Top 10 Best Career Options in Future [In-demand Jobs of the Future]

Updated on 13 April, 2024

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Best Career Options in Future

Summary:

In this article, you will learn about the top 10 best career options in the future.

  1. Data Scientist
  2. Data Analyst
  3. Blockchain Developer
  4. Digital Marketer
  5. Cloud Computing Professional
  6. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Expert
  7. Manager (MBA)
  8. Software Developer
  9. Big Data Engineer
  10. Cyber Security Expert

Read more to know each in detail.

2020 has been a very surprising year. It has taught us many lessons, but the most prominent one would undoubtedly be that we should always prepare for the future. You should choose skills and trades that will stay in demand in the future to ensure security and stability in your career.

The only certainty about the future is that it is uncertain. But we must still prepare for it, right? As we still adapt to the realities of the ‘new normal,’ you should start thinking about the best future careers.

Check out our free courses offered by upGrad in Management, Data Science, Machine Learning, Digital Marketing, and Technology. 

“What are the most in demand jobs for the future?”

“What are the top IT jobs in demand for future?”

“What will be the most demanding jobs in future?”

With the pandemic, we have come face-to-face with the future, and we have to start accounting for it. The future of work has completely transformed today with the rising importance of remote work, e-commerce, automation and AI. In the post-COVID scenario, it is estimated that every 1 in 16 workers may have to switch their occupations by 2030. This number is estimated to be even higher in advanced economies. 

Keeping in mind how fast jobs can become obsolete and your job profile can become redundant, what can you do? Flexibility, demand, security, and growth potential are the factors you need to start considering for the best jobs for the future for you. It doesn’t mean that you forego your interests, goals, and experience (educational and professional) when deciding on the best future careers. 

So, you may be interested in the IT sector, and you may even be an expert in your field. But the million dollar question is whether it is one of the top IT jobs in demand for future. If your answer is “No,” you might have to reconsider and learn new skillsets. Having transferable and flexible skills can be very useful in this regard. 

Essentially, the uncertainties and disruptions of the pandemic have made us more aware of aligning our career goals with the requirements of the future of the job market. No matter how proficient you are at your job or your level of expertise, your career graph will ultimately depend on broader market conditions, one of them being- “Is it one of the best jobs for the future?”

To help you determine these factors, we have prepared the following list of the ten best career options in the future. This list will help you make an informed decision regarding your career. Let’s begin, shall we?

Learners receive an average Salary hike of 58% with the highest being up to 400%.

However, before delving into this informative list of which career has more scope in future, keep in mind that it is subject to change. Industries and the evolving needs of people continually adapt and change over time. So, even if a job is great now, it might not be in the future. The key to determining what to become in future is flexibility, being ready to learn new things, and keeping yourself updated with what’s happening in your field.

Best Career Options in the Future

1. Data Scientist

If you are wondering which field is best for future, data science is the top pick for you. We live in a demanding digital age in which data is generated at an unprecedented rate. 

Data Science is one of the hottest sectors currently and for good reasons. The amount of data companies and their customers use has increased exponentially. Organizations need the expertise of data scientists to help them use that data effectively.

Seeing how the demand for data scientists has grown in the past few years, it’s certain that it will stay one of the best career options for the next decade. India comes second in the world to hire data science professionals and is below only the United States in this regard. 

Check out Python Bootcamp from upGrad

So learning this skill can certainly help you become a sought-after professional in the coming future with ease. Data scientists work in nearly all industries, including eCommerce, startups, research organizations, marketing agencies, etc.

Data scientists are responsible for identifying the most optimal data analytics solutions that can help their organization. They have to use deep learning, machine learning, and related technologies to complete their tasks. To pursue a career in this field, you should get a data science course and learn the required skills.

As one of the most pursued future scope courses, acquiring a data science course and mastering the essential skills is essential for entering and excelling in this field.

Average Data Scientist Salary

Source

Data Scientist Salary Based on Cities

City Salary
Bangalore ₹15.5 Lakhs
New Delhi ₹13.6 Lakhs
Mumbai ₹13.2 Lakhs
Hyderabad ₹14.8 Lakhs
Pune ₹12.8 Lakhs
Chennai ₹13.3 Lakhs
Noida ₹13.7 Lakhs
Gurgaon ₹14.1 Lakhs

How does experience affect data science salary?

Experience Salary
1 Year ₹9.5 Lakhs
2 Year ₹10.5 Lakhs
3 Year ₹11.6 Lakhs
5 Year ₹16.4 Lakhs
8 Year ₹19.9 Lakhs

How do Industries affect data scientist salaries?

Industry Salary
IT Services ₹13.2 Lakhs
Internet ₹18.3 Lakhs
Software Product ₹16.6 Lakhs
Financial Services ₹15.1 Lakhs
KPO ₹15.3 Lakhs

2. Data Analyst

While data scientists analyze the data and develop solutions by utilizing them, you need professionals who can make the data understandable for everyone too. That’s what data analysts do. A data analyst is responsible for making the complex data and its insights understandable for the general audience.

Data analysts play a crucial role in transforming raw data into meaningful information, hence if you are wondering which career is best for future, this is the best option. Data remains an enduring asset, extensively utilized and integrated into various aspects, perpetually serving as a valuable resource. Analysts use their statistical analysis and data visualization expertise to create reports, dashboards, and presentations that convey insights to non-technical stakeholders. 

If you’re good at maths and statistics, then this is an excellent field for you. Apart from those subjects, this role requires proficiency in multiple programming languages, including Python and SQL. Data Science is among the most in-demand sectors in 2020, and it’s still a relatively new field. Entering this field will ensure that you get a future-proof career.

As a data analyst, you’ll have to use data to identify solutions for complex business problems. You should have a certification in business analytics to pursue a career in this sector. 

Also read, Career options in medical

If you’re wondering, ‘which course has more scope in future?’ business analytics might just be your answer. 

Average Data Analyst Salary

Data Analyst Salary Based on Cities

City Salary
Bangalore ₹6.9 Lakhs
New Delhi ₹6.7 Lakhs
Mumbai ₹6.6 Lakhs
Hyderabad ₹6.7 Lakhs
Pune ₹6.4 Lakhs
Chennai ₹6.5 Lakhs
Noida ₹6.7 Lakhs
Gurgaon ₹7.1 Lakhs

Source

How does experience affect data analyst salary?

Experience Salary
1 Year ₹4.6 Lakhs
2 Year ₹5.3 Lakhs
3 Year ₹6 Lakhs
5 Year ₹7.7 Lakhs
6 Year ₹8.2 Lakhs

Data Analyst salary based on industries

Industry Salary
IT Services ₹13.2 Lakhs
Internet ₹18.3 Lakhs
Software Product ₹16.6 Lakhs
Financial Services ₹15.1 Lakhs
KPO ₹15.3 Lakhs

3. Blockchain Developer

Bitcoin was in a lot of headlines recently for giving considerable returns to its users. It’s a cryptocurrency and is based on blockchain. Many experts believe that blockchain-based technologies will revolutionize different industries due to their unique and practical potential.

Because of these reasons, pursuing a career in this tech field can be amazingly beneficial to you. You can understand how valuable blockchain developers are by seeing the demand for them in the industry. The need for blockchain skills has risen by 2000-6000% recently, and blockchain developers’ salaries are 50-100% higher than traditional development roles.

Various industries, including finance, health, logistics, transport, etc., are looking for blockchain developers to help them prepare for the future’s dynamic needs.

Check: Advanced Certification in Blockchain from IIITB

The innovative nature of blockchain technology has led to its application beyond cryptocurrencies. Its decentralized and secure nature makes it appealing for various purposes, such as smart contracts, supply chain management, secure data sharing, and more. Hence, the answer to which job is best for future would be any role in blockchain development.

