The author gives an understanding of diverse career options in India. He also suggests that instead of blindly selecting a career stream, it would be beneficial to meet a career counsellor who can guide them towards evaluating their abilities and provide career options that suit them.
After the release of 12th grade result, when students step out of their comfort zone, there arises the big question:‘WHAT NEXT?’
Some students would have decided their next steps and would be preparing for necessary entrance exams. Some would be applying to colleges of their choice. However, there are a vast majority of students who do not know what to do after 12th grade.
It has been observed that without evaluating their abilities and passion, students select Engineering, Medicine or CA courses due to parental or peer pressure. But later they realise that they are not fit for that career. A majority of the students seek admission to courses without evaluating their abilities, aptitude, or interest.
Instead of blindly selecting a career stream, it would be beneficial to meet a career counsellor who can guide them towards evaluating their abilities and provide career options that suit them. Career counsellors understand the interests, abilities of students, and guide them accordingly to choose the best-fit career. Parents can also get information about the strengths and weaknesses of their children from the teachers.Since teachers have in-depth knowledge of the skills of their students, their perspective on the matter becomes essential. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in partnership with UNICEF has also launched an online portal for career guidance and counselling of class 9 to 12 students in all affiliated schools.
Here are some popular career options for students in India after completing their 12th grade:
Engineering and Technology: Students can pursue undergraduate programmes in various branches of engineering such as computer science, electrical, mechanical, civil, and chemical engineering. With the rapid advancement of technology, fields like artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and robotics are gaining prominence. Engineering offers opportunities in sectors like technology, manufacturing, infrastructure, and research and development.
Medicine and Healthcare: Students can pursue undergraduate degrees in medicine to become doctors. Additionally, there are other healthcare-related fields such as nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, biotechnology, occupational therapy, medical laboratory technology and biomedical sciences.
Business and Management: Business and management careers have witnessed significant growth in India. Students can pursue undergraduate programmes in fields like Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), or Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS). These programmes provide a strong foundation in business principles and prepare students for careers in finance, marketing, human resources, entrepreneurship, supply chain management, international business and other related fields.
Information Technology (IT) and Computer Science (CS): Students can pursue undergraduate degrees in computer science, software engineering, information technology, or computer applications. With the increasing demand for skilled IT professionals, career options include software development, web development, data analytics, mobile app development, cybersecurity, and IT consulting.
Architecture and Design & Creative Fields: Students can pursue undergraduate programmes in design or arts-related disciplines to develop their creative skills. Fields such as graphic design, animation, game development, fashion design, interior design, industrial design, and visual communication offer exciting career prospects.
Social Sciences and Humanities: There is a growing recognition of the importance of social sciences and humanities in today’s society. Students interested in fields like psychology, sociology, economics, political science, history, international relations, journalism, mass communication, and English literature can pursue undergraduate programmes in these disciplines. These fields offer diverse career opportunities in research, media, public policy and administration, social work, journalism, and education.
Applied Sciences: Applied sciences encompass fields such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, environmental science, and geology. Students can pursue undergraduate degrees in these fields and specialise in areas such as research, development, quality control, environmental management, and data analysis.
Fine Arts and Performing Arts: Students can pursue courses in disciplines like painting, sculpture, music, drama, and film studies. Careers in these fields include professional artists, musicians, actors, directors, and art educators.
Fashion and Textile Design: Students can pursue courses in fashion design, textile design, fashion merchandising, and fashion communication. These programmes provide knowledge and skills required for careers in fashion design, styling, garment manufacturing, retail, and fashion marketing.
Hotel Management and Tourism: With the growth of the tourism and hospitality industry, there are opportunities in hotel management, hospitality administration, and travel and tourism. These programmes offer skills in hotel operations, food and beverage management, event planning, tourism marketing, and customer service.
Media and Communication: Students interested in media and communication can pursue courses in journalism, mass communication, public relations, advertising, and broadcasting. These programmes equip students with skills in writing, reporting, digital media, video production, public relations, and media management.
Sports and Health Science: Being a sportsman requires talent, determination and persistence. There are many career options in sports for the students like sportsperson, sports business manager, Coach, Fitness Instructor, Physical Educator, Nutritionist, Sports Marketing Professional, Team Trainer, etc.
