After you complete class 12, it may feel like your life becomes a labyrinth of doors to open, and you can’t figure out which one to take. This may be frightening, whether you are choosing to go into science, commerce or the arts; this juncture is equally exciting and confusing. Your choice now is not just going to determine your job, but your lifestyle, interests, and your future success.
Students often have dozens of career choices after 12th, and feel bogged down by the expectations of themselves and others and unsure of their passions. Here’s the thing: there is no one “right” career for you. There is only the right “fit” for you.
This blog will help show you what to do after 12th, how to figure out your interests, and give you exploring options on the best career options after 12th, humanly and practically. We’ll also recommend great resources, counseling, online tests and assessments, and blogs to give you confidence when you make your own decision. So, let’s make it fun and empowering while learning about yourself and discovering your future.
1. Know Yourself First: Interests, Strengths & Goals
Before You Start Thinking About Career Options After 12th, you should ask yourself:
- What subjects am I good at?
- What work makes me feel excited?
- Do I want a stable job or a creative job?
- Would I rather work with people, data, technology, or ideas?
If you want to think more critically about this question, you could look at doing an online psychometric test, which will match your personality characteristics, interests & skills to working options.
Also, talking to someone professionally could help you clear your mind. You will be able to book an appointment with qualified career counsellors who ultimately understand the process you go through, and prove to be an asset when you are making a very important decision.
2. Best career options after 12th science
There are many different options after the completion of your studies for you after completing your 12th from the Science stream; don't think about just standard engineering or medicine, but think about the new, modern, and typically well-paid job roles.
High salary courses after 12th science are:
- Engineering (AI, Robotics, Data Science)
- MBBS/BDS/BAMS
- B.Sc.Biotechnology or Microbiology
- B.Sc.Computer Science or IT
- B.Pharm or D.Pharm
- Forensic Science
If you are still confused as to what to do after 12th science, other than the fields shown above, think about aviation, architecture, or environmental sciences. Also, read more about how to apply for government jobs after completing 12th in
3. Top Career Choices for Commerce Students
For those from the commerce stream, the list of the best career possibilities is similarly large in possibility. It's not just B.Com or CA anymore.
Trending streams of study are:
- BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)
- BMS (Bachelor of Management Studies)
- CFA/CS/CA
- Digital Marketing
- Banking & Finance
- Law (BBA LLB or B.Com LLB)
- Hotel Management
Some of the career options after 12th commerce lead to very high-paying careers! You can refer to this detailed blog on careers in commerce and high-paying routes to learn more.
4. Creative and Unconventional Careers
Not into spending your future in a lab or office? That's great! Today, creative and unconventional careers are gaining crazy amounts of respect and pay.
Some career after 12th options you can begin to explore:
- Graphic Design or Animation
- Fashion Designing
- Photography
- Content Creation / Social Media Manager
- Performing Arts or Theatre
- Culinary Arts
- Event Management
Not sure where to begin? Speak to someone who has! You can connect with a career counsellor and explore these career options in a judgment-free, pressure-free environment.
5. Selecting the Right Course
Still thinking about what can I do after 12 th? The course you choose now can be a good foundation. Here is how to choose:
- Match it with skills and interests.
- Look at the future scope (placement, salary, and demand in the industry).
- Research colleges and entrance examinations.
- Check your eligibility (some courses are entrance test)
- Think about internships and experiential learning.
List your top 3 - 5 options and explore each in more detail.
6. The Regular Mistakes Students Make
- Choosing a course simply because friends are choosing it
- Choosing a course based only on marks and not on interests
- Taking someone else's mental state or passion for a course instead of their own
- Insufficient research
- Not getting advice from appropriate professionals
Keep in mind, looking into courses after 12th is not a race. It may take some time to find what works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the leading career opportunities after 12th grade?
The leading career opportunities depend on the stream and your interests. For Science students, they can look into Engineering, Medicine, IT or Pharma. For Commerce students, they can look into CA, Finance, BBA or Digital Marketing. For Arts students, they can look into Media, Design, Psychology, and more.
Q2. What can I do after 12th, if I don’t want to study Engineering or Medicine?
There are many options after 12th Science apart from Engineering and Medicine. You can look into Data Science, B.Sc. programs, Pharmacy, Environmental Sciences, Aviation, Design, etc. The opportunities are endless.
Q3. Which courses have high salaries after 12th grade?
Certain courses after 12th Science have High Salaries, such as B Tech in Computer Science, MBBS, BDS, Pharmacy, Architecture and Data Analytics. In Commerce, Courses such as CA, CFA and Finance Management offer excellent packages.
Q4. How do I figure out which career is best for me?
The first step should be to do some self-reflection, and take an online psychometric test to help you engage in this process. Also, speaking with a professional counsellor would be useful in giving you clarity.
Q5. Where can I find good guidance about what to do after 12th?
Career counselling is available from certified career counsellors who have the knowledge and understanding of your doubts and can guide you to appropriate options through step-by-step clarity.
