievements, grades and marks obtain. The other important thing is to find out whether you are looking to do PhD in Pakistan or abroad. If you are looking to do PhD/research in Pakistan I shall advise you the website of HEC and or visit a public sector university in your native town/ city and discuss the opportunities.

If you are looking to explore international scholarships that will depend on your grades/ marks in your bachelors, masters a well written thesis and a high IELTS score which most universities will ask for. As for the topic is concerned, you may choose any good topic based on the current geo political/ social aspects in daily life. For example, human rights, international justice, migration laws etc. I hope this information is helpful to you.

Q: Sir, I am doing bachelor's degree in Criminology. What is the career of this subject in Pakistan and abroad, please guide me thanks. (Muqaddas Shoukat, Hyderabad)

A: Dear Muqaddas, Criminology is becoming ever important in today’s increasing social and cultural injustices that we see on daily basis. Therefore, the opportunities in the area of Criminology should be increasing particularly in Pakistan and depending on a particular specialism in Criminology and Criminal Justice should help you find suitable opportunities.

(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).