The majority of students with a PCM combination in class XII aspire to be engineers and frequently wonder, “If not engineering, then what?”
Many PCM students naturally gravitate toward engineering after 12th grade, partly because they never stop to consider their options, and partly because their parents/friends/society have led them to believe that engineering is the end-all, be-all of a PCM student. What if you know engineering is not for you, or if you were unable to pass the JEE or other engineering entrance exams?
Do you have any viable career options? Popular belief would have you believe there aren’t, which is why you should read this blog. Here are 15 promising career options for PCM students after class 12th other than Engineering.
Physics
Every object around us is governed by the laws of Physics, from the credit card we use to shop for clothes to the smartphones we use to chat for hours. With the pervasive influence of Physics all around us, it is easy to see how a career in Physics can provide a plethora of opportunities. Physicists study a wide range of physical phenomena such as matter, energy, magnetism, and so on, and use their knowledge to advance research in a variety of fields. A career in Physics necessitates strong logical thinking abilities, problem-solving abilities, a methodical approach, and, most importantly, an unwavering love of Physics!
Career Opportunities in Physics: A Physics major prepares you for a variety of careers in fields such as Econophysics, Defense, Aerospace, Healthcare, Computational Physics, Geophysics, High Energy Physics, Medical Physics, Biophysics, Nuclear Physics, and Data Science. You can also do research or teach in these fields.
Chemistry
Do you have the periodic table at your fingertipsDo you get excited when you learn about the various chemical reactions and structures that govern matter? If so, this is most likely the field for you. Chemists investigate matter’s properties, structure, composition, reactions, and changes. The remarkable aspect of a career in Chemistry is its broad applicability, particularly if you intend to enter the field of research. However, not all Chemistry graduates end up wearing lab coats because they can pursue opportunities in Pharmaceuticals, Petroleum, Chemical, Healthcare, and Educational organisations.
Career Opportunities in Chemistry: You can also pursue a career in Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Flavour Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Metallurgy, Surface Chemistry, and other specialised sub-fields of Chemistry.
Mathematics
While most students would prefer to avoid the dreaded subject of mathematics, those who have a genuine interest in it can build a rewarding and lucrative career in the field. Mathematics is an excellent foundation for careers involving computation, numbers, and data. As a result, a degree in mathematics can serve as a stepping stone to a variety of careers. You would gain a thorough understanding of mathematical principles and their origins, mathematical models, and their applications to real-world problems during your course. If you have superior analytical and logical abilities, a love of numbers, and the ability to deal with complex problems, this is the field for you.
Mathematics graduates can look forward to careers in Actuarial Science, Data Science, Banking, Insurance, Finance, Meteorology, Stock Market, and other fields. They can be hired for a variety of positions, including Market Research, Project Development, Numerical Analysis, Research Operations, and Financial Analyst.
Statistics
Statistics is another popular field for those who enjoy numbers and data. While a Mathematics course focuses on theories and principles, Statistics aims to put them into practise by analysing trends and making predictions. Statisticians use their knowledge of statistics and mathematics to create data models that help them solve problems. Because of this, Statistics majors are well-qualified to apply their skills in virtually any field that requires data analysis. If you have strong quantitative reasoning skills, are self-motivated, and don’t mind spending your day crunching numbers, you’ll be right at home in this field.
Career Opportunities in Statistics: Statistics majors are actively sought after in a variety of fields, including banking, insurance, actuarial science, investment, healthcare, pharmacology, manufacturing, data science, public health and policy, education, and agriculture. A statistics graduate can expect to work as a Market Researcher, Data Analyst, Insurance Underwriter, Social Scientist, Financial Analyst, Algorithm Designer, and other positions.
Architecture
Architectural marvels like the Burj Khalifa, The Louvre, the Petronas Towers, and other modern-day structures do not appear out of thin air. These projects require extensive planning and design, which architects provide. They collaborate closely with their clients to create designs that meet their specifications, and they are involved in the construction and restoration of buildings such as residential complexes, malls, commercial spaces, restaurants, and so on. A career in architecture necessitates keen observational skills, aesthetic sensitivity, critical thinking, an eye for detail, and a talent for efficient use of space.
