Are you tired of the same old career paths and industries that are pushed onto Indian students when choosing a postgraduate program?
Do you feel like you are stuck in a cycle of mundane options that do not align with your interests and passions?
Fear not, because there are plenty of amazing, unconventional career paths and industries that you can explore!
Public Policy and Governance: A career in public policy and governance involves working in the field of government and policy development to address societal issues, shape public decisions, and create effective and fair policies. Samagra governance, a consulting firm employs people with Political science, management, English, law, statistics, economics and other background. They work in Digitisation, Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare and Education sectors.
Business Analytics: A career as a business analyst involves working within organizations to identify and solve business problems, improve processes, and drive strategic decision-making. Business analysts bridge the gap between business objectives and technology solutions by analysing data, conducting research, and providing recommendations for enhancing efficiency, productivity, and profitability. They can work in various industries, including finance, healthcare, technology, and consulting
Bio informatics: A career in bioinformatics revolves around the application of computational and analytical techniques to study biological data. Bioinformatics professionals utilize computer science, statistics, and biology to analyse and interpret large-scale biological datasets, such as genomic sequences, protein structures, and gene expression patterns. They play a vital role in advancing our understanding of biological systems, developing new drugs, and improving healthcare outcomes. A simple way to understand- In the next 3 years how many lung cancer cases would be there in South Africa? Someone will use past data and use a model to predict.
Sustainable Management: A career in sustainable management involves integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations into business practices to achieve long-term sustainable outcomes. Yes, you can take up this career after humanities commerce and sciences. They play a crucial role in driving sustainability initiatives, implementing sustainable practices, and ensuring that businesses operate in a way that is environmentally conscious and socially ethical.
Supply Chain Management: It is a field that focuses on the coordination and management of all activities involved in the flow of goods, services, and information from suppliers to customers. It encompasses the planning, sourcing, production, logistics, and delivery of products or services to meet customer demands while optimizing costs and efficiency. Professionals in this field are responsible for analysing and optimizing supply chain processes, collaborating with various stakeholders, and implementing strategies to improve overall supply chain performance. Typically, Maths orientation is appreciated in this career.
Special Educator: A career as a Special Educator is all about providing individualized instruction and support to students with special needs or disabilities. with students who possess diverse disabilities encompassing learning, cognitive, emotional, or physical challenges. Career opportunities in Special Education exist in various educational settings, including public and private schools, specialized schools, early intervention programs, and community-based organizations. Roles may include Special Education Teacher, Learning Support Teacher, Resource Teacher, Behavior Specialist, Inclusion Coordinator, or Special Education Consultant.
Psychologist: Psychologists explore various aspects of human cognition, emotions, motivations, and interpersonal relationships to understand and explain individual and group behaviour.
Here are some top career options in the field of psychology that have great potential for growth and development:
Sports Psychologist: Sports psychologist focuses on the application of psychological principles and techniques to improve athletic performance, enhance mental well-being, and support the overall psychological development of athletes. Sports psychologists work with athletes of various levels and sports disciplines to address psychological factors that can impact performance and well-being. The primary goal of a sports psychologist is to help athletes optimize their mental skills, overcome challenges, and perform at their best. They assist athletes in developing strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and performance pressure.
Relationship Counsellor: A relationship counsellor, also known as a couple’s therapist or marriage counsellor, is a professional who specializes in helping individuals and couples navigate and improve their relationships. The primary goal of a relationship counsellor is to assist clients in resolving conflicts, improving communication, and fostering healthier and more fulfilling relationships.
Depression Specialist: A depression specialist is a healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating individuals suffering from depression, a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities. These specialists are typically psychiatrists or psychologists with expertise in the assessment, management, and treatment of depression.
Art Therapy: Art therapy is a specialized form of therapy that utilizes the creative process of making art to support individuals in improving their emotional well-being, enhancing self-expression, and exploring personal issues. It combines the principles of psychology and art to help individuals address emotional challenges, develop self-awareness, and promote personal growth. In art therapy, individuals are encouraged to engage in various art modalities, such as painting, drawing, sculpting, collage, or other artistic techniques. The focus is not on producing a masterpiece but on the process of creating and the insights and emotions that arise during that process.
Speech Therapy: A career as a speech therapist involves working with individuals who have difficulties in communication, speech, language, and swallowing. They play a vital role in evaluating, diagnosing, and providing treatment for a wide range of communication disorders. The primary focus of a speech therapist is to help individuals improve their communication skills and overcome challenges related to speech and language. They work with clients across different age groups, from children to adults, who may have a range of conditions such as speech delays, language disorders, stuttering, articulation difficulties, voice disorders, cognitive-communication disorders, or swallowing disorders.
