Sameer: “Hey Pranav! Have you decided on your stream in class 11?
Pranav: “Absolutely! I am going to take up PCM”
Sameer: “But you don’t even like Science. Didn’t you say that you wanted to take up Humanities?”
Pranav: “I did, but what choice do I have? I am not interested in Science but everyone says it offers more career opportunities than Humanities.”
Many of you believe in this myth, that the career options for humanities students are limited. For this very reason, we have compiled a (long) list of some of the most interesting and sought-after career options in the Humanities. So, are you ready? Pay close attention!
List of Content
What are the humanities career options after 12th?
- Psychology
- Career Opportunities in Psychology
- Top Colleges for Psychology
- Law
- Career Opportunities in Law
- Top Colleges for Law
- History
- Career Opportunities in History
- Top Colleges for History
- Archaeology
- Career Opportunities in Archeology
- Top Colleges for Archeology
- Political Science & International Relations
- Career Opportunities in Political Science & International Relations
- Top Colleges for Political Science & International Relations
- Hotel Management
- Career Opportunities in Hotel Management
- Top Colleges for Hotel Management
- Mass Communication & Journalism
- Career Opportunities in Mass Communication & Journalism
- Top Colleges for Mass Communication & Journalism
- Economics
- Career Opportunities in Economics
- Top Colleges for Economics
- Designing
- Career Opportunities in Designing
- Top Colleges for Designing
- Event Management
- Career Opportunities in Event Management
- Top Colleges for Event Management
- Social Services/Social Work
- Career Opportunities in Social Services/Social Work
- Top Colleges for Social Services/Social Work
- Foreign Languages
- Career Opportunities in Foreign Languages
- Top Colleges for Foreign Languages
- Sociology
- Career Opportunities in Sociology
- Top Colleges for Sociology
- Writing (Content/ Blogging/ Creative)
- Career Opportunities in Writing
- Top Colleges for Writing
- Wrapping Up
- FAQs
What are the humanities career options after 12th?
After completing 12th grade in humanities, students have a wide array of career options to explore. They can pursue fields like journalism and mass communication, where they can become proficient writers, reporters, or media professionals. Another path is law, offering opportunities to become a legal professional, advocate, or consultant.
For those interested in understanding human behaviour, psychology is a compelling option with specializations in counselling, clinical psychology, or human resources. Social work is also a fulfilling choice, enabling individuals to make a positive impact on society through various welfare and community development projects.
Finally, teaching remains a time-honoured option, shaping young minds and imparting knowledge in schools and educational institutions. Here are the top career options after 12th humanities:
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.
Top Colleges for Psychology
- University of Delhi (New Delhi),
- Jamia Millia Islamia (New Delhi),
- Ambedkar University (New Delhi),
- Banaras Hindu University (Varanasi),
- Panjab University (Chandigarh)
- Christ University (Bengaluru)
- Fergusson College,Pune
- SVKM’s Mithibai College of Arts
- Amity University Noida
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Recommended Read: Exhaustive Guide to Becoming a Psychologist and its Scope in India
2. Law
How good are your reasoning and problem-solving skills? Because a career in Law requires exactly that.
Yes! You read it right, another highly sought-after career among humanities stream jobs is becoming a Lawyer. You need to understand the legal structure of a country and advise 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.
So, having a degree comes with many job opportunities.
Top Colleges for Law
- National Law School of India University (Bangalore),
- Nalsar University of Law (Hyderabad),
- West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (Kolkata),
- National Law University (New Delhi),
- Gujarat National Law University (Gandhinagar)
- O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat
Recommended Read: Justice for All: What it Takes To Pursue Law as a Career
3. History
Do you ever find yourself asking questions about what 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 periods. After their detailed analysis and evaluation, historians develop interpretations and conclude the same.
Career Opportunities in History
After graduating in History, you can explore various career options like working as an Archivist, Lecturer, Analyst or 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.
Top Colleges for History
- St. Stephens College (New Delhi),
- Hindu College (New Delhi),
- Ashoka University (Haryana),
- Loyola College (Chennai),
- Lady Shri Ram College (New Delhi),
- St. Xavier’s College (Mumbai),
- Presidency College (Chennai)
- Jamia Millia Islamia
- Christ University
- Banaras Hindu University
- Aligarh Muslim University
- Fergusson College
- Jawaharlal Nehru University
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi
With a degree in History, you can also go on to become an Archaeologist, which brings us to our next career option.