Blockchain is an advanced subject and requires proficiency in plenty of skills, including cryptography, programming, etc. You can become a blockchain developer by taking a blockchain course covering all the necessary topics and the in-demand skills for the industry. 

Average Blockchain Developer Salary

Source
Blockchain Developer Salary Based on Cities

City Salary
Bangalore ₹9.1 Lakhs
New Delhi ₹7.1 Lakhs
Mumbai ₹7.1 Lakhs
Hyderabad ₹7.1 Lakhs
Pune ₹6.3 Lakhs
Chennai ₹6.6 Lakhs
Noida ₹11.8 Lakhs
Ahmedabad ₹5.6 Lakhs

How does experience affect blockchain developer salary?

Experience Salary
Fresher ₹7.1 Lakhs
1 Year ₹7.6 Lakhs
2 Year ₹7.4 Lakhs
3 Year ₹9.9 Lakhs
5 Year ₹12.9 Lakhs

Blockchain Developer salary based on industries

Industry Salary
IT Services ₹8.6 Lakhs
Internet ₹16.2 Lakhs
Software Product ₹13.8 Lakhs
Financial Services ₹7.9 Lakhs
KPO ₹9.6 Lakhs

4. Digital Marketer

Are you a marketing enthusiast wondering, “What should I become in future?” The correct answer to that question would be the role of a Digital Marketer. 

Do you ever wonder how businesses get customers online? If you do, then digital marketing might be the perfect field for you. Digital marketing is one of the fastest-growing industries in India. It is growing at a 25-30% annual rate in India. By 2018, India reached 500 million internet users, and as more people buy smartphones, this number will keep growing.

So it’s undoubtedly one of the best career options in the future. Another prominent advantage of this field is that it doesn’t require you to be a tech-savvy person. Digital marketing involves a combination of technical proficiency and creativity as it contains sections of both of these areas. Some of the skills you need for this sector include SEO, Content Marketing, Content Optimization, SEM, etc. 

Furthermore, the beauty of digital marketing lies in its versatility. It accommodates various career paths, allowing individuals to specialize in areas that align with their interests and strengths. Digital marketing jobs are set to become the most demanding jobs in India in future. Whether one excels in data analysis, content creation, social media management, or paid advertising, there are diverse opportunities within the digital marketing sphere. 

The upGrad and MICA PG Certification in Digital Marketing & Communication course take on a holistic approach to digital marketing. By the time you finish with us, one thing is for sure – your horizon of knowledge will expand significantly and you’ll learn to think and act like a true digital marketer. With so many perks and benefits, why should you go someplace else?

Also read: Career options in science after graduation

Average Digital Marketer Salary

Source
Digital Marketer Salary Based on Cities

City Salary
Bangalore ₹5.5 Lakhs
New Delhi ₹4.2 Lakhs
Mumbai ₹3.7 Lakhs
Hyderabad ₹4.8 Lakhs
Pune ₹4.6 Lakhs
Chennai ₹4.1 Lakhs
Noida ₹3.7 Lakhs
Ahmedabad ₹3.9 Lakhs

How does experience affect digital marketer salary?

Experience Salary
Fresher ₹2.7 Lakhs
1 Year ₹2.8 Lakhs
2 Year ₹3.5 Lakhs
3 Year ₹3.9 Lakhs
5 Year ₹6 Lakhs

Digital Marketer salary based on industries

Industry Salary
IT Services ₹6.8 Lakhs
Internet ₹6.7 Lakhs
Software Product ₹5.1 Lakhs
Financial Services ₹6.7 Lakhs
KPO ₹5.1 Lakhs

5. Cloud Computing Professional

If you are wondering what to do in future, especially in the field of cloud technology, the role of a cloud computing professional is highly promising. 

Cloud technology helps companies in reducing operating costs and becoming more efficient. It facilitates collaboration and productivity along with those benefits. That’s why more and more companies have started implementing cloud technology. The demand for cloud computing professionals is increasing steadily, and it’s one of the best career options for next decade.

As organizations continue to adopt cloud-based solutions for their operations, the need for skilled professionals proficient in cloud computing will persist. Pursuing a career in cloud technology equips individuals with valuable skills that are not only in demand but also contribute significantly to shaping the future of technology and business operations.

According to a survey by IDC, 64% of Indian organizations are expected to increase cloud computing demand. It noted that the impact of the pandemic had increased the demand for cloud software. You can pursue an engineering degree and focus on specializing in cloud computing. On the other hand, you can take a Advanced Certification in Cloud Computing program to become a professional in this sector. It would help you bag this role easily. 

Also, Check out online degree programs at upGrad.

Average Cloud Computing Professional Salary

Source
Cloud Computing Professional Salary Based on Cities

City Salary
Bangalore ₹7.5 Lakhs
New Delhi ₹7.6 Lakhs
Mumbai ₹6.3 Lakhs
Hyderabad ₹7.4 Lakhs
Pune ₹7.3 Lakhs
Chennai ₹6.9 Lakhs
Noida ₹7.6 Lakhs
Kolkata ₹7.6 Lakhs

How does experience affect cloud computing professional salary?

Experience Salary
1 Year ₹5.2 Lakhs
2 Year ₹6 Lakhs
3 Year ₹6.2 Lakhs
5 Year ₹9.1 Lakhs
7 Year ₹12.3 Lakhs

Cloud Computing Professional salary based on industries

Industry Salary
IT Services ₹6.9 Lakhs
Internet ₹8.9 Lakhs
Software Product ₹8.3 Lakhs
Financial Services ₹8.1 Lakhs
KPO ₹5.6 Lakhs

6. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Expert

AI and ML experts are in huge demand, and it’s continuously increasing. AI and ML find applications in various industries, including finance, health, medicine, education, manufacturing, etc. According to a LinkedIn survey, AI and ML roles are among the top emerging jobs in India.

Even though the demand for such professionals is very high, there’s a massive shortage of skilled and talented AI/ML experts. That’s why it’s the best time to take up this skill. Moreover, it shows that AI and ML are among the best career options for next decade. The AI sector is relatively new, and over time, it will become more competitive.

To become an AI or ML expert, you’ll need to become proficient in programming, logic, and multiple concepts of computer science. You can take a PG course in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to enhance your chances of bagging this role. It would help you stand out in the crowd and advance your career quickly.

You can also check out IIT Delhi’s Machine Learning Program in association with upGrad. IIT Delhi is one of the most prestigious institutions in India. With more the 500+ In-house faculty members which are the best in the subject matters.

The course will make you familiar with various technical concepts of AI and ML, such as Natural Language Processing, Reinforcement Learning, Exploratory Data Analytics, and Data Science. 

Considering your next steps after B.Com? Explore the variety of career options after BCom to navigate your future with confidence.

Average AI/ML Salary

Source
AI/ML Salary Based on Cities

City Salary
Bangalore ₹11.5 Lakhs
New Delhi ₹9.8 Lakhs
Mumbai ₹14 Lakhs
Hyderabad ₹8.5 Lakhs
Pune ₹11.1 Lakhs
Chennai ₹7.5 Lakhs
Gurugram ₹12.4 Lakhs
Kolkata ₹8.2 Lakhs

How does experience affect AI/ML salary?

Experience Salary
Fresher ₹7.5 Lakhs
2 Year ₹8.9 Lakhs
3 Year ₹11.1 Lakhs
5 Year ₹13.9 Lakhs

AI/ML salary based on industries

Industry Salary
IT Services ₹10.3 Lakhs
Internet ₹12.3 Lakhs
Software Product ₹7.8 Lakhs
Financial Services ₹14.2 Lakhs
KPO ₹12.1 Lakhs

7. Manager (MBA)

As a company grows and expands its operations, it requires more managers to handle its functions. Due to this, the demand for managers is evergreen. If you’ve always been interested in pursuing leadership roles, then management would surely be perfect for you.

