Syed Abidi

Q1). I want to take your precious advice regarding my career. I have given my final exams of electronic engineering from Karachi. Please guide me what should I study now? MS or MBA or other and which one you think is the best? Should I study abroad and which country is cheaper so I can afford my expenses. Kindly guide me for the solution. (Haneef Khan – Karachi)

Ans: There are two clear preferences for you, if you proceed for an MS, I would advise you to start work for a couple of years and then focus at doing a management course such as MBA. With your current background I would recommend that you do a PG degree in Mechatronics or the second option would be communication engineering choosing wireless and mobile communication as a specialization. Both degrees are here to stay for many years to come and shall not limit your prospects abroad and in Pakistan.

Q2).  Sir, my brother has recently done Mechatronic Engineering (Robotics) from EME NUST with aggregate GPA 2.50. He wants to continue his further studies, but he is a little bit confused either to join MBA or MS program. Kindly suggest either of the fields and also the related subject for MS (if suggested) as admission in electronics or mechanics is not possible with GPA 2.50. (Ayesha Iftikhar- Islamabad)

Ans:  I would advise your brother to work for 2 or 3 years in the industry, acquire some knowledge and experience before opting for a management degree, for an instance e.g., MBA. It is important at this stage to get the practical experience of industry and machines and apply the knowledge and move forward.

Q3). My son did BE in Telecom Engineering from Islamabad in 2017 with 2.59 GPA.  He did his Masters in Engineering Management from UK in 2019 with good grades. Presently he is engaged with me to look after my small-scale software development related company.  He intends to do PhD in Disaster Management.  Please advise what we should do?  (Kareem Nawaz – Islamabad)

Ans: As your son is now a qualified engineer along with a superb top up master’s degree in engineering management, I would have suggested him to work in the industry for a few years before proceeding for a PhD. However, if he is adamant in doing a PhD and that too in disaster management, he would need to explore the subject area quite a bit and make up his mind in developing a worth researching topic in disaster management. There are a number of universities around the world which offer disaster management and once he has chosen the subject that he would like to do research in I will advise him further.

Q4).  I did BSC Telecom Engineering in 2019 and now confused that should I do further studies or I should apply for any job? Please advise me. (Muzammil Qureshi- Gujranwala)

Ans: The most suitable option would be to go through the industry for few years and gather some knowledge and professional experience before proceeding for further studies. This will help build up a base and foundation to explore whether you should specialize in the same area or diversify towards management. 

Q1).  I am a student of B-Tech and my question is that after completing my B-tech degree, can I do MBA from any university in Karachi? I will be waiting for your response. (Sana Zia- Karachi)

Ans: What I am certain is that many universities in Karachi will consider your admission application for MBA after you complete your 4 years B-tech program. However, I will not advise you to go for an MBA until unless you have gained sufficient experience in your particular field and you understand the basics of working in an industry.

Q2). I did diploma in Chemical Technology and got 72% marks and now I want to become an engineer but I am confused whether to proceed for it or not. Initially I was interested in computer technology but due to my financial constraints I could not adopt that discipline therefore my uncle suggested me to apply for chemical engineering diploma and I did it but now I am completely confused about my future please guide me towards the right direction. (Safder Saeed- Karachi)

Ans: As you have completed a diploma in chemical Technology with good percentage, I would advise you to look for a job within this domain and earn some experience before switching a career, however, if a job is not available, at least try for a paid or unpaid internship in the relative industry to understand the basics of your specialty and I am sure you will find opportunities.

Q3). My son is currently preparing himself to attempt O-Levels exams privately and he is a student of science group (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Studies, Urdu Second Language, Pakistan-studies, English Language, Islamiyat and Math’s). We want him to attempt exams in three different attempts i.e., May 2022, October 2022 and in May 2023. I want your expert advice that how we shall divide his subjects for these three attempts. I would be pleased if you would reply me as soon possible. (Shahid Latif- Faisalabad)

Ans: For attempting the subjects mentioned above, a discussion is required with your son and evaluate his preparedness. Normally students select subjects such as Urdu, Islamiyat and Pakistan studies in one year and take the technical subjects the second year as preparing the science subjects together always helps but really, it’s a decision the student can make looking at the nature of his current study levels. I hope this helps.

