4 offbeat career options for teenagers after class 12

Gone are the days when degrees in engineering, medicine, law or higher studies (PhD, Post-doctoral courses) were the only options for a high-flying career. With the advancement of technology and the service industry demanding new set of skills, there is a plethora of professional courses that students can sign up for after their class 12 board exams to ensure a successful career. However, they need to know their skill sets and areas of interest before choosing a career path. Here are a few offbeat options for her.  

Museologist 
Museology is the study of history or museums. In order to be a museologist, a student needs to pursue graduation degree in museology after class 12 board exams. Top colleges offering degree in this subject include Maharaja Sayaji Rao University, Baroda, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation and Museology, Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, and  University of Calcutta, Kolkata among others. After successful completion of the course, one can expect job opportunities as a curator, museum educationist, exhibition coordinator, or a museum consultant in various a museum, Archeological Survey of India and Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage among others. 

Make-up Artist 
This is a booming career option in India. After qualifying the12th standard board exam, your teenager can pursue a diploma or a crash course of in make-up artistry and hair styling from institutes like Pearl Academy, ISAS International Beauty School and JD Institute of Fashion Technology among others. An internship in a salon or with a make-up professional is the first step towards stepping into the showbiz industry. 

Certified Fitness Trainer 
There has been a remarkable upsurge in the health and fitness industry over the last decade, thanks to the growing our growing consciousness about healthy living. So, a career in the fitness industry can be a lucrative opportunity for your teenager if he has an aptitude for workouts, healthy eating and physiology. Like any other profession, formal education is required to become a certified fitness trainer. Popular programmes include Diploma in Personal Training (DPT), Certification for Personal Trainer for Special Populations (CPT-SP) and Certification for Sports Nutritionist (CSN) among others. There are various fitness academies that offer these certifications in India. K11 Institute of Fitness and Science, Team Aminder Fitness Academy and Classic Fitness Academy, Gold’s are some options in the country.  

Pet Groomer 
This can be a rewarding career option for animal lovers. One can start off as an independent groomer, start a pet salon or seek job opportunities in kennels, veterinary clinics, animal shelters and in pet supply stores too. One doesn’t need any specific qualification to be a pet groomer. However, chances of a good career in this field increase with special skills like patience, ability to organise, a basic knowledge about animal anatomy and medicines.