To pursue a career in management, you’ll need to get a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. It is a postgraduate degree and takes two years to complete. 

By taking an MBA course, you’ll get to learn about the basic and advanced concepts of business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and many related topics. It allows you to specialize in specific sectors depending on your interests as well.

So, if you’re not looking for a technical career but want a future-proof role, then management would be excellent. You can enter many industries after getting an MBA, such as banking, finance, investment, software, healthcare, etc. 

In considering what jobs will there be in the future, it’s evident that there will continue to be a significant need for managerial roles across numerous industries. With advancing technology and the evolution of global business practices, how people make purchases has transformed. This has inadvertently impacted the responsibilities and functions of managers, making them more dynamic.

Average MBA Salary in India

MBA Salary based on job role

Source 12

8. Software Developer

Software development has been among the most popular fields in India. As more and more companies are moving towards digital platforms and are relying on digital products, the demand for software developers is growing accordingly.

Software developers are responsible for the programming and creation of a software product. They work in teams and need to have strong problem-solving skills to solve any issues arising during development. 

These professionals are instrumental in converting ideas into functioning software. They write, test, and maintain code to ensure software applications or systems operate smoothly. Working collaboratively, they navigate through various stages of development, from understanding project requirements and designing solutions to debugging and refining the final product. 

Popular skills for software developers include Python, C++, Databases, Java, and others. As the software sector is continually evolving, they must update their skills accordingly to keep up with the industry’s demand. 

Apart from the technical skills, a software developer should have strong communication and collaboration skills. As we mentioned before, they work in teams and so, they should know how to share ideas and communicate with their team members. You can become a software developer by taking a software development course and learn all the necessary skills.

As one of the most demanding courses in future, acquiring the necessary skills through a software development course is the gateway to becoming a proficient software developer.

Average Software Developer Salary

Source

Software Developer Salary Based on Cities

City Salary
Bangalore ₹9.7 Lakhs
New Delhi ₹8.4 Lakhs
Mumbai ₹8 Lakhs
Hyderabad ₹8.9 Lakhs
Pune ₹8.4 Lakhs
Chennai ₹8.2 Lakhs
Gurugram ₹9.2 Lakhs
Kolkata ₹7.9 Lakhs

How does experience affect software developer salary?

Experience Salary
1 Year ₹5.2 Lakhs
2 Year ₹6.1 Lakhs
3 Year ₹7.1 Lakhs
4 Year ₹8.7 Lakhs
5 Year ₹10.5 Lakhs

Software Developer salary based on industries

Industry Salary
IT Services ₹8.3 Lakhs
Software Product ₹10.2 Lakhs
Financial Services ₹9.2 Lakhs
KPO ₹11.5 Lakhs
Hardware ₹8.7 Lakhs
Engineering ₹8.6 Lakhs
Manufacturing ₹10.2 Lakhs

9. Big Data Engineer

Another prominent career that’s seeing a huge demand is a big data engineer. The amount of data we generate per day is humongous. Experts expect the digital universe to reach 44 zettabytes by 2020, which is forty times more bytes than the number of stars in our observable universe.

When we’re generating so much data, we can use it too. That’s where prominent data engineers come in. Big data engineers handle all the big data requirements of an organization. 

Big data engineers build and handle their organization’s data tools and infrastructure. They are responsible for collecting, processing, storing, and analyzing the data and the data systems. 

You should be proficient in statistics, mathematics and have strong problem-solving skills for this role. Apart from these skills, you should have strong communication and deduction skills so you can share your insights with a non-technical audience easily. You can get a degree in computer science, statistics, or mathematics to pursue a role in this sector.

Apart from a degree, you can take an Advanced Certificate Programme in Big Data from IIIT Bangalore to enhance your chances of bagging this role. Companies look for certified professionals as it ensures that they have all the necessary skills. That’s why it would be excellent to take a big data course to enter this sector. 

Average Big Data Engineer Salary

Source
Big Data Engineer Salary Based on Cities

City Salary
Bangalore ₹10.5 Lakhs
New Delhi ₹9 Lakhs
Mumbai ₹8.9 Lakhs
Hyderabad ₹10 Lakhs
Pune ₹9.6 Lakhs
Chennai ₹9.1 Lakhs
Noida ₹9.4 Lakhs
Kolkata ₹8.3 Lakhs

How does experience affect big data engineer salary?

Experience Salary
1 Year ₹6.5 Lakhs
3 Year ₹8.5 Lakhs
5 Year ₹12.5 Lakhs
6 Year ₹14.9 Lakhs
8 Year ₹15.9 Lakhs

Big Data Engineer salary based on industries

Industry Salary
IT Services ₹9.4 Lakhs
Software Product ₹11.6 Lakhs
Financial Services ₹10.6 Lakhs
KPO ₹11.9 Lakhs
Hardware ₹13.6 Lakhs
Telecom ₹13 Lakhs
Manufacturing ₹13.6 Lakhs

10. Cyber Security Expert

Some of the best and highest-paying roles in the modern digital age are in cyber security. If you are wondering which field is best for future in India, the role of a cyber security expert is highly promising.

The number of reported cybercrimes in India in 2022 was close to 65,893.

In the year 2019 alone, the number of cybercrime cases in India increased by 63.5%. As our society becomes more digitized, the threat of cybercriminals and organizations is growing accordingly. Companies and organizations all over the globe rely on cybersecurity experts to help them tackle these harsh elements.

As a cybersecurity expert, you’ll consult companies to help them understand the potential cyber threats they might face. Moreover, you’ll be responsible for assisting them in strengthening their cybersecurity implementations so they can combat hackers and malware.

Cybersecurity experts help train an organization’s staff to follow best security practices. The demand for cybersecurity professionals is continually on the rise, and if you have a passion for helping others, it’s undoubtedly an excellent profession for you. 

To become a cybersecurity expert, you should have a degree in computer science or related subjects (BE or B.Tech in Computer Science, BSc. in Computer Science, etc.). Apart from a degree, it would be best if you got a cybersecurity course to learn all the necessary skills. It would help you bag high-paying roles in the cybersecurity sector easily.

To gain adequate knowledge in the field of cybersecurity, one can opt for PG level courses in cybersecurity. upGrad, in collaboration with IIIT Bangalore, offers a PG course named, Advanced Certificate Programme in Cyber Security for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.

Average Cyber Security Expert Salary

Cyber Security Expert Salary Based on Cities

City Salary
Bangalore ₹11.7 Lakhs
New Delhi ₹10.1 Lakhs
Mumbai ₹12.4 Lakhs
Hyderabad ₹11.4 Lakhs
Pune ₹12.9 Lakhs
Chennai ₹10.5 Lakhs
Noida ₹10.5 Lakhs
Kolkata ₹12.8 Lakhs

Source

How does experience affect cyber security expert salary?

Experience Salary
3 Year ₹8.6 Lakhs
5 Year ₹11.5 Lakhs
6 Year ₹12.9 Lakhs
8 Year ₹16.4 Lakhs
10 Years ₹17.5 Lakhs

Cyber Security Expert salary based on industries

Industry Salary
IT Services ₹11.8 Lakhs
Software Product ₹9.2 Lakhs
Financial Services ₹9.2 Lakhs
KPO ₹9.5 Lakhs
Food processing ₹10 Lakhs
Law enforcement ₹10 Lakhs
Manufacturing ₹15.2 Lakhs

Source: Ambitionbox

What are the skills required to choose any career paths in the future?

In a rapidly evolving world, which course is best for future requires a comprehensive set of skills to navigate the complexities of various industries. Whether pursuing a traditional profession or an emerging field, individuals should cultivate diverse skills to enhance their adaptability, employability, and success.

Once you are sure about which field is right for you and which career has more scope in future you will need to know about the skills you will need to develop or hone to excel in it.

