Rahul: “Hey Prerak! Have you decided on your stream in class 11?

Prerak: “Absolutely! I am going to take up PCM”

Rahul: “But you don’t even like Science. Didn’t you say that you wanted to take up Humanities?”

Prerak: “I did, but what choice did I have? I am not interested in Science but everyone says it offers more career opportunities than Humanities.”

A lot of you out there believe in this myth, that the career options with Humanities are limited. Isn’t it?  For this very reason, we have compiled a (long) list of some of the most interesting and sought-after careers you can take up after Humanities. So, are you ready? Pay close attention!

1. Psychology

Wouldn’t it be interesting to know how the human mind functions or why people behave the way they do? Let me introduce you to the world of Psychology! Psychology is a multifaceted discipline, which includes topics like how the brain works, how our memory is organized, or how people interact in groups. After learning the basics, students of psychology are free to choose among various specializations like Clinical Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Counselling Psychology, Sports Psychology etc.

Career Opportunities in Psychology

Given that Psychology seeks to study the human mind, it can be applied to various fields like health, sports, organizations, media, forensics, etc. However, graduates from this field most commonly go on to become Counsellors, Research Analysts, Clinical Psychologists, Child Psychologists, Human Resource Specialists, Lecturer/Professors, Life Coaches, Career Counsellors, Substance Abuse Counsellors, Family Therapists, Forensic Psychologists and so on.

Some Top Colleges for Psychology

2. Law

How good are your reasoning and problem-solving skills? Because a career in Law requires exactly that. Another highly sought-after career in humanities, Lawyers understand the legal structure of a country and advice people on various legal matters on personal or professional levels. Each legal case that you deal with requires extensive research and you must be able to build strong arguments for the same. As a Lawyer, you will get to provide legal counsel to individuals, companies, NGO’s, government, etc. and to keep them out of legal disputes.

Career Opportunities in Law

You can choose from a variety of options like Litigation (fighting cases in court), Corporate Counsel, or Indian Legal Services. You can also work in Law firms, Legal Publishing and Media or become a lecturer in law schools. Many law graduates also choose their specialization/ area of work from different options like Tax Laws, Intellectual Property Rights, International Human Rights, Civil Law, Criminal Law etc.

Some Top Colleges for Law

1) NALSAR, Hyderabad

2) NLS or National Law School of India University, Bangalore 

3) National Law University, New Delhi 

4) Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar

5) The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata

6) K.C. Law College, Jammu

7) Kingston Law College, Kolkata

8) Sinhgad Law College, Pune 

9) Kashmir Law College, Srinagar

10) Bennett University, Greater Noida

11) Bangalore Institute of Legal Studies

12) Chhaju Ram Law College, Hisar

13) Assam University, Silchar

3. History

Do you ever find yourself asking questions about how life was like a hundred years back, the way people might have lived, interacted and survived in their surroundings? Well, History helps you find their answers! Historians study the past by interpreting evidence from sources like texts, artefacts, and other materials belonging to different time periods. After their detailed analysis and evaluation, historians develop interpretations and draw conclusions on the same. 

Career Opportunities in History

After graduating in History, you can explore various career options like working as an Archivist, Lecturer, Analyst or a Lobbyist. In the field of research, Historians indulge in the study of different areas like mythology, dynasties, civilizations, politics, culture, etc. Historians can also work with various publishing houses as editors or columnists.

Some Top Colleges for History

1) St. Stephens College (New Delhi)

2) Hindu College (New Delhi)

3) Ashoka University (Haryana)

4) Loyola College (Chennai)

5) Lady Shri Ram College (New Delhi)

6) St. Xavier’s College (Mumbai)

7) Presidency College (Chennai)

4. Archaeology

If you have a flair for studying about past events, you are surely going to love what Archaeology has in store for you! Archaeology gives you the chance to go directly to the source and analyze/understand ancient cultures through artefacts, inscriptions, and other remains. Archaeologists collect this information by digging up artefacts from the ground, and try to arrange them in an order to form a sequence of events that might have taken place.

Career Opportunities in Archaeology

After a degree in Archaeology you can work as a Numismatist (studying old currency), Epigraphist (studying inscriptions or manuscripts), Archivist (preserving information through proper documentation of evidence), Museologist (studying museums) or contribute to the preservation of heritage sites and monuments. You can also work towards Art Conservation and Restoration, which involves preserving hundreds of year’s old artwork, sculptures and manuscripts. 