Read More: History as a Career in India
4. Archaeology
If you have a flair for studying 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 artifacts, inscriptions, and other remains.
Archaeologists collect this information by digging up artifacts from the ground and trying to arrange them 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 years old artwork, sculptures and manuscripts.
Top Colleges for Archaeology
- Institute of Archaeology (New Delhi),
- Banaras Hindu University (Varanasi);
- School of Historical Studies, University of Madras (Chennai);
- Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management,
- IP University (New Delhi)
- St.Xaviers, Mumbai
- Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
- Kurukshetra University
Read More: Archaeology as a Career in India
5. Political Science & International Relations
Does the very idea of studying about your country both at the national and international level excite you? If yes, you are going to love a career in any of these fields. Political Science is one of the widely preferable jobs in humanities that 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, malnutrition etc., and seek to find solutions to them.
Read More: Political Science as a Career in India
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 or intelligence Specialist or work with different world organizations like the World Bank, United Nations, World Health Organization (WHO), etc.
Top Colleges for Political Science & International Relations
- Amity University ,Noida
- Symbiosis College Of Arts And Commerce, Pune
- O.P. Jindal Global University , Sonipat
- Aligarh Muslim University
- B.R Ambedkar University
- Banaras Hindu University
Some of the top colleges for pursuing International Relations are:
- Institute of Language Studies and Applied Social Sciences (Gujarat),
- Jindal School of International Affairs (Haryana),
- Ashoka University (Haryana).
- Amity University Noida
- Shiv Nadar University
- FLAME University
Recommended Read: Exhaustive Guide To A Career In International Relations: Scope, Colleges & Opportunities
6. 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 about 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 to 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.
Top Colleges for Hotel Management
- Institute of Hotel Management (Mumbai),
- Institute of Hotel Management (Oberoi),
- Institute of Hotel Management (Aurangabad),
- Oberoi Center of Learning and Development (New Delhi),
- Christ University (Bangalore),
- Ecole Lavasa (Maharashtra),
- Welcome Group Graduate School (Manipal)
Recommended Read: Busted! 5 Myths About A Career in Hotel Management
7. 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 them 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, radio, 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.
Top Colleges for Mass Communication & Journalism
- Delhi College of Arts and Commerce (New Delhi),
- Christ University (Bangalore),
- Indraprastha University (New Delhi),
- Indian Institute of Mass Communication (New Delhi),
- Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (Pune),
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education,
- Jain University
Read More: Careers in Media and Communication
8. Economics
Economists study how 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.
Top Colleges for Economics
- Delhi School of Economics (New Delhi),
- St. Stephens College (New Delhi),
- Presidency University (Kolkata),
- Shri Ram College of Commerce (New Delhi),
- Loyola College (Chennai),
- Hindu College (New Delhi),
- Ashoka University (Sonepat)
- Jamia Millia Islamia
- Symbiosis School of Economics
- Aligarh Muslim University
Read More: Economics as a Career in India
9. Designing
If you are someone who can easily convey ideas to others, then design is a career that you should 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 the case of Fashion Design, you can work with different textile production houses, boutiques, garment export houses, marketing and media departments of fashion brands, etc.
Besides, you can also explore opportunities in Interior design, leather design, jewellery design, UI/UX design, graphic design, cartoon design, product design, etc.
Top Colleges for Design
- National Institute of Design (Multiple Locations),
- Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology (Bengaluru),
- Symbiosis Institute of Design (Pune),
- Indian School of Design and Innovation (Mumbai),
- MAEER’s MIT Institute of Design (Pune)
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT)
Recommended Read: Sky is the Limit: 11 Careers for the Love of Design
10. Event Management
This career puts to full use your managerial and organizational skills to plan and execute social or business events. People engaged in this field work with budgets, schedules, vendors, caterers, decorators, etc. to plan the best possible events for their clients.
Event Management is not just limited to planning concerts or weddings but includes many other occasions like business events and conclaves, sports events, parties, reunions, festivals, etc.
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.
Top Colleges for Event Management
- National Institute of Event Management (Multiple Locations)
- National Academy of Event Management & Development (Multiple Locations)
- International Institute of Event Management (Mumbai)
- College of Events & Media (Pune)
Read More: Event Management as a Career in India
11. Social Services/Social Work
This career is perfect for those who have decided to devote themselves to the betterment of society. Social work is one of the top humanities stream career options for students after the 12th. It involves helping those who belong to the most vulnerable sections of society and need help in situations like fighting for their rights, dealing with abuse, 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 NGOs focused on different sets of audiences, the corporate sector in the field of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), the healthcare sector (rehabilitation centres) 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.