Q4). I have done BS in Statistics from Federal Urdu University, year 2019. I have been working as Statistician (Medical Research Analyst) for more than two years. I want to take admission in MPhil program and due to full time job, I can’t get admission in MPhil at Karachi University. I am also interested in MSc “Epidemiology & Biostatistics” (it is equivalent to Mphil after submission of thesis) from ‘Agha Khan’. Which one is better for me MPhil in ‘Statistics’ or MSc in ‘Biostatistics’? (Muhammad Bashir- Karachi)

Ans: Proceeding for MPhil means, you will be doing a PhD and then choosing teaching as profession, which is also a good option. However Medical statisticians or health statisticians are highly in demand and very rightly these are expensive courses but at the end of the day your job prospects would be better. The choice is yours.

Q1). I am studying at Bahauddin Zakariya University’s sub campus in Sahiwal in MBA 4th semester and in our next semester we have to choose our specialization, the university is providing us with the option for two specializations and those are marketing and finance. Please guide which one is best and have good scope in the field. (Khalid Abbas, Sahiwal)

Ans: If you are gregarious and social person with ability to make friends, marketing is a great choice. However, if you are good at mathematics and numbers then I would recommend you to look at finance.

Q2). My younger brother got 75% marks in FSC (Pre-Engineering) and I wish for him to get admission in some affordable private Engineering Institution. Please let me know which subject he should opt in engineering? (Zahid Qureshi- Lahore)

Ans: Private engineering universities in Pakistan are all costly, but in case of public sector universities, they are affordable and economical. However, one has to clear the entry exams and I would like you to get in touch with these universities directly to find more details. The subjects in demand in the engineering areas are Mechatronics and Software Development. I hope this information will benefit you.

Q3). I am student of BS (hons) English Literature and currently in 8th semester. I do not know what I should do next. Either I should go for MPhil or I should do LLB. Please guide me about this further. (Zayed Khan – Peshawar)

Ans: If you desire to choose a profession in education, which is teaching English then you should prepare for MSC or MPhil in English Literature that will benefit you in improving your career. However, if you are planning to do Law then you need to go through the professional LLB degree and I cannot advise you till the time I meet you at some point.

Q4). I am doing my BSCS from Islamabad. I want to know the future of this degree in Pakistan and abroad and for successful career what can I do after completing BS. (Yasir Ali- Islamabad)

Ans: The Computer science can be utilized in many ways and has an expanded usage in many fields. If a BSCS is toped up with one-year masters in Internet Security or Networking that will further boost your opportunities locally and abroad. In Pakistan all masters are 2 years but if you wish we can provide you information on one year master courses in the UK.

Q1). I am studying in International Islamic University, Islamabad. I am in 5^th semester of BS Electronics Engineering and my so far CGPA is 3.8. I want to pursue my further education in this field. I want to know for my specialization which subject should I choose. My options are Power, Instrumentation, Robotics or Computer. (Zafar Iqbal – Islamabad)

Ans: Your GPA maintenance is very good. Instrumentation and control systems should be your primary priority followed by Mechatronics where you can opt for either Bio Medical equipment, which use robotics or use of chip technology in the area of medical sciences this will replace the orthodox equipment very soon.

Q2). My son has done F.Sc with 81.5%. In matriculation, he secured 92% marks. He’s quite interested to do Aerospace Engineering. Kindly guide us regarding this and also about the other options for my son that can be helpful for him in future. (Javed Khan – Peshawar)

Ans:  It is not recommended for your son to do Aerospace Engineering. Especially if you are interested in sending him abroad, but if he is very interested in doing aerospace then he can look at a number of institutions in Islamabad that offer degrees in this area such as NUST and Air University.

Q3). I am in 6^th semester of my BBA and now I have to choose my elective subjects. I am interested to choose HR but my family is advising me to go for Supply Chain Management. Please guide me which one should I choose? (Alina Mughal – Lahore)

Ans: HR is vital and ideal subject especially when related to females. However, it does engage you with a little bit of labor and man power community. The next option recommended by your parents SCM could also be a good career option. Choice is really yours.