Some Top Colleges for Archaeology

1) Institute of Archaeology (New Delhi)

2) Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology

3) Banaras Hindu University (Varanasi)

4) School of Historical Studies, University of Madras (Chennai)

5) Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management, IP University (New Delhi)

5. Teaching

A career option that is finally rising to the reputation that it has deserved all along. Giving back to society is easier said than done. A role as a teacher is not just deeply fulfilling but also highly respected in society today. As a teacher, it’s essential always to keep learning and evolving. However, to begin, you can enroll for a Diploma or a bachelor of education (B.Ed.) course at several institutions in the country.

It is advisable, however, to do a master’s (M.Ed.) especially if you wish to teach any specializations. There is always a dearth of teachers, and if you have expert communication coupled with approachability and listening skills, you already have the makings of a great teacher! Some of the top colleges for B.Ed. in India are:

1) Tamil Nadu Teachers Education University, Chennai

2) Aryabhatta Knowledge University, Patna

3) Loretto College, Kolkata               

To become a teacher for primary classes, you will need a Diploma or a Bachelor’s degree in education. Along with this, you might have to clear a Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) held across India.

6. Political Science & International Relations

Does the very idea of studying about your country both at national and international level excite you? If yes, you are going to love a career in any of these fields. Political Science involves the study of political history and political systems of a country. On the other hand, International Relations involves the study of the relations of the home country with those of other countries. Both of these subjects throw light on issues like world peace, economic crises, poverty, unemployment, hunger and malnutrition etc, and seek to find solutions to them.

Career Opportunities in Political Science & International Relations

You can choose from various options like becoming a Lobbyist, Research Assistant, Political Analyst, or even pursuing a degree in law after your graduation to become a Lawyer. A degree in International Relations can open up the opportunity to represent your country as a Diplomat, Intelligence Specialist, or work with different world organizations like the World Bank, United Nations, World Health Organization (WHO), etc. 

Some Top Colleges for Political Science & International Relations

Some of the top colleges where you can pursue Political Science are

1) Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi)

2) Lady Shri Ram College for Women (New Delhi)

3) Hindu College (New Delhi)

4) St. Xavier’s College (Kolkata/ Mumbai)

Some of the top colleges for pursuing International Relations are

1) Institute of Language Studies and Applied Social Sciences (Gujarat)

2) Jindal School of International Affairs (Haryana)

3) Ashoka University (Haryana)

7. Sociology

Sociology is considered to be a fairly new subject in India. Sociology deals with the development and working of the human society. Sociology is a very vast field that can further be fragmented into subdomains like social work, social life and many more. If you have zeal to do something for the society, then sociology is the best pick for you, as it provides you with the instruments required to inflict a change in society.

Sociologists can work anywhere from Research Institutes to Public Health or Criminal Justice System. They can also work in MNC’s as a human resource expert. Being a sociologist, you get to test and design projects that concern social issues.

Career Opportunities in Sociology

Since Sociology revolves around the study of people and society, as a Sociologist, you can work as a Guidance Counselor in the area of family conflicts, or work with the government as a Policy Analyst. You can also work as a consultant in the HR department of private/ public organizations. Market Research, Public Relations, and Media Strategy are also a few other fields well-suited to Sociology majors.

Some Top Colleges for Sociology

1) Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi

2) Jamia Millia Islamia Universit, New Delhi

3) University of Calcutta, Kolkata

4) University of Madras, Chennai

5) Jesus & Mary College, New Delhi

6) Hindu College, New Delhi

7) Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi

8) Christ University, Bangalore

9) St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai

10) Hans raj College, Delhi

11) Madras Christian College, Chennai

The courses offered in these colleges lay strong emphasis on the practical aspect of sociology and not on the theoretical part. So, you get to learn about the root level of the society in advance.

8. Hotel Management

Taj Hotel, The Lalit, Le Meridien, The Leela – how nice it is to stay at one of these hotels. But have you ever thought the work that goes into making them the best in class? A career in Hotel Management requires you to understand and manage the work of hotels, starting from the front desk to food, catering and housekeeping. Not only this, you will also get to work on the administration of areas like hotel operations, hospitality marketing strategy, hospitality technology and financial analysis.

