Students from art streams have been told for decades that their career choices are limited and secondary. However, this perception has completely changed, and now it is considered the powerhouse of critical thinking, communication skills and intellectual curiosity.
In the current job market, skills such as creativity, emotional intelligence, cultural understanding and communication are in high demand, which is considered the core strength of arts students. If you have just completed your 12th class from the arts streams, you should know that there are extensive career opportunities with high flexibility that you can enjoy.
The conventional subjects of literature and history in the Arts are now complemented with professional courses, which not only offer job satisfaction but also potential for a high salary as well. This article explores some of the best career options after 12th arts, which can help you identify the best career path for you to pursue as per your passion and long-term goals.
Significance of Selection of the Right Career After 12th Arts
Your scores in class 12th may define the college you are going to enter, but the career path you will choose will define the rest of your life. Most arts students rush towards bachelor’s courses pursued by their friends, as it sounds like a safe option. However, it is necessary to pursue career options as per one’s own interests and growth potential.
Therefore, smart career planning after 12th arts is necessary. Some of the key reasons why choosing the right career for Arts students include:
• Evolving World: There are many career options that did not exist in the previous decade, such as data journalism and social media management, which provide arts students with the ability to earn better than traditional jobs.
• Quality of Life: With effective selection of a career in the arts, candidates can get excellent job satisfaction, essential work-life balance and financial independence, which makes planning more important.
• Multi-Skills: Arts students acquire promising skills such as creativity, analytical ability and communication, which are adapted across sectors by companies. However, focusing on these and other skills is required for better career growth.
Most Rewarding and Best Career Options After 12th Arts
• Journalism and Mass Communication: This is one of the most obvious career options for art students, which is ideal for students having a flair for curiosity regarding world affairs, writing and storytelling. It is a very impactful career with tremendous job growth opportunities due to the digital revolution, the growth of social media platforms and digital marketing organisations.
You can start by pursuing a BA in journalism or a Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC) after completing 12th. Some of the job roles which you can target include editor, PR specialist, reporter, social media manager and news anchor. Students can earn an average salary of INR 5-12 lakhs per annum, which can grow exponentially with experience, while you also get an opportunity to contribute to society.
• Law: If you are looking for the best career options after 12th with high salary, then pursuing the five-year integrated BA LLB course can be a suitable option. Law is one of the most respected and prestigious fields for Arts students with excellent career prospects in courts, public service and corporate firms.
Some prominent job profiles in the field include corporate lawyer, public prosecutor, legal advisor or even judge after gaining experience with an average salary of INR 6-15 lakhs per annum.
• Designing: Another highly prominent and sought-after career option for arts students, where they can show their creativity to become a high-paying professional. With digital media and marketing on the rise, designers are in high demand in the market. Candidates can pursue a Bachelor of Design (B.Des), a Diploma in Graphic Design or a Bachelor in Fine Arts (BFA), which can help them become a professional fashion designer, graphic designer, animator or interior designer.
You can also acquire a starting salary package of INR 5-15 lakh per annum, depending on the company and level, while also getting many freelancing opportunities for extra income. This career option values originality and innovation, and it’s perfect for those who love creativity and experimentation.
• Psychology: Psychology and counselling are considered emerging career options for candidates, especially from the arts stream, because of their emotional intelligence and empathetic skills. Today, there is a significant demand for quality mental health professionals because of increasing mental health awareness among the population.
You can consider pursuing a BA in Psychology after completing 12th and target career roles such as counsellor, researcher, HR specialist and clinical psychologist. The field offers high earning potential with an average package of INR 6-15 lakh annually, where candidates can also practice privately for additional income based on clientele. The career option can help you make a real difference in the lives of people.
• Civil Services: Historically, hot students have performed exceptionally well in civil services such as the UPSC, SSC exams and State PSC due to their excellent foundation in humanities. You can also target these government opportunities, and the best part is that you do not need to acquire a specific degree, as any bachelor’s degree would do.
Some respected jobs in the category include IPS, IAS and IFS, along with other administrative officer roles with an average salary of INR 12-18 lakh per annum and additional government perks and rewards. You also get immense respect, power and the opportunity to deliver social change.
Comparison With Science Stream
A major dilemma among art students is the high-income career options the stream can offer compared to the science stream. The reality is, every stream, whether it is arts, science or commerce, has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Certainly, the best career options after 12th science can be more structured because of the vast range of job opportunities it offers in a variety of fields. Science students can follow a career in technical, engineering and medical fields, whereas commerce students mainly focus on business and administration roles.
However, art students have better flexibility as it emphasises design, communication and public service, which allows them to pursue a promising career in any field. Similarly, there are many best career options after 12th with high salary for art students, such as digital marketing, entrepreneurship, psychology, law, designing and government roles, which are as rewarding as other streams.
Choosing the Right Career Option After 12th Arts
It is not necessary to find a career option that pays well, as you also need to consider other factors such as your interest, skill level and market requirements. Some strategies which can help you decide smartly after 12th arts include:
• Research: Conduct thorough research regarding the average salary, long-term potential, growth opportunities and work-life balance regarding different career options to choose wisely.
• Focus on Strengths and Interests: You should always prioritise your passion and interests to decide on a career, as it can lead to better job satisfaction, development of skills and handsome packages in the future.
• Seek Internships: During your bachelor’s, try gaining hands-on experience through internships in reputed organisations that help you in the essential initial experience.
• Continue Learning: Do not just focus on college learning, but try to polish your current soft skills, such as communication and interpersonal skills, which can promote your professional development. You can also register for certification courses to gain a competitive advantage.
Final Thoughts
The concept of limited career options for art students has become outdated as there are endless possibilities in a variety of fields, from creative Industries to corporate roles, which they can target. There are immense best career options after 12th arts with high salary, which can give you financial independence and personal satisfaction.
This can include journalism, public service, design, digital marketing, or psychology, which you can pursue as per your own interests. The only thing that you need to keep in mind is to continue learning not just from the college but from other sources, such as internships and certifications, to stay ahead.