Somewhere along the way, we must learn that there is nothing greater than to do something for others
– Martin Luther King
For some, the biggest motivation in life is helping others, and they derive happiness from making a difference in the lives of people around them. Their biggest dream is to bring about a change in the world! If you are one of them and want to figure out a way to achieve it, you have landed at the right place!
The world has become a global village. The number of careers available in the world has grown at a staggering rate. If you are driven by a passion to make your mark in the world, make a difference and help other people, choosing a career that helps others may be ideal for you.
So, let’s get started and have a look at some of the most popular career options available.
1. Medicine
Since the beginning of human civilization, healers have played a vital role in society, by helping the ill and the injured. Over the centuries, the role of healers has evolved into the roles of doctors, and now into the entire healthcare industry. The option of becoming a traditional doctor is, of course, available, but if you want to help people, you can also explore other roles in the healthcare industry, including alternative healthcare systems such as ayurveda, homeopathy, therapy, counselling and many other areas.
In order to pursue a degree in Medicine, NEET is the most important National entrance exam required by Indian colleges: government and private.
Know more about the courses you can pursue to be a doctor.
2. Social Work
The very premise of social work is to help people in need in a practical manner to promote social development and social change. In a country like India, where millions of people live in rural and backward areas, under the poverty line, social workers play a vital role by helping people in difficult conditions. Social work may be physically tiring, but the smiles and gratitude from the people you help is priceless and job opportunities that you will have with NGOs are abundant.
There are bachelors as well as master’s programs in Social Work (BSW/ MSW) in many colleges across the country.
Learn more about a career in social work and the relevant opportunities in the field.
3. Teaching
As a teacher, you will be directly responsible for shaping the future generations of the country. Teachers play an essential role in the lives of children, inspiring them, guiding them, instructing them and helping them achieve their true potential.
Starting from pre-school until graduation, teachers impart knowledge and provide constant support to their students by ensuring that they not only learn the right concepts but also learn the right set of moral values and etiquettes which would then become part of them for the rest of their lives. Children are malleable and thus more susceptible to influence, making the role of teachers even more important.
To become a teacher, you require a bachelor’s degree in any stream, a B.Ed. ( to teach class 7th-9th ) and after that, you can pursue Masters if you wish to teach class 10th – 12th. If you wish to teach college students, you are required to qualify the NET Exam after pursuing your masters.
Know more about the multiple ways to become a teacher.
4. Activism
As a society, we face a number of problems that do not have simple solutions. A change is required at a larger scale: at the city, state or government level. Social Activists are deeply motivated to bring about a change in the society and they fight against social evils. It could be anything which is interfering with the rights (social/human/fundamental) of the people. Activists and politicians, can at times play an important role in helping people by making their voices heard.
There is no formal degree required to become an activist, however, as an activist, having a law degree is especially beneficial if you want to make a lasting change in society. You will also be able to help others by initiating and encouraging legal changes. Journalists can also be successful activists, as they have opportunities to increase awareness about major issues that concern people.
Learn more about a career in law.
5. Counselling
Mental Health is as important as physical health. Counsellors interact with individuals and groups and try to solve their personal and psychological issues, which could be their day-to-day problems such as family concerns, relationship issues, peer pressure or more serious concerns like anxiety or depression.
A counsellor tries to understand the client’s situation from the client’s perspective to help them in becoming more self-aware and empowered.
To practice as a counsellor, you may pursue courses in Psychology (BA Hons in Psychology- Masters in Psychology).
Career Counselling
Counsellors not only work with adults but also work with children. Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions that a person makes in life.
Career counsellors help students and those seeking a career change in analysing their interests and aptitudes in order to help them select a suitable career. As a career counsellor, you will have the potential to make a big difference in the life of your students, by helping them make one of the most important decisions of their lives.
Want to become a Career Counsellor?
Enroll now for the International Certified Career Coach Program, the multi-level certification program that enables you to kick-start or advance your career in Career Counselling.
6. Environmental Science
Our lives are intrinsically linked with the environment surrounding us, which not only supports life but the well-being of the entire planet. Unfortunately, the environment is degrading at a dangerous pace, and the reverberations are already being felt within terms of global warming, damage of the ozone layer, extinction of species and more.
If you want to make a difference and save the environment, helping the current as well as future generations in the process, then a career in environmental science or nature conservation may be suitable for you. A multidisciplinary field, environmental science is a combination of biology, physical sciences, chemistry and social sciences which aims to solve environmental concerns.
Environmental Scientists find the causes of environmental degradation, come up with corrective measures and create conservation programmes.
They may be employed by the Department of Environmental Affairs, the provisional departments of Nature Conservation, the National Parks Board, amongst others.
Learn more about other career options to save the environment.
7. Armed Forces
People sleep peaceably in their beds at night while our defense force is at work 24×7 at the borders protecting our motherland. It is among one of the most respected and prestigious professions and there are broadly three divisions- Army, Navy and Air Force. Without our defense forces it would be impossible to live our life in the same manner as there would be a lot of unrest in the world. It is among the best professions to live your patriotic dream and to help in making the world a better place to live.
You can join the force either after your 10+2 after clearing your NDA exam, else you can do so after your graduation by joining the Indian Military Academy. You will be required to clear strict physical and psychological tests to be able to serve the country.
Learn More about pursuing a career in defense.
Helping others is an incredible feeling and may bring you a lot of joy by itself, but there are numerous financially viable careers available that can help you make a difference in the world and help others. Research your interests and capabilities to find the best career match, opt for our career counselling services to help you find the ideal career for you.
