Top 5 unconventional careers to explore after 12th in 2024

Congratulations on nearing the end of your 12th grade or equivalent from CBSE, ICSE, or State Board! As you stand on the brink of a new chapter in your life, the inevitable question arises: what’s next? Which academic path will you choose? What career aspirations are fueling your ambitions? We understand that these questions may feel repetitive by now, yet what truly matters is whether your chosen career path aligns with your passions and interests. When you turn your passion into your career, growth and job satisfaction are practically guaranteed. Fortunately, today’s landscape offers numerous opportunities to forge unconventional careers through formal education and skill-based courses.

In a recent episode trailer of Shark Tank India, the band owners of Pizza Galleria showcased how skills, experience, and passion for your work can ultimately bring you the success you want. So, even if you are choosing an unconventional career path, you just have to make sure that you are passionate enough and build the right skills for the future.

In the past, career options were limited, but today, numerous opportunities abound. When deciding on your career path, you can choose something unconventional by following your passion. In this article let’s look at 5 such unconventional careers which you can pursue.

Here are 5 unconventional careers to explore

Tourism and Hospitality

If you love travelling and meeting different people, a career in Tourism and Hospitality could be perfect for you! It’s not just about being a tour guide or travel agent; there are many other jobs you can explore.

In-demand job roles to explore

• Travel Consultant
• Tour Operator
• Travel Writer
• Airline Service Staff
• Hotel Manager
• Event and Conference Organizer

Salary: How much you earn depends on the job, your experience, and where you work. Entry-level jobs usually pay around INR 2 to INR 3 Lakhs per year, while managers can earn over 10 lakhs per year.

Multimedia

A career in multimedia may be a good fit for you if you’re creative, tech-savvy, and enjoy blending various forms of media such as graphics, audio, and video to convey messages or tell stories in engaging ways.

In-demand job roles to explore

• Sound Effects Editor
• Web Designer
• Multimedia Designer 
• Art Director
• Film/Video Editor
• Audio Engineer
• Illustrator

Salary: Like every other career option, the salary in this domain also depends on a few factors like the job roles, years of experience, skills and more. The average salary for a multimedia designer in India is INR 5.1 Lakhs per year for someone with 4-9 years of experience, and INR 6.3 Lakhs per year for someone with 10-20 years of experience. 

Animation and Visual Effects

Were you fascinated by the visual effects of Baahubali: The Beginning and The Avengers? If you love movies, animation, and VFX, and have creative ideas and an aptitude for fine arts, then a career in Animation and VFX might be a good fit for you!

In-demand job roles to explore

• Character Animator
• Storyboard Artist
• Visual Effects Supervisor (VFX)
• FX Technical Director
• VFX Artist

Salary: The range depends on the particular job role and the years of experience. The average annual salary for a VFX artist in India is INR 3.4 lakhs for those with less than five years of experience. For those with zero to six years of experience, the average annual salary is INR 3.3 lakhs.

Here are a few programs you can explore if you are interested in building a career in Animation – https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/top-5-reasons-to-pursue-a-career-in-graphic-design-and-motion-graphics/

Retail Sales

If you like interacting with people and solving problems, a career in retail might suit you. You could work in a store, manage marketing, or become a retail sales associate.

In-demand job roles to explore

• Store Manager
• Marketing Manager
• Retail Sales Associate
• Assistant Manager
• Brand Manager

Salary: In India, people in retail earn between INR 2.0 Lakhs to INR 4.0 Lakhs per year on average, depending on experience.

Fashion Designing

If you have a passion for fabrics, textiles, colours, patterns, and style, and you’re seeking a creative and challenging career path, fashion designing could be the perfect fit for you. This dynamic field offers a multitude of career options.

• Fashion designer, 
• Textile designer, 
• Fashion stylist, 
• Costume designer, 
• Fashion educator
• Entrepreneurship

Salary: It depends on the job roles and years of experience. The average annual salary in India ranges between INR 4.3 Lakhs to INR 7.2 Lakhs.

If you wish to explore courses in fashion design, then please read more about the courses offered at the Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC)- https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/atdc/

Remember that the key to true success lies in pursuing your passions and interests. In today’s diverse landscape, there are countless opportunities for unconventional careers that align with your unique talents and inclinations. Whether it’s in multimedia, animation, fashion, or beyond, the fusion of passion and skill can lead to fulfilling and rewarding careers. Embrace the journey ahead with confidence, knowing that the pursuit of your dreams can pave the way for a bright and fulfilling future.