Accounting and Finance: Qualified finance professionals play a critical part in the corporation’s cost and accounting management. Students who complete finance courses after 12th grade (like CA, CS, CFA, CPA, Actuary, Financial Management, etc.) can work successfully as accountants, auditors, investment analysts, investment bankers, finance managers, portfolio managers, market research analysts, and other profitable and high-profile jobs.
Law: Law is a traditional career choice in India. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree to become lawyers or legal professionals.
Civil Services: Civil services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS), have been conventionallysought-after career options for students interested in public service and administration.
In the 21st century, several new trend career options have emerged for students in India after intermediate education. These career paths are influenced by advancements in technology, changing industry dynamics, and the evolving needs of global job market. Here are some of the new trending career options which provide future growth, innovation and sustainability for students:
Data Science and Analytics: With the rise of big data, data science and analytics have become popular career options. Students can pursue courses in data science, data analytics, or business analytics to work with data-driven insights.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML have transformed several industries. Students can explore courses in AI, machine learning, or cognitive science. These programmes provide knowledge and skills in developing AI models, algorithms, and applications, offering career opportunities in sectors like technology, healthcare, finance, and e-commerce.
Internet of Things (IoT): IoT refers to the network of interconnected devices that collect and exchange data. This field offers career opportunities in areas like smart cities, industrial automation, healthcare technology, and agriculture.
Digital Marketing and Social Media Management: As businesses increasingly focus on digital platforms, careers in digital marketing and social media management have emerged. Students can acquire skills in digital marketing strategies, SEO, content creation, and social media management.
Blockchain Technology: Blockchain technology, known for its secured and decentralised nature, has gained traction across industries. This field offers opportunities in areas such as blockchain development, cryptocurrency trading, cybersecurity, supply chain management, and financial technology (fintech).
Renewable Energy and Sustainability: As the world focuses on sustainability, there is a growing demand for professionals in the renewable energy sector. This field offers career opportunities in areas like solar energy, wind energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure.
Robotics and Automation: Robotics and automation have revolutionised industries by enhancing productivity and efficiency. This field offers career opportunities in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and defence.
UX/UI Design: User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design play a crucial role in creating intuitive and user-friendly digital experiences. This field offers opportunities to work with technology companies, startups, and design agencies to create seamless user experiences.
Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking: With the increasing digitisation of businesses and the rising threat of cyberattacks, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand. By protecting digital systems, networks, and data from unauthorised access, cybersecurity experts play a vital role in safeguarding organisations and ensuring data privacy.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): AR and VR technologies have found applications in various sectors, including gaming, education, healthcare, and architecture. This field offers opportunities to create immersive experiences, develop AR/VR applications, and design virtual environments.
Entrepreneurship and Start-ups: India’s start-up ecosystem has witnessed exponential growth, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship. Students can consider entrepreneurship as a career option, exploring courses on innovation and entrepreneurship or business incubation programmes. By nurturing their ideas and developing their entrepreneurial skills, students can embark on the journey of creating their own ventures and contributing to India’s economic growth.
Animation and Game Development: With the expansion of entertainment and gaming industries, careers in animation and game development have gained momentum.
As students prepare to embark on their career journey after completing their 12th grade, it becomes important for them to consider future ready options that are in line with the emerging demands of the 21st century workplace.
It is important for students to research the above emerging career options, evaluate their interests and skills, and consider the future prospects of each field. They should assess the job market, growth potential, personal passion, attend industry events/ job fairs/career counselling and guidance workshops/webinars. Internships or practical projects should be explored to gain practical experience and align with their skills and values.
Through this article, I have tried to give you an understanding of diverse career options in India. But I still recommend you to seek an expert opinion for all decisions, as even a slightly different move may make or break your career in the future.
For more information about career guidance, two pdf document links are given below, you can download them and explore the courses.
COMPENDIUM OF ACADEMIC COURSES AFTER +2 (CBSE):
https://scert.cg.gov.in/pdf/misc/career/CBSE-Career-guidance-4417318e-5274-4002-8199-d54357c70f5a.pdf
PARENTSʼ HANDBOOK OF PROFESSIONAL CAREERS AFTER 10th/12th:
https://www.sdseed.in/docs/Career%20Handbook.pdf
[Dr. Qazi Muhammad Miyan is Manager of The Scholar School Delhi. Email: [email protected]]