Career Opportunities in Hotel Management

When it comes to the hospitality domain, you can work in hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, railways, resorts, airlines, etc. Fresh graduates in this field start as management trainees and can be appointed work in different departments Like Front Office Operations, Food and Beverage Production, Meeting and Event Operations Management, Restaurant Operations etc. As you grow in this field, you get promoted to managerial roles. 

Some Top Colleges for Hotel Management

1) Institute of Hotel Management (Mumbai)

2) Institute of Hotel Management (Oberoi)

3) Oberoi Center of Learning and Development (New Delhi)

4) Christ University (Bangalore)

5) Ecole Lavasa (Maharashtra)

6) Welcome Group Graduate School (Manipal)

9. Mass Communication & Journalism

Do you have a strong desire to be up-to-date with the events taking place around you and want to inform others about it as well? Here is your answer! Mass Communication involves conveying relevant information to a large number of people through various mediums of communication like television, radios, newspapers, journals, magazines and now social media too! Journalism being the subset of mass communication, involves gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news/facts and information to the public. 

Career Opportunities in Mass Communication & Journalism

A degree in mass communication opens up various avenues like Journalism, Public Relations, Content Writing & Editing, Advertising, Event Management, Broadcasting and Production, Copywriting, and so on. You can also work with various media production houses for creating documentaries, videos, or short clips which could be covering an interview, social message, or just for entertainment purposes. 

Some Top Colleges for Mass Communication & Journalism

1) Delhi College of Arts and Commerce (New Delhi)

2) Christ University (Bangalore)

3) Indraprastha University (New Delhi)

4) Indian Institute of Mass Communication (New Delhi)

5) Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (Pune)

10. Event Manager

In today’s world where everything from a small meeting to a big fat wedding, needs to be coordinated and managed very carefully. People who aspire to become an Event Manager recognise the fact stated above and also recognise the amount of potential this career path has.

Being an event manager requires you to plan and execute events like college festivals, auctions, concerts, wine tasting etc. This profession is not as easy as it sounds, as the success of the event lies completely on your shoulder. Everything from the start of the event until its completion is of utmost importance to the manager. Event managers were and always will be highly paid because of the nature of their job. Their one mistake or a miscalculated decision can cause havoc.

Not only is this field highly paid, but it also lets people explore their creative side by forcing them to think of new and innovative ideas to plan and execute events.

Career Opportunities in Event Management

You can work with different Event Management Companies, Non-Governmental Organizations, PR firms, Hotels/Resorts, etc. In these, your main role would be to plan and organize different events, meetings, weddings, charitable events, press meetings and so on.

Some top Colleges for Event Management

1) National Institute of Event Management (Multiple Locations)

2) National Academy of Event Management & Development (Multiple Locations)

3) International Institute of Event Management (Mumbai)

4) College of Events & Media (Pune)

5) Indian Institute of Learning & Development (Gurgaon)

6) Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi

7) Annamalai University

8) National University of Journalism, Bhopal

Have started offering a master’s degree in Public Relations and Advertising with a specialization in Event Management. Entry into these institutes is through an entrance exam, followed by a group discussion and personal interview round.

11. Filmography and Cinematography

If filmmaking is your never dying passion and you have an unquenchable thirst for cinema, then you can enter the film industry. In this 20th century where the entertainment sector has also been digitised, the demand for new and radical filmmakers is never-ending. Filmography is an art and one should only pursue it if he/she is completely dedicated to this craft.

There is no denying to the fact that the Indian Film Industry is one of the most handsomely paid sectors of the Indian Economy but the bitter truth that everyone fails to notice is that only an elite part of the film fraternity is earning those big bucks. And to enter that elite team you have to be extraordinary and completely original. So, if you feel you have the right grip on this competitive ladder, only then take the first step.

Some of the institutes that train students to become a cinematographer are

1) Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune

2) Satyajit Ray Films and Television Institute, Kolkata

3) National Institute of Films and Fine Arts, Kolkata

4) Centre for Research in Art of Film and Television, Delhi

12. FBI/CBI Agent

The heading may sound way off context at first, but in fact, there is a great demand for humanities students in Intelligence Agencies. Intelligence agencies seldom require professionals who can talk with other delegates or interrogate some people.And who can do this job better than a person who is trained especially for this job?

