WE kick off a new series in which we highlight the wide number of graduation degree available to students after 10 + 2. The programmes listed below will ordinarily be sufficient to get you a job. But remember, the final outcome is a function of the skill sets you develop, the knowledge you acquire and the reputation that the college where you study enjoys in the job market. Each one of the degrees gives you a fair shot at attempting a job immediately after your graduation.  A PG at times helps, but is never crucial. 


Part 1: Architecture, Performing Arts, Fine Arts...more

Part 2: Pharmacy, Physical Education, Speech & Hearing..more

Part 3: Yoga Science, Office Admin, Physiotherapy...more
 
Part 4: Forestry, BBA, Agriculture, Horticulture, Linguistics..more
 

Acturial Science

Duration: 3 years; Eligibility: 10+2; Job Profiles: Actuarial Trainee (you could earn Rs 25,000 a month before becoming a registered actuary), Apprentice, Project Manager, Insurance officer

As an actuary, you will be required to make financial sense of the future. A strong inclination towards Mathematics and Finance is required in the field. To practise you must clear all 15 exams conducted by the Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI).

Course overview
You will learn the practicalities of making informed decisions for businesses and individuals alike. An understanding of risk management is also developed along with mathematics and statistics as part of the course.

Job opportunities
It is a course with 100% job guarantee. Insurance is the primary sector in which you would work. You may also work in select statistical wings of the government.
 

Hospitality

Duration: 3 to 4 years; Eligibility: 10+2 with English as a subject. You must give the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) conducted by the National Council of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT); Job Profiles: Front office Executive, Guest Relations Manager. F& B Executive, Chef, Facilities Manager

This industry has moved beyond restaurants and hotels to serving the healthcare, wellness and corporate sector, too. Jobs are aplenty across areas such as front office, housekeeping and food & beverage services.

Course overview
The programme comprises four main areas: Food Production, Food & Beverage Service (F&B), Front office and Accommodation Management. You will be taught theory, and gain practical experience in each area. In your final year, you will need to specialise in one of them. Front Office and F&B are popular options by students.

Job opportunities
You can find a job in a hotel, restaurant, healthcare, corporate catering, cruise liner or food processing company. Catering services in defence, railways and educational institutions, is also another option. You can also become a food writer, food critic or set up your own business. Working in spas and resorts is another option available to you. As a fresh graduate, you will start by earning Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000 a month.  But, as you gain experience in the field, you can expect a fatter package in two years’ time.

For more details see our cover story in the December 2009 issue or click here to read detailed career review.
 

Graphic Design

Duration: 3 years; Eligibility: 10+2, a creative bent of mind and interest in graphic design; Job Profiles: Designer, Visualiser, Art Director

This field is broadly described as visual communication that combines words, images and ideas together. Layout and production design is part of the arena, but it’s a good idea to also develop your skills in drawing, layout, typography, lettering and photography too.  A growing media sector in India is a good sign for aspirants of this course.   

Course overview
It will expose you to electronic media, audio-visual media, publishing, manufacturing, printing as well as film and animation.  Apart from theory, hands-on experience in all aspects of media would be given as part of the course.

Job opportunities
You could become a graphic designer or a design management professional with an advertising agency or publishing house. You could grow to become a creative director with an agency. Initial salaries would vary between 12-18k. 

Rubber Technology

Duration: 3 or 4 years; Eligibility: 10+2 with PCM. Admission is secured through engineering entrance exams; Job Profiles: Rubber Technologist, Sales Executive

This subject deals with the processing of latex, natural rubber or synthetic rubber. With the growing number of automobiles and the use of rubber in various industries, this course has gained traction, and the presence of  6,000 functional rubber units, only increases your options.

Course Overview
You will study properties and formulation of rubber compounds. Methods to process rubber such as vulcanisation, mastication and calendaring will be taught.  Learning about how to bring crude rubber into shape will also be imparted.

Job opportunities
Tyre companies such as Apollo Tyres, J.K. Tyres, MRF and Ceat are prime recruits. The Gas Authority of India Limited, HCL technologies and Haldia Petrochemicals also have jobs in this domain, so does the semiconductor industry. 
 

Jewellery design

Duration: 3 years; Eligibility: 10+2 is the minimum requirement for a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts that offers Jewellery Design as a subject; Job Profiles: Jewellery  Designer, Export House Designer

Indian gems and jewellery are exported the world over, making jewellery design a lucrative career opportunity.  Jewellery design is a subject that teaches you about creating art by combining precious metals and gems. If you are creative, the jewellery industry is a viable option. 
 
Course overview
You must be knowledgeable about all aspects of the jewellery industry and possess in depth understanding of gems and metals.  You will be taught how to handle equipment to create jewellery pieces.  Your drawing ability will be developed during the course as well. 

Job opportunities 
A jewellery designer can find work with a jewellery house or  can also think of launching  own range of products, explore retail and trading units for work.  As a fresher, you can expect to initially earn between Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 10,000 per month.  Private exporting houses pay higher, and also offer incentives.  The income of an independent jewellery designer varies depending on the range and demand for his creations
 

Law

Duration: 3 years but 5 years if you opt for integrated programme; Eligibility: You need to have the passed 10+2 level examination recognised by the Bar Council of India. Clearing the law entrance is a must to gain entry in many law institutes.; Job Profiles: Lawyer (Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 20,000 per month), Research Assistant, Law Clerk, Junior Advocate

You must have good writing skills, clear understanding of laws and the court system. You would require good memorisation skills along with clear understanding of applicability of different laws in the courtrooms. Ability to make precise and logical arguments is a must.

Course overview
You would be studying all kinds of laws that exist in our legal system such as corporate law, company law and the law of torts.  While pursuing your course, one option that students can explore is working as legal trainee under judges of the Supreme Court of India.  You would gain in depth knowledge about laws and its applicability in the legal world.  

Job opportunities
The Registry of the Supreme Court of India advertises every year for jobs of law clerk-cum-research assistant, a good entry point for some.  Lawyers are also required in corporate companies as well as government set ups.  You can work with a senior lawyer to gain hands-on experience in different specializations such as corporate, labour, consumer, fundamental rights and telecom law.  Salary largely varies depending on your area of expertise, from Rs. 8,000 to even Rs. 1 lakh in a corporate company for a fresher.

For more details, read our September  2009 issue or click here to read detailed career review .
 

Part 1: Architecture, Performing Arts, Fine Arts...more

Part 2: Pharmacy, Physical Education, Speech & Hearing..more

Part 3: Yoga Science, Office Admin, Physiotherapy...more

Part 4: Forestry, BBA, Agriculture, Horticulture, Linguistics..more