Q4).).  I am an electrical engineer and working in a leading Oil and Gas Company as trainee engineer. The core of this industry is Petroleum engineering and I want to work as a petroleum engineer. Please suggest me that if I do Masters in this area then will I fit somewhere good in this field? (Latif Mazhar – Lahore)

Ans: Many courses are available that will provide you with more choices / options within the Oil and Gas Industry and you can surely do Masters in any of the specialization available. However, if you can gain more than 3 years of experience and do a good IELTS of 6.5 or above than you could look at doing an MBA in Oil and Gas offered by different International Universities which will open up huge prospects for you in future.

Q:     Sir I’m currently doing MBA and passed my first semester. I got 81% marks from Virtual University and my second semester is in progress.  In 3^rd semester I need to decide my specialization. My previous qualification is B.Com and 5 to 6 years’ relevant experience that is in accounts. Sir I would appreciate if you could please give me your expert advice as to which specialist area/ subject I should select. I look forward to your guidance.  (Hanzla Rabbani, Sargodha)

A: Hanzla, looking at your current performance I understand you really worked hard. I think you should choose Financial Management or Accounting & Finance a specialist subject. This is because of your Commerce background and relevancy of experience with your current academic qualification. I know that you would be doing a project at the end of your current programme so, I would suggest you should think about doing Risk Analysis and live trading of stocks etc to finish your MBA.

Q:     Respected Mr Abidi, I passed my Home Economics Bachelors (4 years honors) with specialization in in Food and Nutrition. My current CGPA is 3.2 ( 8^th semester result is pending). I will appreciate if you can please guide me about a relevant M.Phil and give me your expert opinion and regarding best subject area/filed and which university I should choose to study. Please note that I have developed some interest in doing Clinical Nutrition.  Your help and advice on the above shall be highly appreciated. (Samra Nasir, Islamabad).

A:      Dear Miss Samra, your academic performance clearly shows that you are a hard working student. I understand from my experience is you keep the same pace and score more than 3.5 cgpa; you will have lot of opportunities especially chance of winning a 100% tuition scholarship from USA or United Kingdom. You should consider choosing from relevant emerging areas of research for an M.Phil like Food Safety and Micro Biology, Gens of lifestyle and nutrition health issues, Metabolism and of course Clinical Nutrition are all those areas that you can find greater career opportunities and Ph.D funding round the globe. These are all emerging areas and popular in demand. Best of luck.

Q:     Sir, a bit confused if I should choose BBA or BS accounting and Finance though I’m very confident that I will secure admission in Business Studies at NUST Insha Allah. But I thought to request for your expert advice. Secondly, can you please tell me what is the criteria and qualification required if I wish to do MBA afterwards? Is this a prerequisite that I must have BBA or it can also be done after BS Accounting and Finance? (Anam Arshad, Faisalabad)

A:      Dear Anam, certainly NUST is a high ranking institution of Pakistan. According to my experience if you are good at numbers and figures, I would like you to consider doing BS in Accounting & Finance or BBA is also a career oriented subject domain. Regarding your second question, please note that Masters of Business Administration (MBA) can be done either within Accounting Degree or with a Management Degree provided you have relevant experience as it is connected to work experience.

Q:     Assalamu Alaikum! Dear Abidi Sb, I have read your recent column which motivated me to get some advice and guideline for my future career/ plans. Sir, I have done BS Hons Telecommunication with a cgpa of 3.7 from Iqra in 2020 and got job in a private company which deals in IT solutions. Now I wish to do MS Project Management from M.A Jinnah University. Can you please give me some information about what are other options/ field for MS and guide me being a girl ahead? Regards. (Farzana Siddiqui, Karachi)

A:      Dear Miss Farzana, please note that Telecomm is a vast and emergent/growing   subject area. Current innovation and technology enhancement in telecommunication is due to the fusion of IT and Computer Engineering. As you have relevant experience of doing projects in this telecomm area and understand the management, analysis and execution of projects in the practical sense, it would be a better option if you do MSc Project Management. This will definitely help you in improving your career prospects and or looking at Higher level management jobs within the Telecommunication industry.

Q1). I am student of BBA (hons). In future I want to do Masters and PHD in Supply Chain Management. Please guide me is this a worthy specialization to pursue and does it have any demand in the field? (Taha Khan – Peshawar)

Ans: The Supply chain management is in good demand and also in relative area of expertise. UK has a one year masters in supply chain management following a four years bachelor’s degree in at least a high second class. Having done your masters in SCM I would suggest you work for few years before deciding to research on a relative topic.