Humanities students have the exact carbon copy of the portfolio these Intelligence Agencies require and so find it easy to get these jobs.
Also, Intelligence Agencies all around the world also require Interpreters and Translators that can decrypt messages written in another language. Humanities students can also apply for these jobs after gaining mastery in a foreign language.

To join the Intelligence Bureau of India, one needs to clear the Combined Graduate Preliminary examination (CGPE) hosted by SSC every year.
To sit in this exam, you must have a bachelor degree in any discipline.
Entering the IB or RAW isn’t a cakewalk, only the hardest nuts to crack make it all the way. Their selection process is rigorous, competitive and state of the art.

They test you at every level and even if you are just a whisker away from the minimum requirements to be a RAW or Intelligence Bureau officer you will be straight away bluntly rejected. Well, these were some of the hot and fresh professions that have a high demand for students with humanities as their high school and college subject.

13. Economics

Economists study how the society distributes its resources, such as land, labour, raw materials, and machinery, to produce various goods and services. For this, they conduct research, collect and analyze data, monitor economic trends, and develop forecasts on a wide variety of issues like interest rates, energy costs, inflation, exchange rates, business cycles, taxes, employment levels, etc.

Career Opportunities in Economics

After completing your education in this domain, you can work with Banking Firms, Research Firms, Financial Consultancies, Government Ministries or Insurance and Accountancy Firms, as a Risk Advisory Associate, Analyst, Research Assistant, Policy Maker, etc.

Some Top Colleges for Economics

1) Delhi School of Economics (New Delhi)

2) St. Stephens College (New Delhi)

3) Presidency College (Kolkata)

4) Shri Ram College of Commerce (New Delhi)

5) Loyola College (Chennai)

6) Hindu College (New Delhi)

7) Ashoka University (Sonepat)

14. Design

If you are someone who can easily convey ideas to others, then design is a career that you should definitely explore. Design involves envisioning, creating and communicating ideas through images, drawing, sketching, layouts, etc. Design is a very broad field, and includes different specializations like Graphic Design, Textiles, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Product Design, Animation, Furniture Design, Jewelry Design, Product Design, etc.

Career Opportunities in Design

The employment opportunities will vary according to the field of design that you choose. In case of Fashion Design, you can work with different textile production houses, boutiques, garment export houses, marketing and media department of fashion brands, etc. You can also explore opportunities in Interior design, leather design, jewelry design, UI/UX design, graphic design, cartoon design, product design, etc.

Some top Colleges for Design

1) National Institute of Design (Multiple Locations)

2) Pearl Academy, New Delhi – Fashion and Graphic Design

3) Srishti Institute of Art

4) Design and Technology (Bengaluru)

5) Symbiosis Institute of Design (Pune)

6) Indian School of Design and Innovation (Mumbai)

7) MAEER’s MIT Institute of Design (Pune)

15. Civil Services

It is one of the most prestigious careers as it gives you the opportunity to serve your country by participating in its governance and policy-making decisions. It gives you the authority and power to ensure effective administration of the country. The duties and responsibilities would differ according to the department that you have been allotted. In order to pursue a career as a civil servant, you would first require a graduation from any field, following which you’ll need to clear the UPSC examination.

Career Opportunities in Civil Services

You get different government posts based on your rank in the UPSC exam. Some of them include Indian Administrative Services, Indian Police Services, Indian Foreign Services, Indian Revenue Services, Indian Postal Services, etc.

To get a position as an officer (IAS, IPS or IFS),  you will need to take the UPSC exam. Many coaching centres help prepare you for the exam. Your role or government posting will depend on your rank in the UPSC exam, along with the interview. The UPSC exams are divided into two parts. The first part is Prelims and only about 3% of the people who appear for prelims exams, clear it. The next is the Mains Exam which is usually held after 2-3 months of the Prelims. While Prelims is an objective type exam, the Mains Exam needs you to be more descriptive about your answers and tests your logical and analytical abilities.

