New Age Career Option for Industry Ready

Dr Niranjan Hiranandani

After 34 years since the last National Education Policy, it was long due that the regulators align with the dynamic mindset of generation Z and meet the needs of the industry at the same time. In fact, the present education framework eliminates obsolescence making it learner centric, providing unique choices and introducing skill and talent-oriented career paths while disrupting the entire learning landscape. Furthermore, the allowance for foreign universities to open campuses in India will grant a new scope of growth for the students.

Besides, India’s much desired aim to be the global knowledge superpower completely depends upon present education structure and youth skilling. As one of the fastest growing economies, it is high time to emphasize on skill-based career options and gender diversity to empower a rich demographic dividend. This diversification will result in opportunities that are individualistic yet intersect with the industrial demands. Some such emerging and thriving fields that meet the trends are: –

1.      Degree in AI and Business Analytics: The rising volume and complexity of corporate data is pushing the commercial adoption of artificial intelligence and business analytics solutions in numerous industries. The mainstream application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in business intelligence (or BI) is helping businesses to draw out actionable insights. Thus, the demand of data scientists’ soars and shapes up the future of digital India.

2.      Degree in Performing Arts and Yoga: India is a rich cultural heritage nation. To further embrace and accentuate the history by taking the art of our folks at a higher scale, it is important for one to get official training, certification or degree. Not to forget, these activities also allow gig workers to emphasize their skills with grace on official platforms. Besides, entrepreneurial minds with passion towards the skill pave a career path with their venture for a therapeutic experience to those seeking spirituality, fitness Dance, theatre, and a better mental health.

3.      Degree in Research and Development: Research based study has been immensely emphasized in the new education policy pointing to detail-oriented mindset and critical thinking. The gap targeting study would help industries to be free of multiple loopholes and formulate a gap-free structure resulting in efficient outcome and high profits.

4.      Courses for Vocational Skill Training: Over the years, skill-based learning has seen a surge for professions like graphic/ web designing, hotel management, medical assistance, etc. Although, it has become quintessential to shift focus from heavy duty sectors towards artistic vocational career options like jewellery designer, automobile customization, makeup artists, etc. that highly caters to the evolving consumer sectors. Certified education in such professionals adds lot more value to the informal sector of the economy. 

5.      Certification in Real Estate: Real Estate sector has driven employment and GDP at a high speed and for the coming cohort to venture into Real Estate would prove to be economic cogwheels in the growth trajectory. Moreover, formal education in the diverse branches of Real Estate like legal, marketing, architecture, engineering etc. will amplify opportunities for professionals who wish to thrive in this imperative industry.

National Education Policy proves to be greatly effective in molding the psyche of not only the young minds but also encourages the millennials and the gen X to revisit the old norms and upskill to accord with the current wave of industry’s demands as well as the trends.

– Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost of HSNC (Hyderabad Sind National Collegiate) University.