More than 70% of PCM students opt for Engineering! Whenever you ask a Science student about his/her career preference, the first thing that comes out is Engineering. What do you think is the reason? Is everyone interested in being an Engineer? Not really! The preference is due to the lack of exposure to the world of careers. If you are a PCM student wondering what to do next, you have landed at the right place. In this article, we will explore the top career options for PCM students after 12th.
Top Career Options for PCM Students After 12th
1.Artificial Intelligence
Hello Google! Play my favourite song. Alexa switch to India-Australia cricket match!
With our tasks being automated and our cars becoming automatic, Artificial Intelligence has captured the world. Now you can switch on your AC even before reaching home, thanks to Artificial Intelligence. AI is the future! Millions of professionals are required in the field with more than 1 lakh salary. Apple, IBM, Google and Amazon employe AI experts in large numbers. No doubt, AI is one of the top career options for PCM students.
Education & Course: To enter the field of AI, you typically require a degree in Computer Science, Engineering or Information Technology.
Colleges for AI: The University of California (USA), University of Maryland (USA), Yale University (USA), etc.
2.National Defence Services
Who doesn’t dream of serving one own’s country? Wearing your nation’s uniform with pride and living the most prestigious and respectful life! Taking PCM opens your door for all the three Defence services – Air Force, Navy and Army. Dedication, perseverance and love for the nation are the ingredients of a perfect officer.
Education & Course: You are required to clear the exam for NDA to enter the academy for 3 years. After which you choose which of the three fields you wish to serve.
Colleges for National Defence Services: National Defence Academy, Indian Military Academy, Army College of Medical Sciences, INS Dronacharya (Gunnery School), etc.
3.Data Science/ Data Analytics
A senior marketing official of Orea wants to understand which marketing strategies worked best for them in the last 10 years. The strategies which worked in the United States might not be the same in India or Australia. To get the concrete results, Data experts come to the rescue. They will make reports after critically analysing the data and this will help the companies in effectively utilising their funds. Data Science is a step ahead, as they don’t only analyze the data but create algorithms for the final use.
Education & Course: Pursue a course in either Mathematics, Statistics or Computer Science at UG. During your Masters, you can take up a program in Data Analytics, Business Analytics or Data Science. PG Diplomas are also available.
Colleges: Carnegie Mellon University (USA), Indian School of Business (India), Georgia Institute of Technology (USA), University College London, United Kingdom, IIM Bangalore (India), etc.
4.Commercial Pilot
Flying High! If you are someone who dreams of travelling the world with keeping your love for Science alive, Commercial Pilot is the perfect course for you. It is also one of the highest paid professional courses in the world. Not only fulfil your dreams of flying but at the same time fill your bank account. On average a person earns around 200-300 k per month, and the salary is majorly dependent on the number of hours you fly.
Education & Course: As Commercial Pilot is a professional course, you need to obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence. To get the Licence, you are required to clear a written exam which is followed by an interview and medical tests. Also, a commercial pilot should complete 200+ hours of flying.
Colleges for Commercial Pilot: International Aviation Academy (New Zealand), Flight Safety Academy (USA), Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy (India), Bombay Flying Club (India), etc.
Read in Detail: Touching the Sky: How To Become A Pilot In India
5.Merchant Navy
Another one of the highest paid professions in the world, the Merchant Navy is the backbone of international trade. Merchant Navy professionals carry cargo from one port to another, giving the professionals the opportunity to explore the globe. As the ships carry huge shipments, professionals are required to maintain ensure smooth functioning of the ship. Hence, the two major fields of Merchant Navy are – Engineers and Cadets. Engineers take care of the technical issues whereas the Cadets take care of the entire functioning of the ship. Experts earn around 300-500 k per month. It can easily go up to 800-1000 k with experience.
Education & Courses : B.Sc. Nautical Science, B.E. Marine Engineering, B.E. Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering, B.E. Petroleum Engineering, B.E. Mechanical Engineering, B.E. Harbour & Ocean Engineering, B.Sc. Marine Catering, etc.
