Traditional careers are getting a stiff competition from emerging ones. Husien Dohadwalla gives you some options Traditional careers are getting a stiff competition from emerging ones. Husien Dohadwalla gives you some options
For decades there has been a considerable amount of attention focussed on traditional career choices. In the recent past, there has been a shift in the mentality, and more and more unconventional career options have been pursued. Chartering the alternative route is the latest norm for anyone who dares to think-out-of-the-box or wishes to create a niche space for themselves in the world. Some of the mushrooming career choices include:
Stand-Up Comedian
Stand-up comedy, being at a very nascent stage in India, is slowly gaining traction in India.
And if you have what it takes you can make a very lucrative career in stand-up comedy. These days, countless youngsters are looking to move out of the regular9-5 desk job to pursue different career options.
A good comedian doesn’t have to worry about a dearth of work considering that a developing economy knows how to laugh at itself. Some of the multiple opportunities available to comedians include providing entertainment at corporate client parties and meetings, sourcing jobs at comedy clubs, participating in various comedy shows on television, etc.
Being successful in this field could open up multiple avenues with the possibility of world tours on international platforms as well.
Sports Management
Despite cricket being given primary attention in India, other sports like football, hockey, kabaddi, badminton, etc. are slowly gaining ground. There is a market for them, as many of these sports are becoming popular with media hype and team ownership to support them. To bring quality workforce into this industry, some universities and colleges have recently started Sports Management and Sports Marketing courses for those interested.
Microfinance
Another alternate career choice is that of microfinance - which not many are aware of. The term "microfinance" describes the range of financial products from microloans and microsavings to micro-insurance products and more, that microfinance institutions (MFIs) offer to their clients.
Rural India is abundant with microfinancing options to pursue, that aid in financially uplifting the poor and those that remain empowered.
This serves as the perfect career choice for an individual who is looking to shift from the traditional banking space, and consider rural financial career options.
Ethical hacking
A large number of organisations require the professional expertise that hackers provide, to safeguard their data, secure their capital and ensure proper functioning of their systems. This career option, however, involves a high sense of responsibility and ethics that come with it to ensure transparency across all verticals.
Blogging
Blogging is a relatively new career path and involves the process of deliberate practice. It additionally involves a vast amount of research and hard work. There are multiple courses online that offer in-depth knowledge about blogging as an alternate career option. Many individuals, who want to have their voice documented in written or video format, opt for this career choice.
Schools should offer their students career exploration day to help them secure different career options as per their preferences and strengths. It is understandable that no single career is everybody's cup of tea and if you have or develop the necessary skills, you can succeed in any career despite the various impediments en route.
The writer is Head of Curriculum at the DY Patil International School Network.