Here’s a breakdown of the essential skills required for different career paths:

1. Technology and IT

  • Programming: Proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, or C++ is crucial for software development, app creation, and web design.These languages enable developers to build diverse applications and systems, catering to different user needs and industry requirements.
  • Problem-Solving: The ability to analyze complex issues and devise innovative tech solutions is highly valued.This skill involves critical thinking, adaptability, and creativity to develop efficient solutions that address specific problems or optimize existing processes.
  • Cybersecurity: With the rise of cyber threats, skills in safeguarding digital assets and information are essential.Cybersecurity professionals defend against attacks and develop proactive measures to anticipate and mitigate potential risks, ensuring data and systems remain secure.
  • Data Analysis: Big data is pivotal; data mining, analysis, and interpretation skills drive informed decision-making. Proficient data analysts extract valuable insights and communicate these findings effectively, guiding businesses in making data-driven decisions.
  • AI and Machine Learning: Understanding algorithms, neural networks, and AI principles is valuable for automation and predictive analytics.Mastery in these areas empowers professionals to develop intelligent systems, automate tasks, and create predictive models that drive efficiencies and innovations in various domains.

2. Healthcare and Medicine

  • Medical Knowledge: A strong foundation in medical sciences and procedures is vital for doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals. It forms the basis for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and effective communication with patients.
  • Empathy: Bedside manners and empathy are integral for patient care and building trust. Establishing a compassionate connection with patients not only aids in their emotional well-being but also contributes to better treatment adherence and outcomes.
  • Critical Thinking: Medical professionals must diagnose, analyze, and devise effective treatment plans. Their ability to apply critical thinking skills ensures accurate assessments, problem-solving during emergencies, and adaptability to varying patient needs.
  • Continuous Learning: Staying updated with medical advancements and research is essential. Continuous learning and professional development enable healthcare providers to integrate the latest evidence-based practices into patient care, ensuring optimal treatment and outcomes.
  • Attention to Detail: Precision is crucial in medical procedures and record-keeping. Attentiveness to even the smallest details ensures accuracy in diagnoses, treatment administration, and maintaining meticulous patient records, minimizing errors and enhancing overall healthcare quality.

3. Business and Management

  • Leadership: The ability to guide and motivate teams while making strategic decisions is paramount. Effective leadership fosters a positive work culture, inspires innovation, and cultivates an environment where team members feel valued and empowered to contribute their best.
  • Communication: Strong verbal and written skills facilitate effective collaboration and negotiation. Clear and concise communication ensures that ideas are conveyed accurately and strengthens relationships with stakeholders and clients, fostering trust and mutual understanding.
  • Problem-Solving: Identifying challenges and implementing business growth and optimization strategies is key. Proficient problem-solving skills enable leaders to analyze complex issues, devise creative solutions, and foresee potential obstacles, allowing for proactive decision-making and fostering business resilience.
  • Financial Acumen: Understanding budgeting, financial statements, and economic trends aid decision-making. Proficiency in financial matters enables leaders to make informed and strategic choices, optimize resource allocation, and navigate market fluctuations, ensuring the financial health and stability of the organization.
  • Adaptability: Businesses often face dynamic environments; being adaptable ensures sustainability. Embracing change and adaptability allows leaders to navigate uncertainties, pivot strategies when necessary, and lead their teams through transitions, fostering resilience and maintaining competitiveness in evolving markets.

4. Creative Arts and Media

  • Creativity: The core skill in arts and media, enabling the generation of original ideas and content. It also involves finding innovative ways to express original ideas, often challenging conventions and sparking new trends in the creative field.
  • Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, video editing software, or musical instruments. Mastery of these tools not only facilitates the execution of creative ideas but also opens doors to exploring new creative possibilities and enhancing the quality of the final output.
  • Storytelling: Crafting compelling narratives is central in writing, film-making, and marketing. It involves weaving emotions, relatability, and intrigue into a narrative, creating an immersive experience that captivates the audience and leaves a lasting impact.
  • Critique Acceptance: Accepting and integrating feedback to refine and improve creative work. Embracing critique as a constructive tool allows creative individuals to evolve, polish their craft, and deliver work that resonates more effectively with their audience.
  • Marketing and Self-Promotion: Understanding how to present and promote creative work to a wider audience. Acquiring marketing skills helps reach the right audience, create visibility for creative endeavors, and leverage various platforms to showcase and gain recognition for one’s work.

5. Trades and Skilled Crafts

  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in trade skills such as plumbing, carpentry, or electrical work. Mastery of these crafts involves practical know-how and staying updated with evolving techniques and tools to deliver top-notch services or products.
  • Problem-Solving: Diagnosing issues and finding effective solutions are key to trades. Adaptability in troubleshooting different challenges and applying innovative methods ensures efficient problem resolution, contributing to customer satisfaction.
  • Safety Awareness: Adhering to safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries. Prioritizing safety safeguards oneself and promotes a secure working environment, demonstrating professionalism and reliability to clients and peers.
  • Attention to Detail: Precision is crucial for creating quality products and services. Attending meticulously to every aspect of a project, from measurements to finishing touches, ensures the delivery of high-quality and durable workmanship, elevating the reputation of tradespeople.
  • Customer Service: Building rapport with clients enhances business reputation and fosters repeat business. Exceptional customer service, including active listening, clear communication, and responsiveness, fosters trust and loyalty, leading to valuable referrals and long-term relationships.

6. Science and Research

  • Analytical Thinking: The ability to collect, interpret, and draw conclusions from data and experiments. It involves critical evaluation and the use of logic to analyze findings and make informed decisions in scientific inquiries.
  • Attention to Detail: Precise observation and record-keeping are vital in scientific research. Meticulous attention ensures accuracy in observations and documentation, laying a robust foundation for credible and replicable research outcomes.
  • Innovation: Developing new hypotheses, theories, or technologies to push the boundaries of knowledge. Innovating in scientific pursuits involves exploring novel ideas, methodologies, or technologies that expand scientific frontiers and contribute to advancements in various fields.
  • Collaboration: Working with peers on multidisciplinary projects enhances outcomes. Collaborative efforts allow for diverse perspectives, pooling expertise, and sharing resources, fostering comprehensive approaches that often lead to more impactful and holistic scientific solutions.
  • Ethics: Upholding ethical standards in research and experimentation is critical. Maintaining ethical integrity ensures the well-being of subjects, the accuracy of results, and the credibility of scientific endeavors, promoting trust and reliability in scientific practices.

7. Education and Academia

  • Subject Matter Expertise: Profound knowledge in the chosen teaching or research field. Mastery in the subject area enables educators to provide comprehensive insights, answer inquiries, and inspire intellectual curiosity among learners.
  • Communication: Effectively conveying complex concepts to students or peers. Clear and engaging communication fosters an inclusive learning environment, ensuring that information is accessible and comprehensible to all.
  • Patience: Guiding learners through challenges and ensuring comprehension. Patient guidance encourages a supportive atmosphere, allowing students the time and encouragement to grasp difficult concepts or overcome obstacles.
  • Curriculum Development: Designing engaging and relevant learning materials. Crafting curriculum content tailored to learners’ needs and interests enhances engagement and fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
  • Adaptability: Tailoring teaching methods to diverse learning styles. Flexibility in instructional approaches accommodates various learning preferences, ensuring every student can learn effectively and succeed.

It is said that prevention is better than cure. This adage should apply to your career, as well. The future is undetermined, and you can never know the direction it will take. But you can prepare for it and prevent going down a career path that is not part of the future job market. Ask yourself, “Will my job be one of the most demanding jobs in future?”

Picking the right career is a significant decision. In the last few years, we have seen how industry trends change and make some jobs obsolete while making some more valuable. That’s why it’s great that you’re learning about the possible best career options in the future. It will help you make an informed career choice. 

