Young Pakistanis Need Access To Better Career Advice

Today when Pakistan is experiencing the double delight of the information age and internet technology with a vast number of electronic gadgets and devices, the youth is perplexed because they see models of success around them yet find few career opportunities of their choice. Besides, they waste their youthful energy following the hollow slogans propagated by populist politicians and finding no practical advice in educational and institutions.

This is frustrating them. They are unable to see a future for themselves.

The 21^st century Pakistan must provide direction to its youth so they can play a constructive role in the country. Gone are the days when parents wished to make their sons or daughters doctors or engineers. Joining the police or armed forces were the only other options.

Now the youth can choose from a much wider array of professions. Education and training in computer and internet-related technology are yielding dividends. Look at what Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, and Bill Gates have done.

However, these technology giants were not born with golden spoons in their mouths. With time, their hard work paid and helped them climb the upper rungs of the social and financial ladder.

Our youth must evaluate its potential and select professions that match their abilities. They must work hard and do justice with their jobs.

Developments in eCommerce have brought success to many across the world. People have made lots of money by making videos or vlogs for YouTube. There is a massive market of internet-related businesses, which is waiting to be explored by the young professionals of Pakistan.

The career options are unlimited. Writing books, for instance, has become a high-paying profession after the super success of Tolkien and Rowling. Pakistani fiction writers, like Mohsin Hamid, Mohammad Hanif and Kamila Shamsie have become names to reckon with globally. Writing non-fiction is as lucrative.

Likewise, developments in eCommerce have brought success to many across the world. People have made lots of money by making videos or vlogs for YouTube. There is a massive market of internet-related businesses, which is waiting to be explored by the young professionals of Pakistan. Digital and animated movies are another interesting career option. Training and informative videos on cooking, agriculture, mechanics, nursing, and more are gaining popularity as well.

Pakistan’s young people must not run after unachievable dreams or wait for lottery or miraculous inheritance. Everyone must contribute to the state's economy and receive benefits and dividends.

We also need to revamp syllabi taught in the educational institutions and revolutionize the teaching methods. Once we have directed the youth towards a viable profession, Pakistan will develop fast and its professionals will rub shoulders with others in the world.

 

The writer is a professor of English at Emerson University, Multan, Pakistan.