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Nowadays, many people have an interest in diploma and certificate programs due to the increasing costs of university education and other factors like student’s merit and financial obligations.
In this article, we will talk about the diplomas and certifications available after matric. You will also know their scope and differences from traditional college and university education. Oh, and you want to know of the most rewarding ones? We’ve got you covered!
A diploma is a certificate that you get from an institution after completing a certain kind of education with practical experience. The duration of a diploma can variate depending upon the institution and desired courses. Usually, 6 months to 3 years diplomas are offered. Diplomas are mostly associated with vocational and technical trainings in Pakistan.
A diploma is different from a degree. It gives you knowledge about a specific skill or field. The good thing about it is that you can enter the workforce soon after matric. While for a degree you need at least 6 years until you can step into the workforce. The drawback is that you may not be entering higher paid professions. Exceptions exist, but degree holders are usually at a comparative advantage in the job market.
What is a Certificate?
A certificate program is also a non-degree program. It equips people with specified skills for a certain field. Its duration is even smaller than the diploma in most cases. After matric, you can pursue a certificate for a duration of 6 months to one year in most cases.
A certification is a short course that you can take after matric and also at other points during your degrees or profession. A certification can enhance your skills and productivity, and it is encouraged that you undertake certifications related to your field. However, your career prospects may be very limited if you rely only on a certain certification.
You must read: Are Degrees Worthless in Pakistan? (A comparison between degrees and vocational training)
DIPLOMAS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN PAKISTAN
In Pakistan 204 diploma programs and certifications are available after you complete your matriculation. The most rewarding ones are available in the fields of,
- Engineering
- Medical Sciences
- Computer and IT
- Accounting and Finance
ManagementYou can find a detailed list of all these 204 programs at the Eduvision Websites program finder. The program finder also contains information regarding institutions, admissions, and scope of every diploma and certificate available.
You may like: Can Just Anyone Study Computer Science?
- Scope of Diplomas and Certificates in Pakistan
Diplomas and certificates without formal higher education can be complicated in their scope. While usually, they do not lead to long term career growth or highly paid professions, a lot can still change on a case-to-case basis. Some certifications and diplomas empower you with skills that enable you to establish a better future than others.
- Engineering (Electrical, Chemical, Petroleum etc)
Engineering diplomas are usually said to be more rewarding. Diplomas related to electrical engineering, mechatronics, and petroleum have a higher scope. Many a times, your skills may be required by big companies across the world. You can get paid handsomely. You can expect to work on sectors like power generation, maintenance, installation etc. You could be working in the capacity of engineers yourself, or you could be assisting engineers with their jobs. Your prospects will depend upon your experience and expertise.
- Medical Sciences
There are a wide range of options for courses or diplomas in medical sciences. Pharmacy technician is a common diploma amongst these. As a pharmacy technician you can get a license open a pharmacy. Other than that, you can also be a part of the staff appointed by various pharmaceutical companies. In these companies, you can expect to work at branches of their pharmacies.
Another field in this category is of the lab technicians. As a lab technician you can work alongside doctors and other medical staff at laboratories. How much you can earn in this field is more about the position you work in and the organization that has employed you.
With diplomas and certifications in such fields, you will not be able to have careers equivalent to doctors, engineers, or scientists in prestige. You can rather expect yourself to be in supporting roles. Students who have a lower merit, can get admitted to such programs.
- Diploma in Homeopathic Medical Science (DHMS)
Homeopathy is a field of herbal medicine. You can do a DHMS for 4 years in order to study homeopathy. After you complete your education, you can open a clinic of your own. One big advantage of homeopathy is its potential to provide women with a lot of ease. They can open a clinic at their homes and start practice if it’s difficult for them to commute or work otherwise. Moreover, the DHMS is now recognized as a formal degree. This adds to its overall appeal.
What you must consider is the popularity of homeopathic medicine itself in Pakistan. Day by day, its popularity is declining. So, before you make a decision, ensure that you have a plan in mind.
- Diplomas and Certificates in Computer Science and IT
Different diplomas and certifications are available in fields including,
- Web Development
- IT Project Management
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Ethical Hacking
- Solutions Architect
- Data Science
- Web and Core Programming
- UX Design
- IT support
- Graphics Designing
With diplomas or certificates in these fields you can find multiple options of jobs at different organizations. You can also start your own business based upon the above mentioned services. If you develop a freelancing career in these fields, you can get highly paid opportunities as well.
- Creative Certifications and Diplomas!
You can find interesting certifications and diplomas in the fields of
- Fashion design
- Textile Design
- Interior Design
- Beautician or Beauty Therapy
The demand for good designers on various fronts is everlasting. With increased urbanization, interior designers are also highly in demand. In fact, they have chances to find high paying activities! Similarly, diplomas in fashion and textile are also a good fit for people who have artistic instincts.
Such qualifications open the doors of good job opportunities, career growth, and empower you to start your own businesses as well. However, in order to succeed in any of these you need to be able to innovate, and deliver well. Moreover, if you develop skills to incorporate technology in your work, you will be at an advantage.
WHO SHOULD TAKE DIPLOMAS OR CERTIFICATIONS?
As much as diplomas and certifications equip you with skills, their career prospects are narrow. If your financial situation, merit, or other personal circumstances do not allow you to pursue higher education, then you can opt for this route. However, you must not take this route, just because someone told you that university degrees are worthless. These claims are made keeping in view the overall unemployment. But the fact is, that job prospects, and professional success still largely depends on university degrees. Most of the job postings, have a requirement of bachelors and masters degrees! Diploma and certificate holders may find themselves at a disadvantage in this scenario!
Before you decide on taking a diploma, you must consider career counseling. Diploma and certifications are highly practical studies. You must be aware of your aptitude for this type of career paths. If your aptitude does not match your career path, you will be less likely to succeed. To book an appointment for a derailed aptitude assessment contact us now!
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