Some unsolicited advice to students

These months are a time of intense stress for final year college and university students across the country – they have to sit their exams, wait for results, and then face one of the most important decisions of their life: what to do next?

One option is to continue their studies. This may be the easiest choice as they would remain in a familiar environment where they understand the parameters of success and failure. Nevertheless, there will be critical decisions to make such as what subjects to choose, where to study, and how to finance these studies. The choice will be especially difficult for many women as there are social barriers to moving to a new town or city.

The second option is to start work. For some lucky ones, the choice may come naturally – for example, joining the family business. But, for most others the choice may be more complex – what jobs to apply for; whether it is better to respond to advisements or rely on contacts and networks; or launch their own start-up.

As young people negotiate these decisions, I have three pieces of advice to offer.

The first piece of advice is for those who want to continue to study – always follow your passions and interests. And, provided you work hard and excel, be assured that the world will find ways to use your skills.

When I was young, conventional wisdom favoured traditional professions such a medicine, engineering, law, accountancy and teaching. However, new technologies are making rapid inroads into professions such as medicine, where machines can already undertake better surgery than humans; in construction, where appropriately programmed robots and three dimensional printers can build cars or houses better, faster and cheaper; in law, where large language models can prepare better arguments and briefs; and in finance, where computer programmes are faster and more accurate at spotting investment opportunities.

This means new opportunities in the “tech industry”, including designing and producing chips; and creating better computers, computer systems and robots. For those with the intellectual horsepower may engage in research, unlocking the fundamental features of physical realities, mental processes, and the links between the two. So if you love material or biological sciences – go for these.

However, there is also the need for people who can think about the impacts of technology on societies, on the ethics of what we do, and how to deal with change and the conflicts this creates. This means a continuing need for social scientists in areas such as sociology, history, economics and philosophy. So, if you love the social sciences – go for these.

But as always, progress cannot take place without creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. Throughout human history, this kind of thinking has come from artists including poets, writers, musicians and painters. It is it from them that we learn how to look at reality differently and fundamentally to change the paradigms we work with. So if you love the arts – go for these.

The second piece of advice is for those choosing a career – try to find a job in an area you studied.

If you cannot find a job that aligns with your interests and passions, you may well decide to “follow the money”. But never give up looking for work in the field you love. Life has different phases and it may be years before you can fully dedicate yourself to what really interests you. At times this may come late in life but having a goal, however ambitious and far-fetched, is essential.

A good friend, after completing a Master’s degree at a top university, ended up being a night watchman in a parking lot. However, with great courage and determination he kept looking for better jobs. Finally, he found a well-paid career but one which required him to live for long periods in difficult and dangerous places. Nevertheless, he always made the time to continue his passion, which included writing about Islam in the 21st Century and about Pukhtun history. The plan is that in the near future he will retire and dedicate himself full time to his writings.

The third piece of advice is to treat successes and failures as part of life – enjoy your successes but also embrace failures.

Success feels great and, in my view, the best way to celebrate success is by yourself. Stand in front of a mirror and enjoy the smile on your face; treat yourself to whatever takes your fancy – a meal, a walk in the park, an evening with friends. Or express your gratitude through acts of kindness and charity. Whatever you choose, do not try to look for an audience, as most people will be jealous, resentful or uninterested about hearing of your success.

However, failure also has its plus points. People will love to hear of your failures and will happily give you endless advice on how you should, or should not, have acted. More importantly, failure forces you to reassess what you really want – were the goals that you set really all that important; did you put in the effort needed. Failure also shows who are your real friends and well-wishers who supported and stood by you.

The final piece of advice is – take all advice with a pinch of salt. No one has a formula for success and happiness. Live your life to full and enjoy every moment.