Choosing what you want to do as a career after 12th (Higher Secondary Education) is one of the biggest decisions you will make as a young person. Historically, everyone would have had a clear and set path to follow. If you chose Science you would go into Engineering or Medicine. If you chose Commerce you would become a Chartered Accountant or Banker. If you chose Humanities you would aim to go into Civil Services, Teaching or Law.
However, everything has changed now. With the increasing popularity of Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Globalisation and Digitalisation there are now hundreds of new specialised careers available which didn’t exist just 10 years ago. This means that there are infinite options available to you and you may feel overwhelmed. How can you decide what to do? How can you match up your natural talents with what is available in the market? How can you guarantee that the career you choose will make you happy and give you a secure income?
This guide will help you to find out what the best options are for each subject area. We will also take a look at some new areas of study.
Part 1 – The New Way of Choosing a Career
Before we start looking at what options are available for each subject area it is important to understand how things have changed. In the past, people would often choose their career based on how prestigious it is. However, nowadays you need to consider:
What are you really passionate about and what are you good at? You need to make sure you are intrinsically motivated to master certain skills.
What is the industry like? Is it growing, stagnant or is it being affected by technology? Choosing a declining industry can mean that you hit a dead end early on in your career.
Can you use the skills you learn in other roles? Soft Skills, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving are now more sought after than rote learning.
Now let’s take a look at the best options for each subject area.
Part 2 – The Best Options for Science (PCM, PCB & PCMB)
Science is still a very popular career choice. There are lots of options available including Engineering, Life Sciences and new technology.
Physics, Chemistry and Maths (PCM)
Engineering and Technology are still very popular careers. However, the type of Engineering has changed.
Traditional Engineering (B.Tech / B.E.)
These include Mechanical, Civil, Electrical and Chemical Engineering. Although traditional, many of these have become very technical with the introduction of Smart Infrastructure, Green Energy and Electric Vehicle Manufacturing.
Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), Data Science, Cyber Security, Cloud Computing & Internet of Things (IoT) are all high growth specialities.
Top Colleges – IITs, NITs, BITS Pilani, Top State/Private Universities.
Computer Applications & Information Technology
BCA – If you are looking for a route into Computer Science without having to learn much Engineering Physics and Chemistry then BCA is a great alternative to B.Tech (CSE). Usually you would follow this with an MCA.
Pure Sciences
B.Sc/B.S. (Research) – These courses are offered by IISERs, IISc and Top Central Universities. They are 4 year courses. They are great if you are passionate about Theoretical Physics, Mathematical Modelling, Nanotechnology and Space Sciences.
Architecture
B.Arch – This is a 5 year course. It combines creativity, Engineering and Sustainable Urban Development. You must pass the NATA and/or JEE Main Paper 2.
Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB)
Careers in Healthcare, Biotechnology and Life Sciences are seeing huge investments.
Medicine
MBBS – This is the gold standard for becoming a Clinical Doctor. You will then specialise (MD/MS). You need to pass the competitive NEET-UG exam.
BDS – This is for Dental Medicine.
Ayurveda, Homeopathy & Unani (BAMS, BHMS, BUMS).
Allied Health Sciences & Paramedics
B.Sc Nursing & Midwifery – This is a highly sought after profession globally.
Pharmacy (B.Pharm/Pharm.D) – This is essential for Drug Discovery, Clinical Trials, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Regulatory Affairs.
Physiotherapy (BPT) – This is a rapidly expanding profession due to our ageing population.
Medical Lab Tech, Radiology, Optometry.
Biotechnology
B.Tech/B.Sc Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering & Bioinformatics – This combines Biology and Computer Science. You will learn about Gene Editing (CRISPR), Personalised Medicine and Synthetic Biology.
Part 3 – The Best Options for Commerce
Commerce is no longer just traditional. It is the backbone of global businesses.
Traditional Courses
B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce/Honours) – This will give you a strong knowledge of Accounting, Corporate Finance, Business Law and Taxation. You can combine this with a professional qualification.
BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) – This gives you an insight into Management, Marketing, HR, Operations and Organisational Behaviour. It is a great route into an MBA.
Professional Qualifications
Many students choose to complete a professional qualification whilst studying or after their 12th.
Chartered Accountancy (CA) – This is run by the ICAI. It is the main qualification to become an Auditor, Tax Consultant and Corporate Finance Advisor.
Company Secretary (CS) – This focuses on Corporate Law.
Cost and Management Accountancy (CMA) – This is focused on Costing, Strategic Planning and Financial Decision Making in Manufacturing and Service Industries.
Global Finance Qualifications
ACCA – This is an internationally recognised British Qualification.
CFA – This is usually completed during or after graduation however you can learn the core concepts early on if you are keen on Finance.
CIMA – This is focused on Business Strategy.
Part 4 – The Best Options for Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Careers in the Humanities will help you develop critical thinking, empathy, understanding of society and culture and exceptional communication skills. This is hard to duplicate using AI.
Arts & Professional Courses
BA (Bachelor of Arts/Honours) – This covers a range of subject areas such as Economics, Politics, History, Sociology, English Literature & Philosophy. If you complete an Economics degree at a top University you will earn a high salary from companies.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) – This is ideal if you are passionate about Non Profit Management, Community Development, Public Policy and Social Care.
