Career counselling: Questions and Answers
Q1: Dear Mr. Abidi, I am currently studying in the final year of FSc Pre-Engineering. I am interested in pursuing a career in Renewable Energy Engineering. Could you please guide me about the scope of this field and the best universities in Pakistan or abroad that offer this program? (Ameer Haider, Lahore)
Ans: Dear Ameer, Renewable Energy Engineering is an excellent and rapidly growing field with significant global demand. As the world shifts toward sustainable energy solutions, this discipline offers numerous career opportunities in areas like solar energy, wind power, energy management, and smart grid technologies. In Pakistan, universities such as NUST, UET Lahore, and COMSATS University offer strong programs related to energy engineering. If you are considering international universities, Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavian countries are renowned for their advanced research and minimal tuition fees for some programs. I encourage you to explore scholarship opportunities and focus on institutions specializing in renewable energy. Best of luck with your future endeavors.
Q2: Dear Sir, I have completed my BS in Biotechnology with a 3.4 CGPA. I am interested in pursuing higher studies abroad. Could you please guide me regarding the best options for postgraduate programs and scholarship opportunities? (Hiba Rehman, Islamabad)
Ans: Dear Hiba, with your background in Biotechnology, you can explore specialized fields such as Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Genetic Engineering, or Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, as these fields are highly in demand globally. For postgraduate studies abroad, countries like Germany, the UK, Canada, and Australia offer excellent programs. Germany, in particular, is an attractive option due to its cost-effective education system, with many public universities charging little to no tuition fees. Additionally, you can explore scholarships such as DAAD Scholarships in Germany, Chevening Scholarships in the UK, and Commonwealth Scholarships in various countries. I recommend researching universities that offer your preferred specialization and preparing for IELTS or GRE if required. Wishing you success in your academic journey!
Q3: Dear Sir, I have recently completed my A-levels with Math, Economics, and Business. I am unsure whether I should pursue a degree in Accounting and Finance or go for Economics. Could you advise me on which field has better career prospects? (Zara Iqbal, Karachi)
Ans: Dear Zara, both Accounting and Finance and Economics are excellent fields with great career prospects, but they cater to different interests and career paths. If you are interested in financial management, auditing, or investment banking, Accounting and Finance is an ideal choice. This practical field offers global demand and quicker employability. On the other hand, if you enjoy studying markets, policies, and economic trends, Economics would be a better option. Economists are highly sought after in research organizations, financial institutions, and international bodies like the UN and World Bank. Ultimately, your decision should depend on your interest and long-term career aspirations, as both fields can lead to rewarding careers.
Q4: Dear Mr. Abidi, I have completed my BS in Software Engineering and now want to specialize in Artificial Intelligence or Cybersecurity. Could you guide me on which field has better scope and future potential? (Rameez Zafar, Gujrat)
Ans: Dear Rameez, both Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity are cutting-edge fields with immense scope and future potential. AI is a versatile discipline with applications in robotics, machine learning, natural language processing, and automation. It holds a promising future in industries such as healthcare, finance, automotive, and more. On the other hand, Cybersecurity focuses on protecting systems and data from cyber threats, which are increasingly becoming a concern for governments and corporations worldwide. If you enjoy coding, data analysis, and developing intelligent systems, AI would be the right choice for you. However, if you are more interested in securing systems, ethical hacking, and addressing cybersecurity challenges, then Cybersecurity is the better option. Both fields offer exceptional career growth, so your choice should align with your interests and strengths.
(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).
