A career is related to one’s lifestyle and living and it has much to do with personal choice, skills and self-satisfaction. Today the youngsters are getting ready and trained for something which is yet to be innovated. This will be the disruption. Information and access to technology have empowered the students and they are much more knowledgeable. There are massive opportunities for people in multiple sectors offering better lifestyle. The recent trend of jobs and opportunities has brought dynamism in career options. Conventional ideas of jobs have become a sort of outdated concept. The advent of a new social order backed by information, opportunities and awareness have rendered a progressive attitude in social mind-set. There is a progressiveness in the economic as well as social structure of the nation. There is a promise and chance of getting a job with equal respect as well as remuneration based on skill and productivity.
The changing dynamics in the country has brought massive opportunities. Innovation and productivity linkages have ensured that here is an exponential rise in the number of jobs in various domains of business and the industry. There are new jobs in the market. There are a lot of interesting career options you can consider after school and Indian colleges are now offering some unique courses.

Bachelor of Rural Studies
If you love the countryside and want to make a difference to the Indian villages, this course is for you. The course will give you an opportunity to engage in various rural and community development activities. The coverage will be on topics like environment management, community development, animal husbandry, forestry, farm management, child development, and agriculture. After completing the course you can apply for jobs at various government, public and private organisations that work for rural issues. Bhavnagar University in Gujarat offers Bachelor and Masters in Rural Studies.

Public Health Entomology
It is a study focused on insects and arthropods that impact human health. The job also includes research on behaviour and ecology of various such species. Jobs are now available in universities, government agencies and chemical companies. Vector Control Research Centre (VCRC) at Pondicherry University offers a two year Post-Graduate Degree course in this field.

Photonics
This course is a mix of optical technology and electronics. The study deals with photons, the elementary particles of light, and helps you master the techniques of emission, detection, transmission and modulation of light. You need to have an immense interest in science and a curiosity to know more about it, only then you are best suited for this course. You can work as an engineer, scientist, researcher and professional officer in many companies and government offices. Some of the colleges that offer courses in Photonics are- International School of Photonics, Cochin; University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Cochin; Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), New Delhi and Chennai; Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal; Periyar EVR College, Tiruchirappalli; Department of Photonics, and Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute (CEERI), Pilani.

Puppetry
One of the oldest forms of entertainment. It is also an important medium of education and many schools and institutes are making use of it for various topics. Live TV shows and performances have helped in putting puppetry back in the spotlight Over a period of time, this art, which was in danger of getting lost, is again gaining recognition and appreciation. Mumbai University offers a Certificate Course in Puppetry covering theoretical and practical aspects of the art.

Gerontology
It is the study of the social, psychological and biological aspects of aging. It focuses on physical, mental and social changes in people as they grow old. You will need to work with a NGO at the start of your career. This will help you know more about this field and the people working in it. Many private companies, healthcare agencies, old age homes and nursing homes look for specialists in this field. Tata Institute of Social Sciences offers a diploma course in Gerontology. Institute of Home Economics, New Delhi offers a course in this field. Calcutta Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology also offers a one year postgraduate diploma course in Gerontology and Age Management.
Museology/Museum Studies
It is the study of museums and their role in society. It offers you the knowledge of managing museums and museum collections. The course is connected to Archaeology and one needs to have a good knowledge of history and culture to opt for this profession. National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation and Museology, New Delhi offers various courses in this field. University of Calcutta also offers MA and MSc courses in Museology.

Carpet Technology
If you want to know the art and history of carpets and want to make creative contribution to this field, you are the perfect fit for the course. Indian Institute of Carpet Technology, Bhadohi, and Uttar Pradesh offers you various degree and diploma courses in carpet Technology. It is one of its kind institute in Asia and will help you get good placements.

Food Flavourist / Flavour Chemist
These people add flavours to the food and make it taste good. The job will require mixing of various ingredients to make a unique flavour and have a good knowledge of aroma chemicals, essential oils, plant extracts. This career is closely related to chemistry and those who have a background in chemistry are best suited for this. A Flavourist has job opportunities in various sectors like food & beverages, cosmetics, fragrance, and toothpaste. Some of the colleges that offer a course in this field are – Indian Institute of Hospitality and Management, Mumbai; SRM University: Department of Food Process Engineering, Ghaziabad, UP and Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore.
Life is full of choices. Some require little thought or reflection while others demand rigorous deliberation. You have this option of choosing an interesting career that no one else has probably ever heard of.

Manu Anand
Director Alpha Mindz, Goa
Email: manu@alphamindz.com