Picking the right course after the 12th is a life-altering decision and must be handled as such. It opens the avenues to various career opportunities, job prospects, the countries they can work in and much more. Parents and students need to get themselves briefed about the ample options available across streams such as science, commerce and arts.
With the 12th board and Kerala state exams fast approaching, it is important to get a clear understanding of future goals. Today there are a wide array of opportunities that is available to students and accordingly there is steep competition in each stream. So, students should be well aware of their likes and preferences, their abilities, aptitudes and personality before choosing the stream. Students can choose a course from top domains including Engineering, Architecture, Design, Law, Applied Science, Business Studies, Management, Behavioral and Social Sciences, Economics, Media, Humanities, and more. In this article, we will do a deep dive into various courses available to students based on various streams.
Career opportunities are 12th in Commerce
Commerce is one of the fastest-growing streams in the county. With millennials flocking to start their businesses there is a huge demand for finance professionals whether it be a Chartered Accountant, a Company Secretary or a Cost Management Accountant. There is also a big market for courses such as Bachelors in Business Administration, Bachelors in Commerce (B.Com) and Bachelor in Economics are more.
Chartered Accountant - CA is one of the most sought after and in-demand courses available in the commerce stream. Set up under the Act of Parliament, it is a profession that has withstood the test of time. It allows individuals to act as an auditor, tax consultant, financial officer or advisor. Once a professional, individuals have the option to decide if they want to work with multinational organizations like the big four such as KPMG, PWC etc or if they would like to start their firm and practice. This course is provided by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
Cost and Management Accountant (CMA) - Awarded by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India or ICWAI, CMA’s are responsible for safeguarding a company’s assets and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and external financial reporting. Their main job includes maintaining cost accounting records, doing cost auditing, manage the planning, controlling and costing of products. Just like with the CA, CMA’s also have the option of working with organizations or setting up their private practice. A CMA’s role is not limited to financial accounting they also help with production operations and processes. They can work on areas such as cost audit, certification or consultation.
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants(ACCA) - ACCA is a globally certified professional course, it opens opportunities to students to pursue their careers both in India and across 130+ countries abroad such as the UK, Singapore, Dubai to name a few. It is one of the most sought after jobs, with a plethora of opportunities across MNC’s including the Big Four (KPMG, Deloitte, PwC and EY). They can pursue a profession in investment advisory, risk advisory, audit and assurance, internal audit and much more. Even though they do not have the signing authority in India like a CA, they can still do the audit work for the firms they are employed in. One of the most attractive factors features of the ACCA is that students can pursue a job while they are still doing the course.
Bachelor in Economics - Gaining a degree in economics will boost your employability in various fields regardless of the industry your work in. The degree equips them with practical knowledge on various economic concepts, economic policies, analytic methods etc. There is a high demand for graduates throughout the global labour market, they can venture into various arrays such as economist, financial risk analyst, financial planner, accountant, financial consultant, investment analyst etc. Graduating in economics can prove to be an added advantage if you want to prepare for Indian Administrative Services (IAS).
Apart from the courses mentioned above commerce students can also look into careers as a Company Secretary, Investment Banking Analyst, Event Manager, Tax Auditor and Consultant, Accountant, work in the banking sector etc.
Career Options after 12th in Science
Science has always been a forerunner in India and a favourite amongst parents and students alike due to the wide number of options available to students. Most of the career options mandate students to appear in competitive exams. One of the advantages of the science courses is that students have the flexibility to venture into other fields.
MBBS - Students who have opted for Physics, Chemistry and Biology can venture into the field of the healthcare industry. They have to prepare for the medical entrance exams if they wish to get admission to the top medical colleges in the country. They can attempt various competitive exams such as NEET, AIIMS, JIPMER depending on the college they wish to get admission to. Once they complete their MBBS degree, students can get an MD or specialize in the area they are most interested in.
Engineering - Just like medicine, engineering has also held the attention of many for decades due to the wide array of opportunities that await them once they complete the course. They help invent, innovate, build, research and improve machines, processes, solutions and organizations. They can look at various streams within the scope of engineering such as chemical engineering, computer engineering, civil, mechanical, biotechnology, aeronautical etc to name a few. It is the ideal stream for students who have opted for maths along with science subjects. Most engineering colleges also provide students with campus placement options.
Architecture - Architecture is another widely popular course that most students pursue after their 12th. They are licensed professionals who design and plan structures making sure that they are attractive functional and sage. Aspiring architects have to earn a bachelors degree and can then look into a Masters program. The course typically takes 5 years to complete after the 12th. It is also a great option for those who want to specialise in areas such as design theory, solar design, historic preservation and related fields.
Along with the mentioned courses, science students can also look at careers as a BDS, Pharmacist, Forensic Science, Microbiology, Veterinarian, Agricultural Scientist, Biomedical Engineer, Nurse, Data scientist and much more.
Career Options after 12th in Arts
Unlike in the past, students who have done humanities have a plethora of options available today. They can venture into careers as a Lawyer, Journalist, Graphic designer, Digital marketer, SEO Analyst, Content Writer, Fashion designer, Social worker, Photographer, Event Management to name a few. With the rise of technology, such skilled labourers are in high demand.
Law - Just like Doctors, Engineers and CA’s, Lawyers have also held their own for a long time. They get the opportunity to participate in moot courts and get wide exposure to various legislations. Once graduated, they can practice legislation or opt for corporate law. Along with law students can also do graduation along with it, such as BA LLB, BBA LLB, B.Com LLB etc.
Hotel Management - With the growth in the tourism industry, the hospitality sector is also seeing tremendous growth and scope. Most of the hotel management courses are of 3-year duration. The course will cover different aspects of running a hotel or hospitality in areas such as sales and marketing, front office, accounting, food production, housekeeping etc.
Fashion Design - Fashion designing deals with adding aesthetics and elements of textures, patterns etc. to clothing. Students have to take a four-year Bachelors degree in B.Des or the Bachelor of fashion technology programme. After the course is completed, graduates can work as fashion designers, fashion merchandisers or fashion directors.
We have listed just some of the sought after professions across various streams. Many vocational and short term courses are available these days. Make sure that you pick a career based on your interests and not because of peer pressure, this will enable you to shine in the career of your choice. If you have any more questions feel free to contact our career specialists who can give you more insights into courses that suit your interest and profile.