Music Therapy: Music therapy is a specialized field within the broader realm of therapy and mental health. It involves the use of music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. Music therapists employ various musical techniques, such as listening, playing instruments, singing, and songwriting, to facilitate therapeutic interventions and promote overall well-being. The main goal of music therapy is to enhance the quality of life and improve the mental and emotional health of individuals. It can be used to support individuals with a wide range of conditions, including developmental disabilities, mental health disorders, neurological disorders, chronic pain, and emotional trauma.
Nutritionists and Dieticians: They are the experts in the field of food and nutrition, and they work with individuals, groups, and communities to provide guidance on healthy eating habits, create personalized diet plans, and educate about the importance of nutrition for overall well-being.
Digital Forensics: Digital forensics is a field that involves investigating and analyzing digital evidence to uncover and prevent cybercrimes. Digital forensics professionals use their technical skills and expertise to collect, preserve, and analyze data from digital devices, networks, and online platforms. They work closely with law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity teams, and legal professionals to support criminal investigations, incident response, and ensure the integrity of digital evidence.
Ethical Hacking: Ethical hacking is all about safeguarding computer systems, networks, and applications by identifying and addressing vulnerabilities and security weaknesses. Ethical hackers use their skills and knowledge of hacking techniques to legally and ethically assess the security posture of organizations and help them strengthen their defences against cyber threats.
Food Science: A career in food science is all about studying and understanding the science behind food production, processing, preservation, and safety. Food scientists play a crucial role in ensuring the quality, nutritional value, and safety of food products from farm to fork. offers the chance to contribute to the development of safe, nutritious, and appealing food products. It combines scientific knowledge, technical skills, and a passion for ensuring the availability of high-quality food to meet the diverse needs and preferences of consumers.
Advertising: Advertising encompasses the process of developing, strategizing, and implementing promotional campaigns with the aim of effectively communicate messages about products, services, brands, or ideas to target audiences. Advertising professionals work in various roles within advertising agencies, marketing departments, or media organizations, collaborating with clients to develop strategies and creative content that engage and persuade consumers.
Cyber Law: cyber law involves working with legal issues related to technology, cybersecurity, and the internet. Cyber law professionals specialize in understanding and applying laws and regulations that govern cyberspace, digital transactions, data privacy, intellectual property rights, cybercrime, and other legal aspects related to technology and the internet. Cyber law professionals can work in various settings, including law firms, government agencies, corporate legal departments, technology companies, non-profit organizations, and academia.
Renewable Energy: With India’s push towards clean energy, there is a growing demand for professionals in renewable energy fields such as solar power, wind energy, and bio-energy. A career in renewable energy is all about working towards the development, implementation, and promotion of sustainable energy sources that have minimal environmental impact. It involves exploring alternative energy options, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and mitigating climate change by harnessing clean and renewable resources.
Sports Management: A field that focuses on the business aspects of the sports industry. It involves planning, organizing, and overseeing various elements related to sports organizations, events, teams, athletes, and facilities. Career opportunities in sports management exist in professional sports organizations, sports marketing agencies, sports associations, event management companies, sports facilities, and sports consulting firms. A career in sports management allows you to combine your passion for sports with business acumen, strategic thinking, and organizational skills. It offers a dynamic and exciting environment where you can contribute to the growth of sports and play a vital role in the success of sports organizations and athletes.
Social Work: This profession is all about helping individuals, families, and communities overcome challenges, improve their well-being, and achieve social justice. Social workers work in various settings, including healthcare, social services agencies, schools, community organizations, and government agencies. Career opportunities in Social Work exist in various fields, including child welfare, healthcare, mental health, substance abuse, community development, aging services, school social work, and policy advocacy. A postgraduate degree in social work can lead to a fulfilling career in areas such as counselling, community development, social policy, or social research.
According to a recent survey conducted by India Today, a significant number of Indian students, around 90%, face confusion when it comes to selecting a postgraduate program. This finding highlights the pressing need for comprehensive career guidance and counseling services. Shockingly, the report by the International Labour Organization reveals that only a mere 3% of the Indian workforce currently has access to professional career counseling services. This limited accessibility further exacerbates the issue, leading many students to make career choices that do not align with their true interests, skills, and long-term aspirations.
Navigating the complex landscape of career options can be an overwhelming task for students. However, it is of utmost importance to identify and pursue career paths that resonate with one’s personal interests, skills, and goals. The list of diverse career options discussed above serves as a mere glimpse into the vast job market in India. It is crucial to remember that there are countless other potential career paths and industries awaiting exploration, offering opportunities tailored to individual preferences and ambitions.
Written by Mr. Vikram Soni – Jitin Chawla Team