For stability and security, you should consider the most in demand jobs for the future, or you might be at a disadvantage later in life. Read our article on the top 10 best future careers and be future ready. 

We hope that you liked this article on the best career options for the next decade. If you have any questions or suggestions regarding this article, please let us know through the comments. We’d love to hear from you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will Artificial Intelligence take away my job in future?

Many people believe that artificial intelligence is going to make many of our job roles redundant and eliminate hundreds and millions of existing jobs. In this age of robots, as these machines become smarter and technologically superior, the fear created in our minds is quite logical. However, experts say that this fear is far from true – we shall not lose our jobs to AI. It must be remembered that while robots can make many jobs redundant, AI will also create many new kinds of jobs, some of which are yet to be invented. Ultimately AI is created by humans, so robots cannot throw us over completely.

2. What happens if global warming gets worse?

Global warming is pacing towards us faster than scientists had expected. The frequency and severity of storms have increased, and heat waves have reached unprecedented levels – and these are just the bare minimum effects of this dangerous phenomenon called global warming. Our world has already become 1.1 degrees Celsius hotter from 1850 to 1900. Unable to check global warming is set to pose a significant danger – the sea level is also rising, which can impact more than 1 billion people by 2050. There will be no ice left in the Arctic region as the world keeps warming. Crucial animal habitats will be gone, and more instances of severe flooding will be gone.

3. Will software programmers have their jobs in future?

The demand for software programmers has increased over the last decade or more. As technology keeps progressing and innovations prevail, software developers and engineers will always be in need no matter what. The advent of sophisticated technologies like virtual reality, the Internet of Things, self-driving cars, etc., also keeps demanding trained and expert software programmers to work on these systems and devices. Their jobs might change, and computer languages might evolve, but software developers will still be in demand.

Did you find this article helpful?

Kamal Jacob

Kamal is an experienced Online marketing consultant with a high degree of expertise in SEO, Web Analytics, Content/Technical planning and marketing.

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India’s Education Sector needs a new Avatar, a Contemporary Approach

5.18K+

India’s Education Sector needs a new Avatar, a Contemporary Approach

This article was originally published in Economic Times. Everyone seems to be talking about disruption. Like “startup” and “funding”, “disruption” has become a part of our daily parlance and evinces a strong sentiment among entrepreneurial enthusiasts. We are seeing disruption across sectors and levels, all of which is helping us in reimagining the world around us. Education, meanwhile, is crying out for disruption but is going unheard. It is a sector that is brimming with opportunities and waiting to be tapped with an innovative approach. The Need of the Hour The question is, are our institutions and universities imparting knowledge for a world that does not exist anymore in its old avatar? And are all of us, especially our youth, becoming smarter learners? The answer for both these questions is a resounding “yes”. The Idea Called UpGrad: Why Education is Serious Business India has the largest college-age population in the world — close to a staggering 125 million — but it is startling to know that less than one in five of them is doing their post-secondary education. This means only 20% of college-age youngsters are doing their higher education as opposed to 90% in the US. Will India be able to achieve its gross domestic product (GDP) growth targets at this rate? No. Will we need to double our participation rates in higher education in the next five-ten years? Yes Can pure offline, brick-and-mortar college and university models fill this massive gap? Again, the answer is obvious. Look at the challenges. One, it takes four-eight years to set up one campus/university and at its peak it could cater to 5,000-10,000 students. Two, we need to have enough trainers and teachers to feed into these facilities, many of them in remote areas or away from cities. Three, the cumulative outlay at scale for private or public-private partnership (PPP) models to cater to the entire college-going population will be nothing short of $100 billion. Four, over half of this 125 million youngsters, I believe, will have compulsions to take up a job very early in life for socio-economic reasons and may not have the flexibility to go back to college after that. In this scenario, online education can be the big disruptor for India. Of course, there will be myriad challenges, but it offers exponential solutions: it can reach the remotest parts of India, aggregate the best faculty as everyone from the offline world can participate with much less demand on their time and lastly our youth can stay in their jobs while continuing to learn. Kushagra Saran’s Journey while Impacting Education Disruption in online education can be the answer to the gigantic challenge that India, called the youngest nation in the world, is facing. If we do not create equal opportunities and access to the best learning/upskilling/upgrading centres for our ambitious and aspiring youth, our demographic dividend can turn into a demographic debt. Skill India too has a goal to train over 400 million people by 2022 and this audacious outreach can be achieved only by radical disruptive thinking and bold execution. However, online will not succeed if it simply copies traditional teaching methodology. Online education should be more focused on professional education and post-graduation as those demographics look for flexibility and augmentation. For early years and K-12, brick-and-mortar schools will continue to play a big role in the holistic development of the child and online education will only be a supplement. Five-Year Plans For online education to be disruptive and for it to succeed, education will have to be thought through as a digitalfirst medium. Technology will have to be integrated to create a superior learning experience on the online platform. Online education has to move away from being a glorified content library; it has to involve peer-to-peer discussions, alumni chats, group studies and more. It has to shed its reputation of providing isolated, individual learning platforms and evolve into a social platform where you are not learning alone but studying together with a lot of individuals. Let’s come to terms with a few things. In the 21st century, what we learn will have less and less relevance after five years and hence there is a need for constant upgrade. Convergence of new forms of learning will be the fuel for and engine of economic growth. Universities need to develop programmes that are linked closely with employer demands. Otherwise, the results will be disastrous: while job seekers overspend on education programmes that are less likely to result in ideal employment opportunities, employers will be hiring poor fits. We need to change the mindsets of multiple stakeholders — academia, companies, students, young professionals and, most important, families — because how we learn and who we learn from have transformed. Our dependence on experts and figures of authority has diminished while our ability to learn from each other has spiralled dramatically. All I can say is, I wish I was back in college today. If you like to have one-to-one with industry experts, networking with hundreds of entrepreneurs, and bag a seed funding to start your idea, check Leadership & Management program
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by Ronnie Screwvala

11 Mar'16
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Working Professional’s Need of Staying Relevant

Online education across segments and students population is emerging as a popular option for individuals. Across age groups, online education is getting adopted. A segment where we at UpGrad feel that online adoption will be rapid, is the working professional segment. And there are multiple reasons for the same – from their ability to pay, their willingness to move up in their career etc. In this piece I want to touch upon a key trend that we are targeting – changing requirements of the industry and the need to continuously upgrade for working professionals. To give an example, a few decades ago – a farmer’s son would be a farmer; a carpenter’s son would be a carpenter. Things changed over time, and a farmer’s son started becoming an engineer. And in today’s world, an engineer goes through 5+ career shifts in his/her career span. There’ll Be A Billion-Plus Job-Seekers By 2050, So Get Yourself Skilled NOW! Marketing is not the way it used to be 10 years back. Payment is not the way it used to be 5 years back. Data analysis has undergone drastic changes. And in this digital age, the rate of this change is going to further accelerate. Industry will evolve rapidly, and as working professionals, each one of us has to keep up with this changing requirement. Industry is not going to wait for the individual to get upskilled or upgraded, and a large part of the onus will lie with the individual. Further, the rate at which the needs of the industries are changing; our current university system is not able to cope up. Therefore, individuals have to look for alternate options to add relevant skills to their portfolio. This is where online education comes into the fore. Professionals today do not have the flexibility of leaving their jobs and going to a school to learn new skills. Online education platforms are great options for these professionals who are looking to continuously upgrade, while continuing to stay in their jobs. Unlike offline education, online medium provides the advantage of being able to update the program curriculum and content regularly, and keep it relevant to the industry needs. Online medium also allows real-life problems to come to working professionals learning, where an individual can actually live the real-life situations in the form of case studies. Top 10 Essential Tools For Startup Business in India In the digital age, each individual will have to continuously upskill himself/ herself to stay relevant, and that would provide a large opportunity for edtech startups to create scale platforms. EdTech startups will have to look for opportunities where there is a significant demand supply gap, and look at providing right education programs. The biggest challenge in this will be the ability of edtech startups to design the program content for digital medium, rather than replicate what is being covered in the offline programs. Taking advantage of the digital channel will be key here. So for all edtech startups, keep your ears on the ground, and look for areas and skills that will allow you to build scale learning platform.
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by Mayank Kumar