Career Opportunities in Architecture: You can specialise in a variety of areas, including urban planning, urban design, sustainable architecture, landscape architecture, architectural conservation, interior design, industrial design, and so on.
Ethical Hacking
Ethical hacking sounds like an exciting and unusual career just from the name, and it is. Ethical hacking, a career with a modern flair, is quickly becoming a popular career option for students as technology advances. Ethical hackers, as opposed to malicious hackers, attempt to breach a computer system’s security in order to find flaws in the system’s defences. They identify any flaws in a company’s network security in order to prevent the leak of sensitive information. It is not just a career for computer geeks, and if you have the right logical thinking and technical skills, you can consider Ethical Hacking as a full-time career option.
Career Opportunities in Ethical Hacking: Organizations are hiring ethical hackers to protect themselves from cyber attacks as they become more concerned about network security. You can work as an ethical hacker in a variety of roles, including Network Security Engineer, Network Security Administrator, Penetration Tester, Security Consultant, and so on.
Industrial Design
What is the relationship between science and design? Actually, quite a bit. In contrast to the traditional fields of design, such as fashion and apparel design, which can be pursued by students from any stream, certain sub-fields of design require the technical expertise of a science student. Product Designers (a sub-field of Industrial Design) design and manufacture a wide range of products, including mobile phones, Bluetooth headphones, smart watches, wheelchairs, furniture, and home appliances. Automobile Design is another application of industrial design that deals with the design and manufacture of automobiles such as cars, bikes, and even buses.
Career Opportunities in Industrial Design: Opportunities as a Product Designer or Industrial Design Researcher can be found in the manufacturing sector, research institutes, information technology companies, and companies dealing with the design of innovative products. Automobile Designer jobs abound in the R&D departments of various automotive companies such as General Motors, Honda, Tata Motors, and others.
Forensic Science
Many of us enjoy watching and watching crime shows and movies, but have you ever considered making it your full-time job? Forensic Science, a relatively new field in India, is rapidly carving out a niche for itself, owing to an increase in crime and the need for a scientific, methodical approach to solving cases. Forensic Scientists collect evidence scientifically, document it, and analyse it in the laboratory. Forensic Science is an applied science that draws on knowledge from many disciplines, including chemistry, physics, anthropology, biology, and even computer science. To work in this field, you must be detail-oriented and possess strong observational and investigative abilities.
Career Opportunities in Forensic Science: Forensic Science has many applications, and you could work as a Forensic Scientist, Forensic Toxicologist, Crime Scene Investigator, Forensic Anthropologist, Forensic Ballistics Expert, Polygraph Examiner, Digital Forensics Expert, and so on.
Computer Applications & IT
Those who enjoy computers, programming languages, and coding but are unable or unwilling to pursue engineering can benefit from the field of computer applications. Computer hardware, operating systems, programming languages, and software concepts are all well-known to professionals in this field. To be successful in this field, you must have a strong command of programming languages, be up to date on the latest developments in the field, and have strong logical abilities.
Career Opportunities in Computer Applications: Pursuing education in this field will provide you with the knowledge and skills to work as a Software Developer, Network Administrator, Database Administrator, Technical Writer, System Analyst, Web Designer, App Developer, and other positions in both Indian and global organizations.
Aviation
While the previous fields were mostly associated with research or desk jobs, aviation would take you on a high-flying adventure. If you’re looking for a job that combines science, technology, and travel, a career in aviation should be at the top of your list. Being a Commercial Pilot entails taking command of a flight and ensuring that passengers and cargo are safely transported around the world. However, being a pilot is only one aspect of the aviation industry.
Career Opportunities in Aviation: You can work as a Commercial Pilot for major international or regional airlines, fly cargo planes to transport goods/cargo, work as a corporate pilot to fly corporate jets, or operate medical or air emergency planes. Opportunities as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer can be found with major international and domestic airlines, airport authorities, and aircraft manufacturing firms.