Q2). I did my BSC with double Math’s and Physics. Please advise me that further which field would be better for me and recommend the one which have good scope. (Zahid Ali – Lahore)

Ans: The combination of your subjects gives an understanding that you are proficient in mathematics and physics, and to pursue an ideal career path, software engineering with internet or web security options are good. Alternatively you would also look at telecommunication and mobile engineering which require good knowledge of mathematics and physics both and therefore we expect that you would make a good career in the above.

Q3). I am doing BCS (Bachelor’s of Computer Science). I want to ask you that out of three options which specialization I should choose further, Networking, Web Designing or Software? (Abdul Rab – Karachi)

Ans: Networking is requisite in the field of study you choose however, you may also take into consideration the study of internet security and web crime where you need to learn about development of software that protect financial institutions, banks and leasing companies making this profession in one of the leading areas of expertise.

Q4). My son has completed his MBA in Marketing. Earlier he did his BBA from HITEC University Taxila and his HSC with pre-engineering subjects from Federal Board. Unfortunately we do not visualize much of the scope in this domain and market is flooded. Therefore he is interested to change his career to software development or networking. Could you please suggest how he could achieve this in minimum possible time? Further, if there could be anything else you are requested to propose for his better future. (Khawar Munir – Islamabad)

Ans: It is highly recommended that once he completes his MBA he should find a job and start looking for other options & opportunities that are available in the MIS (Management Information System) which requires IT skills to handle management issues. Having worked for a little while he will definitely gain some understanding of the most in demand areas nearest to his expertise following which he can go for his masters in the relative area.

Q1).  Sir, My brother has recently done Mechatronic Engineering (Robotics) with aggregate GPA 2.54. He wants to continue his further studies, but he is a little bit confused either to join MBA or MS programme. Kindly suggest either of the fields and also the related subject for MS (if suggested) as admission in electronics or mechanics is not possible with GPA 2.54. (Saira Ahmad- Islamabad)

Ans:  I suggest your brother should work for a few years in the industry and gains some experience before getting into a management degree such as MBA. It is important at this stage to get the practical experience of industry and machines and apply the knowledge and move forward.

Q2). I have given my final exams of electronic engineering from Karachi. Please guide me what should I study now? MS or MBA or other and which one you think is the best? Should I study abroad and which country is cheaper so I can afford my expenses. Kindly guide me for the solution. (Farhana Iftikhar- Karachi)

Ans: Clearly both the options are open to you, however my first advice would be to use your Bachelor’s Degree and work for few years before you decide which specialism of Post Graduate Degree is best for you. However with your current background I would recommend that you do a PG degree in Mechatronics or the second option would be communication engineering choosing wireless and mobile communication as a specialization. Both degrees are here to stay for many years to come and shall not limit your prospects abroad and in Pakistan.

Q3). My son did BE in Telecom Engineering from Islamabad in 2011 with 2.49 GPA.  He did his Masters in Engineering Management from UK in 2013 with good grades. Presently he is engaged with me to look after my small scale software development related company.  He intends to do PhD in Disaster Management.  Please advise what we should do?  (Zahid Kareem- Lahore)

Ans: Your son is already qualified engineer with one of the good top up master’s degree in engineering management my advice for him is to get some experience in the industry for few years before proceeding for a PhD. However, if he is confident  in doing a PhD and that too in a different field of disaster management he should explore the subject area quite a bit and make up his mind in developing a worth researching topic in disaster management. There are a number of universities around the world which offer disaster management and once he has chosen the subject that he would like to do research in I will advise him further.

Q4).  I have done B.Com in 2015 and I have three years of work experience in Retail sector in Pakistan markets. Now I am planning to get Masters Degree in Supply Chain management. So is it a right decision for me to get degree in this field. Please guide with your expert opinion. (Bilal Khalid – Lahore)

Ans: I think you are very well qualified and experienced to consider doing a master’s within own specialism of supply chain management. SCM will greatly help you to expand and enhance your career prospects especially if you continue to engage in huge franchise whether household or food chains. A degree in SCM from a foreign country/ good university will give a slightly better edge.