20 Apr'16
Google I/O 2016 – Day 1 | Recap

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Google I/O 2016 – Day 1 | Recap

The most awaited Google I/O 2016 Conference was filled with announcements about improvements in current products and launch of some new products. In this article, we have summarized the biggest announcements from Day 1 of the conference. Google Allo Allo is Google’s new messaging app with resident chatbot. It has features like whisper/shout, expressive stickers, smart replies- which evolve with time and wide range of bot support especially the Google Assistant search bot. One of the most important features of Allo is that all its chats are encrypted but incognito mode offers end-to-end encryption and an option to send messages that self-destruct. Additionally, once you close a chat, the entire conversation is deleted forever. Google Duo Duo is Google’s mobile only companion app for Allo that helps in video calling. One of its special feature is ‘Knock Knock’ which lets users see the incoming video call feed before even answering the call. So, the receiving party can see who’s calling and where they are before they even pick up the call. Google Assistant Google takes search to the next level. Google Assistant supports “conversational understanding” to make search more natural and to better support voice searches. Google Home Home is built on the Chromecast standard, which lets it push media to other Cast-compatible speakers and screens, change temperature or lighting through Nest devices, and integrate with third party services. The entire experience is hands-free, powered entirely by voice. In fact, it doesn’t even have any buttons. Simple voice commands will control every aspect of the Home. Android N Android N comes with new features that include more control over notification size from different apps and a new picture-in-picture mode. Android N uses a new API called Vulkan that lets developers directly control a phone’s GPU for sharper 3D graphics. Android N will also download and install system updates automatically. The name of Android N has not yet been released. It is going to be selected through a crowdsourced contest. Google Daydream Google has a new VR platform built on top of Android N, and the new VR platform is called Google Daydream. It is an optimized virtual reality platform that aims to standardize the mobile-based VR experience. It also spans both software and hardware; Its biggest limitation is that it will be available only in new phones with special sensors and screen. Android Wear 2.0 Android Wear 2.0 can function independently of a smartphone. Apps no longer need a connected smartphone in order to function. Apps can function and even communicate without a phone, as long as the wearable device is connected to the internet via cellular or Wi-Fi. Users can also make data from any app show up on any watch face. Instant Apps One of the most interesting announcement was google Instant Apps. With Instant Apps, users can begin using an app instantly from right within the Google Play store without even having to download and install the app. As we can see, Google has made some big moves in the three hottest areas of tech – virtual reality, messaging, and smart assistants. However it would be interesting to see how these new products will compete with their competitors and how much of market share would they capture after their launch.
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by Dilip Guru

19 May'16
There’ll Be A Billion-Plus Job-Seekers By 2050, So Get Yourself Skilled NOW

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There’ll Be A Billion-Plus Job-Seekers By 2050, So Get Yourself Skilled NOW

This isn’t just a catchy headline meant to shock you, though that would be a justified reaction. If you are 25 years old, have graduated from a reputed institute in a traditional higher education discipline and are looking for a job, you may not be handed one on a platter any time soon. You may be cushioned within the famous Indian demographic that is supposed to yield a “dividend”, but unlike what you’ve been reading everywhere, this does not guarantee you employment. Between 1980 to 2010, 90% of world labour force growth occurred in developing countries and about 500 million new workers emerged in India and China alone (workers went from 260 million to 470 million in India, between this period). India, along with other developing counterparts, is all set to fuel 60% of the global growth in labour in the upcoming years. Keep in mind that enrolment in Indian higher education is only 24% right now. With India attaining almost universal elementary education and increased retention in secondary schools, the projected demand for higher education and jobs thereafter, will only escalate. By 2050, India will be home to more than a billion job seekers. This means providing jobs for over 12 million new entrants annually. There is also the challenge of finding jobs for the backlog, which reached 60 million by 2014. So isn’t this good news? India finally placed on the world map with a solid advantage where labour supply is concerned. Well, it may not all be good news. The new-age job-seeker must strive to acquire specific skill sets to be considered employable. Currently, only 43% of Indian youth are considered fully employable. Indian millennials are being touted as the future of jobs and the saviours of the working world. But this won’t hold true if in-demand skills are not imparted to the youth entering the workforce. The world of work is changing and industries are transforming. It’s a fact that we are moving towards a massive labour pool, but we are possibly riding a low-skill, low-wage cycle to get there. The country is on a trajectory that involves a surplus of millions of low-skill workers, whereas most nations, including India, will be increasingly demanding a high-skill workforce. Impacting Education: My Journey and UpGrad Most industries are replacing low-skill jobs with high-skill ones. Skills relating to upcoming technologies like cloud computing, social media, artificial intelligence, robotics, nanotechnology, etc, are gaining immense relevance. Unfortunately, our education system is not preparing students well enough to enter the workforce as high-skill workers or equipping them with skills in the mentioned emerging domains. Gone are the days when just holding a graduate degree was enough to get employers to clamour to hire you. Education is not enough. The new-age job-seeker must strive to acquire specific skill sets to be considered employable. Currently, only 43% of Indian youth are considered fully employable. Gone are the days when just holding a graduate degree was enough to get employers to clamour to hire you. Education is not enough. The positive connotation associated with our demographic shift has been taken for granted and assigned the term “dividend.” But if we don’t strategically harness this change, we could very easily be faced with a demographic disaster. We don’t want to be stuck in a situation where we have too many job-seekers with inadequate skills, and therefore not enough jobs for them. India is moving workers out of farm jobs at a very fast rate, and this will only add to the burden of providing jobs in other sectors. We need a wake-up call and more concerted efforts towards large-scale skill development and training. We may have a situation of too few high-skill workers and not enough jobs for medium- or low-skill workers. This needs to be rectified by adjusting the education and skilling system to ready ourselves for the jobs of tomorrow. UpGrad develops various programs such as Digital Marketing Certification Program, and Product Management Certification Program in collaboration with IIIT Bangalore, specially designed for working professionals looking to up-skill themselves.  Check out the free courses.
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by Mayank Kumar