16. Bachelor in Computer Applications (IT and Software)

Candidates who wish to have a future in the field of IT and Software can avail for the course of Bachelor in Computer Applications. It is an undergraduate course and the candidate has to clear the intermediate to apply for this course. There are several colleges providing this course. Some of the colleges are-:

1) IITM Janakpuri Institute, New Delhi

2) Guru Gobind Singh Indraprasth University, New Delhi

3) DAV College, Chandigarh

4) Savitribai Phule University, Pune

5) Tilak Maharastra University, Maharastra

6) Stella Maris College, Chennai

7) Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar

8) Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi

17. Graphic Design

Graphic design is a vast field. There are areas of specialization within this field. And based on these specializations, there are number of professional courses available too! Some really good courses are- Animation, Graphic designing etc. Bachelor Degree course lasts 3-4 years. Diploma courses are also available, whose duration varies between 1-2 years. This field is more suited for creative folks, who are also interested in sketching and visual arts. You may also check – Web and graphic design courses.

 18. Social Services/Social Work

This career is perfect for those who have decided to devote themselves to the betterment of society. It involves helping those who belong to the most vulnerable sections of the society and need help in situations like fighting for their rights, dealing with abuse, or accessing proper sanitation, etc. Social workers may work with different individuals or families to deal with issues related to poverty, unemployment, education, etc.

Career Opportunities in Social Services/ Social Work

You get to work with NGO’s focused on different set of audiences, corporate sector in the field of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), healthcare sector (rehabilitation centers) or with the government on various projects like creating awareness for health safety, basic rights of the public, and fighting against social injustice and discrimination.

Some Top Colleges for Social Work

1) Delhi School of Social Work (New Delhi)

2) Tata Institute of Social Sciences (Mumbai/Guwahati)

3) Panjab University (Chandigarh)

4) Christ University (Bangalore)

5) Madras School of Social Work (Chennai)

19. Foreign Languages

This career is for those who love to talk and not just in one language! Many people learn different languages like Spanish, Korean, French, German, etc. because of their interest in them. But the best part is that you can actually make a career in them too! Many organizations require translators in order to understand the intended message of the other party using a different language. Being fluent in a foreign language can also get you extra points if you are planning to settle in that particular country. 

Career Opportunities in Foreign Languages

You can become a Translator, Lexicographer (compiling material for dictionaries), Teacher, Forensic Linguist, Writer, etc. in the specific language that you learn. As a language expert, you can get to work with various foreign diplomats and embassies, international bodies (like United Nations, World Health Organizations), publishing houses, etc.

Some Top Institutes for Learning Foreign Languages

There are different institutes available for particular languages, such as

1) Alliance Francaise in New Delhi (teaches French)

2) Jamia Milia Islamia (various languages)

3) The Chinese Language Institute (Chinese)

4) Max Muller Institute (German), and

5) Jawaharlal Nehru Academy of Foreign Languages.

Some embassies also teach their country’s language to learning enthusiasts.

Here is some useful information for aspirants looking to take up a course in BCA in IT & Software:

1) Popular Specialisations: Networking Hardware & Security, Mobile App Development, Programming, Cloud Computing and Game Design.

2) BCA entrance exams: BU-MAT, SET, GSAT

20. Writing (Content/ Blogging/ Creative)

This is a field for those who love to pen down their thoughts on paper (or these days, a laptop)! Writers express their ideas, opinions, or knowledge through their words. Writing as a career comes in many forms. You can either develop content for different companies (Content Writing) or even voice your opinions about certain topics through blog articles. There are other more traditional forms too, such as creative writing through novels, books, anthologies, etc. You can choose your desired language that you wish to write in, be it English, Hindi, or even Urdu! The best thing about writing is that you don’t always need a degree in specific field, but a never-ending passion for writing.

Some Top Colleges for a Career in Writing

If you wish to make a career in writing in English, pursuing a degree in literature (English Hons.) is recommended. Top colleges for it include,

1) St. Stephen’s College (New Delhi)

2) Lady Shri Ram College (New Delhi)

3) Christ University (Bangalore)

4) Hindu College (New Delhi)

5) Miranda House (New Delhi)

6) Jesus & Mary College (New Delhi)

Career Opportunities in Writing

You can explore career opportunities as a content writer by working with different companies, online websites, blog portals, NGO’s, etc. Not only that, you can also become a novelist, editor, columnist in newspapers, blogger, etc.

Apart from careers listed above, there are many other exciting and upcoming fields in Humanities, such as Museology, Habitat Policy and Practice, Cartography, Criminology, Anthropology, Film-Making, Gerontology, Rural Studies and Development, Photography,