A large number of high school students in Pakistan now wish to pursue a career in computer sciences. Computer science has become a vast field that offers a pool of opportunities in todays digitally dominated world. The lure of high salaries and prestigious future opportunities has driven this trend in Pakistan.
But are we really going in that direction despite an increase in computer science, and AI enrolments at universities across Pakistan? Perhaps not. For the Pakistani tech industry is not yet able to produce ground breaking innovations, or research in these fields.
Tech companies have provided some valuable insights regarding computer science, and AI graduates across Pakistan,
Quality of Computer Science Graduates According to Tech Companies in Pakistan
Arbisoft is one of Pakistan’s most renowned software houses. on average It hires almost 50-100 fresh graduates annually. In 2023, Arbisoft received applications from 7000 fresh graduates in computer science and related fields from universities across Pakistan. After screening 4000 of them took a 19-minute screening test focusing on computational problems in computer science. Hardly 10% of them could score above 70% on this test.
Similarly, a Gallup survey of 2020 indicated that at least 25,000 graduates are being produced through Pakistani universities every year. Amongst these graduates, a mere 10% are able to find jobs at leading IT companies. Many computer science graduates remain unemployed and directionless in this race.
At eduvision, we are contacted by numerous computer science students and graduates every month for career counselling and guidance. Most of them contact us looking for solutions to the following main issues,
1. Struggling to get good grades during the degree
2. Deciding to drop out
3. Inability to land a job
These insights from technology and counseling perspectives show that students are making the wrong career choices which leads to multiple consequences.
Why are Students Choosing Computer Science?
In Pakistan, parents and students have begun to see computer science as a highly futuristic field with the potential of providing high paying jobs and lucrative careers. No doubt, computer science is one of the leading careers of the modern world, but this does not necessarily give the complete picture.
Across the world, computer science, information technology, and artificial intelligence have become the leading economic sectors. Every other day we come across new technologies and innovations that change how the world works, all thanks to these fields.
However, success in these fields does not only depend upon education and knowledge of them. It depends upon understanding of basic computational issues, creative mindset, ability to solve problems, attention to detail, and an overall aptitude that befits computer sciences. This is primarily where many go wrong as they choose computer sciences or interrelated fields.
To find out more about the aptitude for computer science, click here.
Students choose computer science because of its popularity, notions of high salaries and a bright future. They remain unaware of their true aptitude and innate skills that may benefit them in a different profession. Resultantly, they end up struggling while they study, and remaining unable to find jobs because employers are quick to identify skill gaps in such students.
These consequences further translate into mental health issues, unemployment, decreased job satisfaction, and an overall decreased innovation in the tech industry.
Impacts of Students Career Choice on Tech Industry in Pakistan
Pakistan is slowly developing its tech industry. Our tech-based exports have also seen a significant rise over the last few years. However, there is a long way to go until Pakistan becomes a tech giant that can compete against the worlds technologically advanced nations, and earn significant economic benefits for itself.
So far, our tech manufacturing comprises of older and refurbished technologies at large. Ground breaking researches and innovations are not being made at the fronts of artificial intelligence, information technology, game and app development etc. This happens because people who are going to these fields, do not opt for them out of their passion or realization of their innate skills that align with computer science professions. Instead, they choose these fields that are conflicting with their true aptitude, in hopes of getting high salaries and making a lucrative career for themselves.
Solution to the problem?
We have observed similar trends in not only computer science, but many other degrees also. The impacts of choosing the wrong profession do not only impact the lives of individuals, but nations. One of the most effective solutions to Pakistan’s unemployment and slow paced development in various sectors is students counseling and aptitude assessment.
Rigorous career planning and aptitude assessments from an early age are essential to solve this problem. It is the need of the hour that students shall understand themselves at a deeper level, know their qualities, weaknesses, skills, and values clearly. It is imperative that educational institutions across the country take measures to provide this kind of guidance to students so that they may make accurate decisions.
At Eduvision, we have established Pakistan’s most comprehensive career planning system. Our system has achieved a high client satisfaction and success rate, owing to our culturally friendly system designed with more than 30 assessment tools, 800+ career profiles, and AI supported digitization. Our assessments and counseling sessions help students know more about themselves, and make the right career choices according to their personality through our scientifically designed and proven services.
Eduvision also provides councelling services to institutions through Career TV, Rahnumai Seminars and Career Planning Workshops. We envision future leaders by helping students and professionals understand their true passion, and guiding them about the routes they can take to turn dreams into reality.
Click here to Contact Us
Also Read
CS, AI, and IT Programs for Pre Engineering Students
Online Cyber Security Degree
7 Highest Paying Careers in Pakistan