Law
B.A.LL.B. (Hons)/B.B.A.LL.B. (Hons) – This is one of the most lucrative and exciting careers you can do after your 12th in any subject. You will need to pass an entrance exam such as CLAT, AILET or LSAT.
You can specialise in Corporate Law, IPR, Cyber Law, International Trade Law & Human Rights Law.
Media, Mass Communication & Journalism
BJMC/B.A Journalism & Mass Communication – This covers Digital Journalism, Broadcasting, PR, Corporate Communications, Film Production and Content Creation. In this digital age there is huge demand for skilled communicators.
Psychology
B.Sc/B.A. Psychology – As Mental Health Awareness is increasing globally there is a golden time to be a Clinical Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist, Organisational Psychologist (HR) and Behavioural Analyst.
Part 5 – New Careers
There are lots of new careers now that have blended different subject areas. Many of these are exciting and high earning.
Design
B.Des
UI/UX Design – This covers designing interfaces, apps etc.
Product Design – This covers designing products.
Fashion Design & Communication – This covers Fashion Design and Retail.
Animation/VFX/Gaming – This covers creating cinematic experiences, Video Games and CGI.
Top Colleges – NID, NIFT and Top IIT Design Schools (IDC).
Hospitality, Culinary & Tourism
BHM – This will prepare you for a career in Luxury Hospitality, Cruise Liners, Event Management, Airline Catering and Global Restaurants.
Sports Science & Management
B.Sc Sports Science/BBA Sports Management – The Sports Industry is a multi billion global industry. Careers include Sports Analytics, Franchise Management, Athletic Training, Sports Psychology and Event Management.
Part 6 – Vocational Courses & Skills Based Qualifications
Not all successful careers require a 3 or 4 year degree. Many industries value your skills over your paper qualifications.
Short Professional Courses
There are lots of short courses available such as Coding, Digital Marketing, UI/UX Design and Data Analytics. These will help you get into the workforce quickly.
Dual Degree & Online Courses
Many Universities now offer online courses. For example the IIT Madras offer an online B.Sc in Data Science and Applications. This means that you can complete a traditional course on campus whilst also gaining specialised technical skills.
Part 7 – How to Decide
When you finally meet with your parents and mentors to decide what you want to do, use this 5 step process.
Self Assessment – Make a list of your top 3 favourite subjects. What kind of problem solver are you? (Analytical, Creative or Social). How much risk are you willing to take? (For example Medicine requires you to dedicate yourself for between 5-8 years. Whereas a Coding Bootcamp requires you to adapt quickly.)
Market Research – Look up the placement rates, starting salary, progression and international opportunities for the courses you are interested in.
Talk to Professionals – Contact professionals on LinkedIn in your desired field. Ask them what it is really like working in their field.
Have a Back-up – Always have an alternative option. If you are aiming to do a highly competitive exam (JEE, NEET or CLAT) make sure you have solid backup university places.
Be Committed – No matter what you choose there are always ways to move careers. You can change at Postgraduate Level, do a qualification or move into a different career. Most importantly you must excel in whatever you choose.
Conclusion
Your results in your 12th Board Exams are an important milestone however they shouldn’t limit you. No matter what you choose to do whether it be Quantum Computing, Corporate Finance, Constitutional Law, Medicine or UX Design the key thing is to keep learning. Assess what your strengths are, look at what new industries are coming up and choose a career that will make the most of your unique talents. Your journey has just begun!
FAQ
1.Why is choosing the correct stream / degree confusing?
When choosing your stream after 12th make sure you consider your aptitude, industry trends and flexibility. Self-assessment – See what stream you did well in during high school. Industry trends – Choose newer industries such as AI integration, niche law, renewable energy, digital commerce. Flexibility – Ensure you’re going for a general degree such as B.A.LLB, B.Sc. or B.com / BBA so that you can switch into other postgraduate options (MBA, civil services etc.).
2.Should I go for a professional course along with my graduate degree?
Yes, if you have a very strong time management you should definitely go for dual streams! Going for CA / CS / CFA along with your B.com / BBA will help you develop practical skills in your field as well as having an official qualification. Ensure that your university has a flexible course and allows you to attend your chosen professional course if you want to do something that requires intense articleship or coaching.
3.What are some good career options for arts / humanities students who don’t want to go into teaching / civil services?
Humanities students have many valuable skills including analytical skills, excellent writing skills, legal skills and empathetic skills. Top choices would be Corporate / Constitutional Law – Doing an integrated 5-year LL.B. degree can lead you into corporate law, IPR, Arbitration and Litigation. Mass communication – This is a growing field with lots of opportunities. UI/UX design – Using your knowledge of psychology to design, research and create the best user experience.
4.How important is it to go for a prestigious college or specialised course?
Although graduating from a top college (top law schools, top engineering schools, central universities etc.) can give you an edge by having a large network of people already. It is more important to gain skills. In areas such as digital marketing, computer applications, design and commerce having a strong portfolio, internship, project and certifications will help you more than your undergraduate college.
5.What do I do if I realise halfway through my first year that I’ve gone for the wrong stream/course?
It is completely normal to realise early on that your course may not be right for your future career. Can you change your major? Check if your university allows you to switch your major or if you’LL have to start again at the end of your first year. Credit transfers – Many colleges and courses will allow you to do credit transfers. Upskill – If you can’t switch straight away, upskill in your area of interest through online certifications, internships and your own projects so you can easily switch into your desired postgraduate course.