Being in the final years of school life can be both exciting and stressful. While you have the joy of moving on to the next phase of your life soon, you are also not sure about what you will do! This is where career guidance through career counselling comes in handy. During this process, career counsellors use career guidance tests to evaluate your interests, skills, and values, finally helping you pick the perfect career for yourself!
To support you in this process, we have chosen the 10 most unique and trending careers that you can choose to pursue after your 12th.
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1. Data Science
About the Career Option:
Data Science is a field where data is analysed to provide meaningful insights. In this field, they use numerous tools and software to conduct the data analysis. They also use concepts from mathematics, statistics, computer science, and business. It is with the extracted information that companies and organisations are matched with their potential customers, products are released or modified, and much more.
Educational Path:
It is recommended that you opt for the Science stream at the 12th level. You can pursue courses in Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Computer Science, Computer Application, Computer Engineering, or Information Technology at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. However, the main aspect is to obtain hands-on experience through internships and certificate courses in Data Science.
2. Space Technology
About the Career Option:
Space science or technology is the field that explores what is beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. It includes numerous branches such as astrophysics, astronomy, planetary science, stellar science, cosmology, etc. The chosen branch or specialisation directs the responsibilities of these professionals.
Educational Path:
It is recommended that you opt for the Science stream at the 12th level. You can pursue a 4-year B.Tech program, after clearing the engineering entrance test, in Space Technology, Aerospace, Avionics, Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Science, or 3-year B.Sc. program in Mathematics, Physics, and Astronomy. At the PG level, you can pursue a relevant M.Tech or M.Sc. course. However, in this field, most professionals require a Ph.D. in their area of specialisation.
3. Forensic Science
About the Career Option:
Forensic science is the field where physical evidence is gathered, preserved, and analysed by applying scientific knowledge and techniques. Professionals in this field are usually called upon to assist in criminal and legal investigations. They may be required to work at the crime site or in laboratories. One can also specialise in a branch of forensic science such as toxicology, serology, ballistics, pathology, psychology, etc.
Educational Path:
It is recommended that you opt for the Science stream at the 12th level. At the undergraduate level, you can pursue B.Sc. or B.Sc. (Hons) in Forensic Science, followed by an M.Sc. in Forensic Sciences, Forensic Science and Criminology, or Information Security and Cyber Forensics. You can also pursue Diploma and PG Diploma courses in Document Examination, Fingerprint Examination, Forensic Psychology, and Forensic Sciences and Criminology.
4. Actuarial Science
About the Career Option:
A professional in actuarial science is proficient in mathematics and statistics and uses this knowledge to guide business decisions. They examine risk and benefits based on the given data and support business’ in preventing undesirable outcomes. These professionals use their keen analytical skills to conduct calculations and evaluations before making any financial suggestion.
Educational Path:
It is recommended that you opt for the Commerce with Mathematics stream at the 12th level. You can pursue a course in Actuarial Science, Insurance and Banking, Actuarial and Financial Mathematics, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, or Computer Science at the undergraduate and postgraduate level. To be a recognised Actuary, you have to become a member of the Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI) by clearing the Actuarial Common Entrance Test (ACET) and obtain 3 years of practical work experience in the field.
5. Retail Management
About the Career Option:
The field of retail management deals with sales and customer satisfaction in a business. These professionals are entrusted with the responsibility of managing retail stores such as hypermarkets and supermarkets. A retail manager maintains inventories, supervises employees, manages sales and budgets, as well as maintains records required to run the business successfully.
Educational Path:
It is recommended that you opt for the Commerce stream at the 12th level. After 12th, you can pursue a BBA in Retail Management followed by an MBA in Retail Management. You will be required to clear entrance exams such as CAT, MAT, CMAT, GMAT or other institution-specific entrance tests. You can also choose to complete a Diploma or PG Diploma course in Retail Management.
6. Financial Analysis
About the Career Option:
Financial analysis deals with researching and analysing financial data to offer clients investment suggestions. These professionals may also be known as securities analyst, investment analyst, research analyst, or equity analyst. They work individually or along with financial planners to help clients make the right investment-related decisions.
Educational Path:
It is recommended that you opt for the Commerce stream at the 12th level. At the undergraduate and postgraduate level, you can pursue courses in Financial and Investment Analysis, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Statistics, Economics, or Commerce. To be recognised as a Financial Analyst, you need to complete the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Certification which requires 4 years of professional experience in the field.
7. Digital Marketing
About the Career Option:
Digital marketing is an upcoming field that deals with marketing using digital channels. These professionals focus on reaching their target audience through search engine results, social media advertisements, email newsletters, and website design and content. They may specialise in search engine optimisation, search engine marketing, social media marketing, web design and/or development, content marketing, etc.
Educational Path:
It is recommended that you opt for the Arts stream at the 12th level. At the undergraduate and postgraduate level, you can pursue courses in Business Administration, Marketing, Advertising, Analytics, or any other relevant field. You can also complete a certification course in Digital Marketing. However, to become a digital marketer, you need to develop your practical experience through internships and build an online presence and portfolio to showcase your skills.
8. Product Design
About the Career Option:
A product designer focuses on designing the product to ensure it appears appealing and meets the consumer’s needs. They are involved in the entire process, from the planning to the selling of the product, and supervise all these stages. These professionals research the needs and wants of the consumer and then combine their creative and technical skills to develop a relevant product.
Educational Path:
It is recommended that you opt for the Arts stream at the 12th level. You will be required to clear entrance exams such as NID DAT, UCEED, or other institution or course-specific entrance exams. At the undergraduate and postgraduate level, you can pursue a course in Product Design or Design.
9. Event Management
About the Career Option:
Event management deals with the entire process from planning to the execution of any event. It is one of the trending career options for those with creativity and vision. These professionals are responsible for visualising, planning, budgeting, organising, and executing a given event successfully. The events they work on include fashion shows, exhibitions, conferences, seminars, product launches, weddings, and parties.
Educational Path:
It is recommended that you opt for the Arts stream at the 12th level. At the undergraduate and postgraduate level, you can pursue a course in Event Management. You can also opt for a Certificate, Diploma or PG Diploma course in Event Management and Public Relations, or Media Marketing and Event Management.
10. Defence
About the Career Option:
The nation’s defence forces offer numerous career opportunities in the Indian Armed Forces, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard. These forces promise exciting and challenging careers, ensuring both mental and physical fitness throughout the service. Professionals from different fields such as law, medicine, nursing, and education also can practice their profession in the defence forces.
Educational Path:
You can find relevant opportunities in the defence forces after opting for any stream in 12th. You can also apply to join the defence after completing any graduation and/or post-graduation course. Based on the branch of defence and position chosen, you may have to appear for written examinations, group discussions, physical and medical tests. The training provided for each post also varies in location and content.
If even after exploration, there are doubts and you are not sure which stream, course and career are best for you, feel free to take the help of our career counsellors to guide you.
