ByArif Masih Khokhar

Ph.D (HRM- in progress), MS(HRM), MBA(Marketing),M.Sc.(Mathematics), B.Ed.

IntroductionIndividual factor effecting career choiceAfter Matric (10th class) courses and DiplomasShort term Skills/Trades Career After 12th Class In PakistanTop Ten Careers in Pakistan

What you want to be…….

How to choose a careerOf course, since we all have: different skills,interests, experiences and expectations, There’s no one career that’s best for everyone. So how

do you choose the career that’s best for you?

Here’s what you should consider when thinking through this important decision……

1. What are your natural talents? We all have natural talents, certain tasks that come easy

to us. When we use our natural talents, time moves fast and we tend to receive compliments for our abilities. Knowing where your natural talents lie is key to choosing the right career. Of course we’re capable of doing other things, but those other tasks usually feel more like work. What do you always enjoy doing, and how can those skills be applied to a job?

2. What’s your work style? Each of us has a preferred work style, even if we don’t

realize it. That style can sometime conflict with a career choice.

For example, a flexible work environment might allow you to deliver projects on various dates, while a structured environment would require specific deadlines and strict guidelines. What works better for you? In which environment do you tend to thrive?

3. Where do you like to work? What’s your preferred work location? Your preference

could vary from a small regional office to corporate headquarters to a home office, an airport hotel.

How often do like to work away from home? Do you mind traveling for your job? If living out of a

suitcase makes you cringe and you need a consistency in your workplace, avoid careers that require a lot of moving around.

4. Do you enjoy social interaction? Do you like working with others or as part of a team? Are

you motivated by the needs of others and your ability to provide a solution? This is critical because some people shy away from that connection and would rather deliver value behind the scenes—without the complications of interacting with colleagues and clients.

Know your social needs so you can choose a career that matches them.

5. How important to you is work-life balance?

Do you value a short commute and a home-cooked meal every night? Do you live for weekends out at the play field watching your kids play? If you need those creature comforts on a regular basis, pick a career that will give you the time to enjoy them.

Look for jobs with regular hours and little to no requirements to work overtime or on weekends.

6. Are you looking to give back? Some careers have a component of giving back, where

the beneficiary of your hard work is not a corporation’s bottom line but rather a sick child, an endangered species or the planet’s air quality.

If it’s important to know that your hard work makes a difference in the world, this could be a significant driver in your career choice.

7. Are you comfortable in the public eye?

Certain careers encourage or even require employees to have a public persona. You may become known in your local community. If you’re a spokesperson, that recognition could extend to a nation level. Or if you serve as your company’s representative at trade shows or special events, you may become known in that niche community.

How does this strike you—as an opportunity or an obligation? If you thrive on recognition and the chance to build a personal brand while promoting your company’s work, look for careers that allow you to stand out front.

8. Do you deal well with stress? Some of us thrive on big deadlines, or being on the hook

for important projects. We like being the glue that holds everything together. In this role, people trust you and expect that you’ll suck it up and deal well with the pressure.

Of course, we all have different stress thresholds. If you thrive under the gun, you may do well in a high-stress career.

But if stress makes you want to run the other way, look for jobs that are more laid-back.

9. How much money do you want to make?

As you look forward in life, what are your expectations for money?

You might be single now, but maybe you hope to become your future family’s breadwinner. Or maybe you’re part of a successful two-income family and need to decide whether you’re comfortable living on less or compromising on other career aspects, like work-life balance, to earn a better income.

If money is the reward you seek, there are careers to match.

After Matric (10th class) courses and Diplomas List in PakistanCourses or subject combination options after matric class:

Following are the compulsory subjects at HSSC level in Pakistan.1: Urdu2: English3: Islamiat (Non-Muslim students can take up Civics in place of Islamiat)4: Pakistan Studies

1. Intermediate in Science (FSc.)Pre-MedicalPre-EngineeringICS(Physics)

2. Intermediate in Arts (F.A)I.COMICS(Statistics)General ScienceHumanities

FSC-Pre medical group:Chemistry, Biology, Physics

FSC-Pre-Engineering:Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics

ICS Physics:Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics

I.COM Part I: Principles of Accounting, Principles of Economics,

Principles of Commerce, Business MathematicsPart II: Principles of Accounting, Commercial Geography,

Computer Studies / Banking, Statistics

ICS (Statistics): Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science

General Science: Statistics, Mathematics, Economics

Humanities: Applicants should choose three elective subjects, one from each group respectively, for the Humanities Group.

