Days when many FSc students from pre-engineering thought they could not access fields CS, AI, and IT are over. If you are a pre-engineering student, you should know that you have a background in mathematics. For various CS and AI fields, that is an asset.
Courses in computer science and artificial intelligence are not closed for pre engineering students. Careers in these fields are some of today’s highly demanded and highly paid ones. This demand seems to be everlasting because of the rapid and continual growth in technology.
Some of the best universities for such programs include NUST, FAST, GIKI, and COMSATS. In Pakistan, 50 programs in these fields are being offered. Amongst them, the highly ranked programs include,
- Software Engineering
- Information Technology
- Cyber Security
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Digital Marketing
- Computer Science
- Robotics
- Information Security
- Data Analytics
- Software Engineering
- Graphic Designing
- Geographical Information System
Scope of Degrees in CS, AI, and IT
Degrees in such fields can lead to shining careers in private technology firms and businesses. Their job scope internationally is also very wide. Why would it not be? The entire world is facing a technology boom. Tech giants are busy producing more products and continuously innovating the previous technology as well. Moreover, technology booms are being planned by countries that are behind in the race. Careers in computer science are indeed the future. Even in Pakistan, it is being predicted that more opportunities in AI and CS will arise in the future.
Should You Make Such a Decision?
While the fields of computer science are futuristically important, you should still understand that you need to make an informed decision. Let us first see what these three fields are about,
Computer Science
Computer Science (CS) is one broader field. It incorporates the basic knowledge of both artificial intelligence AI, and information technology. CS is the overall study of computer sciences in which you study programs about computation, software, hardware, algorithms, computer systems etc. You can choose to specialize in more focused fields like AI, cybersecurity, software development etc.
Best universities for computer science in Pakistan are,
- FAST
- National University of Science and Technology
- COMSATS
- Air University
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
For AI, you will be needing foundational knowledge of computer science as well. However, AI is a step advanced. AI is more about machine learning, artificial neural networks, computational modelling, mathematics, statistics, etc.
AI can be a difficult course for many. It requires strong skills in mathematics, computer science, and programming. If you are planning to take AI as a pre engineering student, you should make a thorough analysis of the courses in AI and your own abilities.
Best universities for AI in Pakistan are,
- FAST
- National University of Science and Technology
- COMSATS
- Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
Information Technology
Information technology is about using computers, hardware, and software, to manage, organize, store, and protect data. In today’s modern era, IT is a very rewarding field owing to its ever increasing demand.
As you study IT, you will be learning about database management, programming, cyber security, software development, web development, information systems development etc. You could be working in an environment where you analyze and protect data or develop software and websites. Cyber security is a fascinating specialization in the fields of IT.
Best Universities in Pakistan for information technology include,
- Ghulam Ishaque Khan Institute (GIKI)
- FAST
- National University of Science and Technology (NUST)
- Information Technology University (ITU)
- Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
- Quaid e Azam University
Making the Choice
Making the decision to shift from engineering to computer science fields is not really a simple procedure. You should keep the following things in mind,
- Your aptitude
- Your merit
- Scope
- Institution for Bachelors
When it comes to choosing between engineering and computer science or AI, we have observed that many students make a sudden jump. They do not consider their own abilities and interests. This is because fields in CS, AI, and IT can provide them with rewarding careers apparently.
Not every field is for anyone who likes it. You will only be able to sustain a degree in these fields if you truly have a knack for them. To understand your true potential, you can reach out to teachers, and your peers to understand what kind of subjects you are naturally good at. However, you must take a detailed career counselling session to evaluate your aptitude and personality. This will help you see more clearly into what subjects you should be opting for, and if you need to switch from engineering to CS or IT.
You must try to understand your skill set before choosing any kind of subjects for university. Remember! If you have the right skills, and you keep polishing and practicing them continually, your future as an engineer will also be blooming.