Top Colleges for Social Work
- Delhi School of Social Work (New Delhi),
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences (Mumbai/Guwahati),
- Panjab University (Chandigarh),
- Christ University (Bangalore),
- Madras School of Social Work (Chennai)
Recommended Read: Serving the People: Social Work as a Career in India
12. 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 make a career in them too! Many organizations require translators 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 the United Nations and, the World Health Organization), publishing houses, etc.
Top Institutes for Learning Foreign Languages
There are different institutes available for particular languages, such as:
- Alliance Francaise in New Delhi (teaches French),
- Jamia Millia Islamia (various languages),
- The Chinese Language Institute (Chinese),
- Max Muller Institute (German), and
- Jawaharlal Nehru Academy of Foreign Languages.
- Banaras hindu university
Some embassies also teach their country’s language to learning enthusiasts.
Read More: Career in Foreign Language in India
13. Sociology
It is the branch of social sciences that involves the study of society. It involves analyzing and understanding the social lives of people, groups and institutions.
Sociologists help in analyzing and drawing conclusions on various topics like racial and gender identity, religious faith, family conflicts, crime and law, poverty, population growth and migration, war and peace, etc.
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.
Top Colleges for Sociology
- Christ University
- Banaras Hindu University
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi
Read More: Sociology as a Career in India
14. 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 the 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 a specific field, but a never-ending passion for writing.
Career Opportunities in Writing
You can explore career opportunities as a content writer by working with different companies, online websites, blog portals, NGOs, etc. Not only that, but you can also become a novelist, editor, columnist in newspapers, blogger, etc.
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:
- St. Stephen’s College (New Delhi),
- Lady Shri Ram College (New Delhi),
- Christ University (Bangalore),
- Hindu College (New Delhi),
- Miranda House (New Delhi),
- Jesus & Mary College (New Delhi).
Apart from the 14 careers listed above, there are many other exciting and upcoming fields in the Humanities, such as Museology, Habitat Policy and Practice, Cartography, Criminology, Anthropology, Filmmaking, Gerontology, Rural Studies and Development, Photography, etc.
Now that you have such a long list of career options available to pursue and make a career in humanities jobs, I am sure you are never going to say, “Humanities has very limited scope” ever again!
Recommended Read: Get Writing: 5 Steps to Start A Career in Blogging
Wrapping Up!
In conclusion, this blog proves that humanities are not limited to career options, and there are exciting paths for students after class 12.
You can choose from various fields like psychology, law, history, design, writing, and more. Each area has unique opportunities that allow you to explore your passions and interests. Don’t think humanities is boring or without scope! You can become a counsellor, lawyer, historian, or even work in hotels, media, and events. There’s so much to discover!
Remember, humanities help you understand people, culture, and history, making you more aware and empathetic. So, don’t hesitate to follow your heart and pursue what you love. The world is full of opportunities, and humanities can lead you to a rewarding and fulfilling career.
Embrace your creativity and curiosity, and the possibilities will be endless!
FAQs
What are the highest paying jobs in humanities?
You can get the highest paid humanities job in various fields but some well-compensated positions include CEOs, who lead companies, Legal Services Managers, Marketing Managers, Human Resources Directors and experienced University Professors with research contributions. Also, salaries depend on your experience span.
What are the jobs after 12th humanities?
After 12th humanities, career options include journalism, law, psychology (counselling, clinical), social work, teaching, public relations, event management, content writing, and research analysis. You can choose based on your interests, eligibility and strengths to pursue successful careers in these diverse fields.
Jobs for humanities students with average percentage?
Yes, there are many jobs if you have scored an average percentage in your 12th, all you need to have skills and knowledge to be successful in your work.
Administrative assistants, customer service representatives, data entry operators, and sales executives are the fresher-level jobs for you. They can also explore entry-level positions in human resources, market research, public relations, and event coordination.
Jobs for humanities students abroad?
Humanities students can try their luck and use their skills abroad too. You can get a job as a language tutor, translator, cultural exchange coordinator, international relations assistant and more. Additionally, they can explore careers in international NGOs, tourism and hospitality, public relations, and cross-cultural training.