20 Jun'16
Only 25% Of Indian Graduates Are Employable, And The Solution Is Obvious

6.57K+

Only 25% Of Indian Graduates Are Employable, And The Solution Is Obvious

Co-authored by: Apoorva Shankar, Business Development Associate, UpGrad The world today has enhanced productivity requirements. Due to this, the demand for highly skilled labour is growing. China and India are set to drive this demand. Globally, the share of low-skill jobs is likely to decline from 74% of employment in 2010 to 62% by 2020. On the other hand, the shortage of highly skilled workers with a tertiary level of education is expected to reach 18 million by 2020, globally. But due to its demographic dividend, India will have a labour surplus of 47 million by 2020. However, this surplus may only be of low-skilled labour. And while the demand for highly skilled labour is increasing, the supply isn’t quite keeping up. The challenge, as well as opportunity, that India faces is how to train such a large reserve of labour and convert low skills to high skills. One solution that immediately comes to mind is providing higher education for all. But at present only 24% of those meant to be participating in higher education, are actually enrolled. Plus, traditional college or university pedagogy has been increasingly criticized for being outdated and irrelevant to the jobs market. If you attended school or college in India, you will have first-hand experience of the ills that plague the system. Some of the reasons for this are: Absence of a customized or personalized approach to education (necessary as different students have different needs and learning capabilities). Restricted resources due to not-for-profit nature of educational institutes and over-regulation. Lack of technology infrastructure. Poor teaching quality. Lack of skills-based learning. Low focus on research and development. Minimal partnerships with industry/foreign academia. Outdated curricula not reflecting requirements of a dynamic market environment. Skill-intensive industries are expected to contribute more than 90% of India’s GDP by 2030. The opportunity is staring at us in the face. Only about 25% of Indian graduates are considered employable by the organized sector. Further, 48% of Indian employers said they were having difficulty in filling jobs, in 2012. Despite employers expressing difficulty in finding employable candidates, in 2009-10 the unemployment rates in India were higher for those who were more educated (graduates had more difficulty finding jobs than secondary or primary level graduates). [b_color background=”#EDFF3D”] Also Read – Technology will surely kill some jobs, but not all of them [/b_color] So Indian education, in its current form, hasn’t proved to be enough training for the incoming workforce. The numbers also prove that just completing higher education in any field is not all it takes anymore. This pinch is being increasingly felt as the world of jobs is turning upside down; which is why we need skill training. Skill-intensive industries are expected to contribute more than 90% of India’s GDP by 2030. The opportunity is staring at us in the face. It’s not just about the potential but also the responsibility we are tasked with — restoring balance to the global supply of labour. The country needs to invest in skill development and training for a large chunk of its population. Exploiting sheer numbers is therefore one major reason to skill our workers. Secondly, the demand for advanced skill-sets in emerging areas is growing. Knowledge-intensive roles such as finance, business, etc, and those related to information technology and entrepreneurship are gaining momentum. The reality that these skills must be acquired will take root for more and more individuals, including drop-outs from the mainstream education system and those who have completed such education. Currently, the actual supply of these workers falls drastically short of matching growing demand. Hence, the gaps in domain knowledge are another reason to scale up the skilling. You are likely to be at a disadvantage, in terms of skill training and thereby employability, when compared to someone your age in China, USA, South Korea… In China about 47% of the workforce has received some kind of skill training, 52% in USA, 68% in UK, 75% in Germany, 80% in Japan and 96% in South Korea. Comparatively, only about 10% of the Indian workforce received such training in 2008. India is seventh in the category of countries facing maximum difficulty in filling jobs, i.e., 58% difficulty, where the global average is 38%. These figures reflect that just belonging to the young Indian demographic is not enough. You are likely to be at a disadvantage, in terms of skill training and thereby employability, when compared to someone your age in China, USA, South Korea etc. To address these imbalances, India needs unprecedented increase in both education and job creation. At this point, there is no guaranteed advantage for India in the contest for high-skill talent. It will be dependent on skilling. Considering the state of higher education and the skill upgrade required to be carried out in the future, the process will not just be about learning for professionals, but rather unlearning and re-learning.
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by Mayank Kumar

13 Jul'16
7 reasons to watch UpGrad Talks today

5.19K+

7 reasons to watch UpGrad Talks today

There is really no secret sauce for success. Provided you have had the opportunity to view the exclusive online tete-e-tete sessions brought to you by UpGrad Talks. With an amazing roster of world-class speakers, some from the top 1000 companies of India such as Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Sky, Coca Cola, JP Morgan, JWT to start-up poster children such as RedBus, Snadeal, Ola & Zivame and many more, Upgrad Talks provides insights into their formulae for success. The talks also share deep learning from situations that didn’t work out and many valuable nuggets of honest, down-to-earth and practical advice from successful entrepreneurs, experts and industry leaders. While some lip service has been paid to new-age technologies and skill sets, and the evolution of industries because of these, a deeper understanding of what this signifies is missing. Upgrad Talks intends to fill this gap by bringing together thought-leaders from different walks of life and raising the level of discourse in this area, as they share their experiences. Here are the top reasons why you must visit talks.upgrad.com today and make it your daily source of insights and motivation: Get Inspired Inspiration can come from many different sources. You may get inspired when you see a problem that needs a solution, which you are able to ideate, or get inspired when you hear stories of adversity being overcome by sheer willpower. Rarely does the simple existence of wealth inspire us. It may motivate us to work harder, but inspiration stems from a deeper place that needs real stories. Upgrad Talks are stories from the folks who have lived these stories, first hand. Not only does hearing someone’s complete story of challenges, thought process and subsequent outcome inspire, it also gives birth to new ideas and provides impetus to grow in your own space.  Moreover, inspiration also stems from well-put statements such as, ‘attitude will sail you through,’ by Harit Nagpal, CEO of Tata Sky. A key benefit of listening to industry leaders is that it also inspires us to think. ‘What we think, we become,’ is a quote by Buddha that sums up this well. Go ahead, face challenges It does not matter if you are a startup or an established financial organization; challenges, big or small, exist in every level of most businesses. Challenges faced, strategized and overcome is the rite of passage for almost everyone. Not only do Upgrad Talks cover challenges faced by leading industry veterans, it also covers it from various stages of businesses along with discussion of the solutions that helped overcome them. Upgrad Talks speakers’ discuss challenges faced by businesses in different spaces, which makes these talks an interesting listen. Furthermore, is quite motivating to hear the candid conversations of business leaders. So what is the common thought on challenges in the Upgrad Talks? No challenge is too big. It also strengthens the belief that challenges help you grow and become stronger and develops a sense of confidence to take on the next big challenge. Learn from influencers People who can motivate are great influencers. To hear success stories at Upgrad Talks, which have been driven by deep-rooted passion as well as courage of conviction can be a great influence on most people. It is likely to help you push yourself to greater heights and also follow your dreams a bit more diligently. To quote Snapdeal’s Kunal Bahl, ‘ there is a fine line between stubbornness and persistence.’ Upgrad Talks is likely to help you define the lines as an excellent selection of influencers talk also about the key soft skills required to make it a significant mark on the industry that you belong to. Mentoring As you listen to entrepreneurs, business leaders and experts on models that have worked, one can also start drawing parallels to one’s one business or profession. Mentoring of this kind is both subtle and effective as it helps you choose some key takeaways from the shared experiences that are most relevant to you. Follow the series to get premium access to the best mentors in the country as they talk about education, the emerging digital age and its impact on businesses, talent shortages and advice to youngsters. A bit of crystal gazing In the series of Upgrad Talks, one is likely to come across a vast amount of business knowledge which has been converted into digestible insights that can also help you choose the next steps in your career. Speakers’ at Upgrad Talks share their business mantras and what the future is likely to be.  This is crystal gazing of the finest variety and yet another reason to tune into the talks. A healthy dash of optimism One of the unique selling points of the Upgrad Talks is that they also brings out the combined optimism in business from key industry leaders. Apart from that one can learn what is next in the industry, and explore potential future opportunities in the workspace. The upbeat and positive nature of these talks makes them a must-listen. Easily available online Just in case you were wondering how far you would need to travel to listen to such a wide range of speakers, you can breath easy. Upgrad Talks are delivered online and you can listen to them at your own convenience. All you need to do is to long onto talks.upgrad.com and you can access high quality, pre-recorded sessions online. Upgrad is making content richer, bigger and better as it kicks off with 15+ talks delivered by entrepreneurs, experts & business leaders.  You definitely do not want to miss out on the educational transformation that UpGrad is fuelling in partnership with some of the greatest minds. Remember, one can never stop learning. So, if you always aspired to hear great advice and insights from the top Indian business leaders on how you can grow your business, choose a career goal or get inspired, do take a look at Upgrad Talks. They are truly the voices that impact. Join us today and be a part of it at talks.upgrad.com.
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by Omkar Pradhan