Physical Science
This is a broad field that includes the study of inorganic materials such as the earth, space, and atmosphere. This domain includes a variety of fields such as astronomy, geology, meteorology, cartography, disaster management, and so on, where practitioners analyse scientific phenomena using experiments and complex instrumentation. The specific field you choose in this domain will have a significant impact on your career path, opportunities, and work profile.
Career Opportunities in Physical Science: Because these are individual careers, the opportunities are diverse. The primary source of employment is research, which is shared by all. Astronomy professionals can work in astrometeorology, astrobiology, astrometry, astrochemistry, and other fields. Professionals in geology typically work in fields such as marine geology, geohydrology, seismology, mineralogy, and so on. Meteorology is the study of the atmosphere, and professionals work in climatology, aviation meteorology, and other fields to forecast climatic and weather conditions. Cartographers create maps to represent geography and work in fields such as digital cartography, town planning, and construction. Professionals in disaster management work in disaster prevention, relief, recovery, and preparedness.
Defense
A sense of patriotism, a desire to serve the country, and a desire to face challenges all point to a single career path: defence. Defense is regarded as one of the most prestigious and awe-inspiring professions, serving as the backbone of a country’s security against external threats. Defense personnel are in charge of assisting with peacekeeping operations and humanitarian work. The Army, Navy, and Air Force are the three primary branches of any country’s defence. You can serve in any of the three and will have to go through different entry and training procedures depending on your choice.
Career Opportunities in Defense: Your career opportunities will vary depending on which Defense force you join. The Indian Army provides opportunities to work in a variety of fields, including Air Defense, Combat Unit, Engineering & IT Unit, Army Services Corp, Education, and so on. One can work in the Navy’s Executive, Engineering, Medical, Electrical, and Educational branches. Working in the Air Force includes positions in the Flying Branch, the Technical Branch, and the Ground Duty Branch.
Animation & Graphics
The animation industry in India is expanding rapidly due to increased demand for VFX, post-production, and CGI. While the Indian television and film industries have a long history of outsourcing such technologies to professionals from other countries, the need for locally produced content is becoming apparent. As a result of the increased demand for talented and competent professionals in the field of Animation & Graphics, this career has grown in popularity. Professionals in this field are familiar with 3D Animation, Digital Filmmaking, Animation, VFX, Multimedia Production, Graphic Design, and other related topics. If you have strong creative skills, an aesthetic sense, the ability to work with computers and technology, and a passion for design and multimedia, you can also build a thrilling career in this field.
Career Opportunities in Animation & Graphics: Graphic Design, Game Design, Digital Art, Web Design, 3D Modelling, Flash Design, Storyboarding, Texturing, Cartoon Design, VFX, Composition & Story Writing, Character Animation, and other opportunities are available.
Fashion Technology
You may be avoiding engineering for a variety of reasons, but what if we told you there is an application of technology in the world of fashion as well? Fashion Technology aims to combine manufacturing and technological principles with design principles. Thus, people in this profession work on fabric design and development, as well as the manufacturing process, to ensure the quality and efficiency of fabrics and garments. Using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, you will learn about textile fibres, fabrics, garment manufacturing, and garment design during your course. Those with a flair for fashion and an interest in technology can expect an exciting and rewarding career in this field.
Career Opportunities in Fashion Technology: You can work in branded fashion houses, retail chains, boutiques, garment manufacturing industries, fashion magazines, and the television and film industries after graduating from this field.
Merchant Navy
Do you want a job that will take you all over the world? Do you want a job that requires you to be at sea for months on end? A career in the Merchant Navy provides you with all of this and more. In contrast to the Indian Navy, which defends the country at sea, the Merchant Navy facilitates international trade by transporting cargo, goods, and commercial items around the world. If you can handle being on a ship for extended periods of time with only intermittent contact with family, this can be a highly rewarding career for you, both professionally and financially.
Career Opportunities in Merchant Navy: You can work in any department on a merchant ship, including the engine room, the deck department, the architecture department, and the catering department. Each department has its own set of job specifications and educational requirements.
As a PCM student, you should be aware that engineering is not the only career option available to you. The possibilities are endless, whether it’s something adventurous like aviation or defense, or something grounded in research like chemistry or forensic science.