Colleges: Massachusetts Maritime Academy (USA), South Tyneside College (United Kingdom), Marine Engineering and Research Institute (India), California Maritime Academy (USA), Indian Maritime University(India)
6.Architecture
Does the Burj Khalifa or skyscrapers fascinate you? Do you dream of building your own such masterpieces?
Architecture could be the best career for you. Also, economic development and fast-paced urbanization have led to a massive increase in Architects all over the world. Architecture is the perfect amalgamation of creativity and technology. Along with brilliant command over numbers, patience and creative thinking are the key skills required to become an Architect. The professionals in the field earn around 20-25 k per project.
Education & Course: Bachelors in Architecture, Masters in Urban Planning, Masters in Town Planning, etc.
Colleges for Architecture: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA), Sir JJ College Of Architecture (India), National University of Singapore (Singapore), School Of Planning and Architecture (India), etc.
Read in Detail: Top Colleges and Entrance Exam for Architecture in India
7.Astro-Physic/ Physics
Do you look at the stars in the sky at night? Do you wonder if there is any other planet than earth? Do your eyes sparkle on the thought of discovering planets? If yes, here is a course to balance your love for Science with your passion- AstroPhysics! Astrophysics is all about understanding planets, galaxies, black holes, and all of the other objects drifting in the cosmos
Education & Course: At UG level, pursue a course (B.Sc in Physics, B.Sc + M.Sc Integrated Program) in either Physics and Mathematics.
Colleges for Astrophysics/Physics: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA), Indian Institute of Science (India), Indian Institute of Technology (India), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (India), etc.
8.Computer Science
6 out of 10 engineers (from any specialization)are placed in the Computer industry! You read it right! Irrespective of your specialization, most of the engineers find a place in the Computer Science industry. Amongst the highest paid careers in the world, Computer Science will never go out of demand. From coding of websites to handing the UI/UX, Computer Science experts have captured the market. Professionals even join as hat Ethical Hacker and mint money.
Education and Course: B.tech (Computer Science), Bachelors in Computer Application (BCA), Bachelor in Science (Computer Science), Certificate in Ethical Hacking, etc.
Colleges for Computer Science: Princeton University (USA), University of Toronto (Canada), Indian Institute of Technology (India), Cornell University (USA), etc.
9.Actuarial Science
Are you in love with numbers? Is number crunching your hobby and solving problems your second nature! If your answer is yes, Actuarial Science is a perfect career after PCM and is extremely high paying. Actuaries are present where ever there is a risk situation, Insurance industry being the major absorber. Your analysis and statistical skills should be outstanding!
Education and Course: A graduation in Mathematics or related field is recommended. Actuarial Science is a professional program and hence you are required to clear an entrance exam followed by 15 papers.
Colleges for Actuarial Science: There are no colleges, ACET conducts entrance exam and other exams.
10.Geology
Another amongst top career options for PCM students, Geology deals with the physical properties of the earth. They are researchers and are continuously working to understand the earth’s history and the causes of man-made disasters. In addition, they examine the rock quality, various kinds of sand and what all factors are affecting the earth.
Education and Course: B.Sc Geology, B.sc Applied Geology, Integrated Program in Geophysics.
Colleges for Geology: The University of Cambridge (United Kingdom), Australian National University (Australia), University of Toronto (Canada), University of Delhi (India), etc.
11.Pharmacy
This is one field for the love of Chemistry! No doubt, Pharmacy is amongst the top career options for PCM students as it has an immense scope. Pharmacists are the mastermind behind the chemical permutation. They work day and night to produce the right chemical combinations! Not only this but many professionals even move to become experts in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Education & Course: Bachelors in Pharmacy, Masters in Pharmacy, etc.
Colleges for Pharmacy: The University of Oxford (United Kingdom), The University of British Columbia (Canada), Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (India), etc.
So many options to choose from! Which one is your favourite? Any other career you wish to add? Kindly share with us in the comment section.