Group 1: Statistics, Geography, English Literature

Group 2: Mathematics, Philosophy, Civics, Islamiat, Fine Arts

Group 3: Economics, Psychology, Islamic History, World History, Music, Physical Education

Languages:Arabic, Advance Urdu, French, Persian

DAE (Diploma of Associate Engineering):

Electrical TechnologyElectronics TechnologyTelecommunication TechnologyMechanical TechnologyChemical TechnologyAuto & Diesel TechnologyCivil TechnologyArchitecture TechnologyBio Medical Technology

DAE (Diploma of Associate Engineering):

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning TechnologyDress Making & Dress Designing TechnologyMechanical Technology (With Specialization In

Construction Machinery Technology) Petro-Chemical Technology Petroleum Technology Printing And Graphic Arts Technology

CAT and ACCA after Matric:Besides these diplomas candidates can also opt for CAT,

ACCA courses after matric class. Different accounting colleges’ offer different accounting and finance related courses as ACCA, CAT etc. After passing minimum 5 papers of CAT, you can get further do ACCA. A student in Pakistan can start a career in accountancy by selecting accountancy courses in two ways.

Career in Financial AccountingCareer in Cost and Management Accounting

Short term Skills/TradesAuto CAD (2D & 3D)Web developmentGraphic designingCustomer care excellenceHotel Management & TourismSolar Electricity installationAir line ticketingRefrigeration and Air-conditioning

Short term Skills/TradesFashion DesigningDomestic and Industrial ElectricianTelecom TechnicianInterior designing / Exterior designing and landscaping

(F. A/F. Sc)Material testing Technician (F. Sc)Professional camera operator and Studio light (F. A/F.

Sc)Stitching (Tailoring) (F. A/F. Sc)

Career After 12th Class In Pakistan1. Engineering: There are many career options of

engineering for boys. Engineering fields is on number one priority for boys. There are many branches of engineering for boys.

Mechanical EngineeringChemical EngineeringCivil EngineeringElectrical EngineeringComputer EngineeringIndustrial and Manufacturing EngineeringSoftware Engineering

Career After 12th Class In PakistanTelecom EngineeringTextile EngineeringComputer and information system EngineeringFood EngineeringArchitecture EngineeringGeological EngineeringPetroleum & Gas Engineering

UET, NUST, FAST, GIK, NED

Career After 12th Class In PakistanBusiness Administration: The field of business administration is

very much favorable for boys/girls. Bachelors in business administration can be done in many fields for example marketing, HR, finance etc. They can also gain the degree of CA/ACCA/ACMA.

Banking & Finance: The field of banking and finance is open for

boys. They can do the jobs of Accountant, Mangers, Audit Officers, Business Development officers and many more jobs.

Commerce: Boys can also choose the field of commerce as a career. They can do B.com in commerce. There are many opportunities for boys in the field of commerce.

Law: There are also good career opportunities in the field of law. If they want to fight for the rights of people then they should join this profession. You can also do BA-LLB course, it is a 5 years program offered by many universities in Pakistan.

Career After 12th Class In PakistanComputer Fields and IT: There is too much scope for

boys in the field of computer and IT. There are many programs offered called BSCS (Hons.) And BS (IT), BSC (HONS.) in Computer Science.

Telecommunication: The field of Telecommunication is a good option for boys/girls. They can get job in different call centers and telecom companies. You can do Bs telecommunication and IT and other related courses.

Career After 12th Class In PakistanFashion Designing: Fashion designing is the most suitable

field for boys. If you have creative abilities then this field is very beneficial for you. Courses in fashion designing include BFA, B-Design, bachelor in fashion designing and textile designing, fashion marketing etc. You can be a renowned dress designer.

Medical field: The field of medicine is one of the most suitable fields for boys/girls.for example: Nursing, Lab Technician, Doctor, radiologist, Psychologist, Dentist. Pharmacist

Lecturer/Teacher: The good career option for boys/girls is teaching. They can become a good teacher by getting C.T, B.Ed. or M.Ed.

Police/Army: The field of criminal interrogation is very advantageous for boys. The can join the police and army of Pakistan.

Civil Services: You also join the civil services of Pakistan. It’s a bit difficult field but talented ones can easily join it.

Air Force & Navy: The field of Pakistan Air Force & Pakistan Navy is open for boys. You can get training from aviation institutes of Pakistan. You can become a commercial pilot or a navy caption.

Chef: There are many opportunities for boys to become a chef. You can be trained in chef courses. There are many renowned institute offering professional chef courses in Pakistan. You can start your career as a chef.

Media Field: The field of mass communication is also a good option for boys. You can become an Actor, an Anchor, Newscaster, News reporter, Singer.

Social Sciences and NGOs: Social work is also a good field for boys/girls. They can work in different NGOs and international institutions too for examples UNISEF, WHO, FAO and many more. There are many job opportunities in this field.

Special Education: Boys can also choose the field of special education because they can get high paying jobs in different special education institutes on high level.

Top Ten Careers in Pakistan10. Fashion Designing

Entry Level: 12,000 – 18,000*5 Years: 49,560 – 74,340*Growth Rate: 313%**Job Satisfaction: SatisfiedPopular Institutions: NCA, Indus Valley School of Arts & Fatima Jinnah Women University

Top Ten Careers in Pakistan9. Software Engineering

Entry Level: 15,000 – 30,000*5 Years: 43,215 – 82,600*Growth Rate: 180%**Job Satisfaction: Very SatisfiedPopular Institutions: GIKI, NUST, UET, FAST & NED

Top Ten Careers in Pakistan8. Finance & Accounting

Entry Level: 10,000 – 25,000*5 Years: 36,100 – 90,250*Growth Rate: 261%**Job Satisfaction: SatisfiedPopular Institutions: LUMS, IBA, NUST, UCP

Top Ten Careers in Pakistan7. Telecom Engineering

Entry Level: 18,000 – 38,000*5 Years: 59,940 – 99,000*Growth Rate: 184%**Job Satisfaction: Somewhat SatisfiedPopular Institutions: NUST, UET, NED & FAST

Top Ten Careers in Pakistan6. HR Management

Entry Level: 18,000 – 30,000*5 Years: 68,800 – 103,200*Growth Rate: 258%**Job Satisfaction: Very SatisfiedPopular Institutions: IBA, NUST, LSE, LUMS, Quaid-e-Azam University & UCP

Top Ten Careers in Pakistan5. Mechanical Eng.

Entry Level: 25,000 – 48,000*5 Years: 69,112 – 115,218*Growth Rate: 153%**Job Satisfaction: Somewhat SatisfiedPopular Institutions: GIKI, UET,NUST & NED

Top Ten Careers in Pakistan4. Sales & Business Development

Entry Level: 15,000 – 35,000*5 Years: 63,750 -126,250*Growth Rate: 280%**Job Satisfaction: Somewhat SatisfiedPopular Institutions: LUMS, IBA, LSE & Quaid-e-Azam University

Top Ten Careers in Pakistan3. Program & Project Management

Entry Level: 20,000 – 35,000*5 Years: 74,100 – 142,240*Growth Rate: 293%**Job Satisfaction: Very SatisfiedPopular Institutions: LUMS, IBA & NUST

Top Ten Careers in Pakistan2. Procurement & Supply Chain

Entry Level: 15,000 – 25,000*5 Years: 76,219 – 150,412*Growth Rate: 467%**Job Satisfaction: SatisfiedPopular Institutions: LUMS, GC& LSE

Top Ten Careers in Pakistan1. Marketing & Brand Management

Entry Level: 20,000 – 52,000*5 Years: 83,916 – 165,371*Growth Rate: 246%**Job Satisfaction: Somewhat SatisfiedPopular Institutions: IBA, NUST, LUMS, Quaid-e-Azam University & UCP