06 Aug'16
Evolving online education: Learning Together

5.36K+

Evolving online education: Learning Together

Technologies in online learning have been making promises since early 20th century. From radio to present day MOOCs,  multiple new technologies were seen as silver bullet in revolutionising education. These promises were indeed laudable, to make education accessible to everyone, affordable for everyone and more effective. Yet, the same history of unmet expectations has been repeated every time*. Although a lot has happened over the past decade in terms of growth and expansion of online education, there are many challenges yet to be solved before we can say online learning has truly arrived. We, at UpGrad, believe the following three challenges are the biggest hurdles to the success of online education. Isolation: Online learning is solitary experience   Acceptability: Online learning’s validity in the Job Market   Not Engaging: Interplay of distractions and motivations in learning online The dismally low completion rates and high failure rates are reflection of these challenges [1]. Our goal at UpGrad is to fight these challenges and provide an unmatched learning experience for the working professionals. We believe, with the flexibility of online learning, every working professional can “UpGrade” himself without going back to full-time formal education. Hence, we need to to make online learning mainstream. In this article we would be sharing how are setting the online learning as a ‘Social Experience’ for our students, ie the first of the three mentioned challenges. In 2000s, internet surfing was mainly an individual experience and on the other hand, in 2016 almost all of internet time is a social experience. We do not feel alone in 2016 version of internet. We believe online education will have much higher engagement and completion rates once it becomes a social experience. An average student’s e-learning journey is an individual experience making him/her feel isolated. Learners move through the course with limited interactions with both their instructor and classmates. We at UpGrad, are building a new learning platform specifically designed keeping our students and their needs in mind. We believe this would be key to provide the kind of engagement levels the students deserve. The perception of social presence (or lack of) is a big concern among students and teachers in online learning. Teachers develop courses in isolation and the students take the courses in isolation. Researchers have found strong correlation between the sense of social presence facilitated by the course and student’s perceived learning [3,4,5]. Also there is good re correlation between withdrawal in the course and student’s perceived lack of social interaction and instructor presence [3]. Lack of social interaction in e-learning increases the distraction, since a learner would look for social interaction elsewhere which is usually Twitter, Whatsapp or Facebook. If there is another learner doing the same course in my apartment building, there are limited chances that I would know about him. As learners of online courses, we are oblivious of everyone else’s presence except few replies on the discussion forum. They do form Facebook groups or Whatsapp groups organically, yet the whole online learning format ends up being mostly a solo experience. Here are the steps we are taking at UpGrad in making our online programs a social experience.: Profiles : The first step in ‘social’ e-learning is knowing your classmates. We have learner profiles with education and work history along with other details. Almost everyone is encouraged to fill in their full profile along with a descriptive ‘bio’ section. There are multiple points where learners are nudged to click on the profiles. To improve discoverability of relevant profiles we not only leverage cohort social graph but also use interest graph, performance graph, complementary skills graphs. Combined with other semi random** algorithms like who was recently online, learners bump into each other in interesting ways. In the first month of Data Analytics Program, an average engaged learner viewed peer profiles 110 times. Discussions: We have a discussion forum which is contextual and relevant to the course content. We designed it from the ground up to involve learners during the course. They help each other, solve doubts, ask questions, have healthy debates on the forum. Only when there is no consensus a Teaching Assistant gets involved in clearing the doubts. Last 3 months data shows that on a daily basis 50% of the students who are engaged on the platform, also engaged actively on the discussion forum. As most professionals have different backgrounds, sharing of experiences on the forum is much valuable to everyone in the cohort. We have seen learners fall into three buckets on the forum. First is the majority producers, the top 30% of forum content producers are responsible for around 70% of the discussions. The next 50% do the rest of 30% of the content but continue to voice their opinions through upvotes. Rest of the 20% are mere observers. These numbers are highly encouraging and we will be investing more time in finding out how student-student social interactions can help in overall engagement. Figure 1: Forum topic distribution in one of our programs. Share in the pie is (questions * votes) for each topic. Bigger share of the pie is a proxy for doubts. This lead us to start live sessions on those topics. Thought Leader AMAs: Initiating and maintaining engagement on the forum is hard. To set the ball rolling, we started the discussion forum for a new cohort with getting a thought leader to do an AMA on the platform. This way not only the students got a product onboarding experience but also the social expectation was set amongst the peers. In some months, the total content creation during AMAs ended up around 20% of the total cumulative content. We also observed a side benefit of starting the program with thought leader – that learners are more helpful, behave with more civility and show much more respect for each other. This is not very unusual because it is known that a group’s eventual social dynamics are very much impacted by behaviour in initial few days. In a way, it sets the trend which follows upto the end of the course. We also explored bringing in external motivations to see how does it impact on engagement levels. At times, there were small gifts for top forum contributors and at times we included forum participation in the grading. Our primary observations show that this is to be used cautiously. We are working on establishing a balance between extrinsic and intrinsic motivations for social involvement. Facebook Groups: For all cohorts we have Facebook groups for students apart from the platform discussion forum. We were not very confident how much our forum will be used for non academic discussions and generic social sharing. However, we found more and more discussions of generic nature and sharing of articles & blogs also started happening on the forum. Hence facebook group ended up becoming redundant. We are thinking of doing away with a cohort’s facebook group with this expanded use of discussion forum In summary, having a strong sense of community within the students is a big predictor of learning outcomes. This has been researched multiple times [7, 8]. Our platform’s usage data of course progress and social interaction activity strongly confirms this research. At a time, a learner who is socially engaged on our platform has usually completed 4 times (Figure 2) course materials than a learner who does not participate in social discussions. This high correlation has been repeated across multiple cohorts. Figure 2: At a snapshot of time course completion rates for learners active on forum vs non active. Apart from the student isolation e-learning content creators and facilitators tend to work in isolation, reflecting and sharing of best practices is minimal[6]. We at UpGrad are aware of this problem, and making sure different program teams collaborate and share solutions to common problems. We do not have complete solution to isolation in learning yet. We as a company are focussed on solving this problem, we are testing out few ideas and are willing to share the results with the community. With these changes we are expecting online learning experience to be more engaging, more involving and eventually pushing up the low completion rates of online learning. These are early days of online education and we have miles to go. Bibliography [1] http://collegequarterly.ca/2007-vol10-num03-summer/rolfe.html [2] Online Social Networks as Formal Learning Environments: Learner Experiences and Activities, The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, Vol 13, No 1 (2012) [3] Tello SF (2007). An analysis of student persistence in online education. International Journal of Information and Communication Technology Education [4] Herbert, M. (2006). Staying the course: A study in online student satisfaction and retention. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 9(4). [5] Morris, T. A. (2009). Anytime/anywhere online learning: Does it remove barriers for adult learners. In T.Kidd (Ed.), Online education and adult learning: New frontiers for teaching practices. Hershey, PA:IGI Global. [6] Duncan, H & Barnett J (2009) Learning to teach online. [7] Kaulback, B (2015). Learning Together : Community and Network from the perspective of designers of online learning. (Doctoral dissertation) [8] Bernard, R. M., Abrami, P. C., Borokhovski, E., Wade, C. A., Tamim, R. M., Surkes, M. A., & Bethel, E. C. (2009). A meta-analysis of three types of interaction treatments in distance education. Review of Educational Research, 79(3), 1243–1289.
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by Ankit Mittal

08 Aug'16
Skill deprivation: Education alone won’t guarantee a job, in-demand skills need of hour

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Skill deprivation: Education alone won’t guarantee a job, in-demand skills need of hour

If you are 25 years old, hold a degree in a traditional arts discipline from a well-regarded institute and are looking for a job, you may not be handed one on a platter any time soon. You may be cushioned within the famous Indian demographic that is supposed to yield a ‘dividend,’ but unlike what you’ve been reading everywhere, this does not guarantee you employment. Between 1980 to 2010, 90% of world labour force growth occurred in developing countries and about 500 million new workers emerged in India and China alone (workers went from 260 million to 470 million in India, between this period). India is all set to power most of global growth in labour in the coming years. Enrolment in Indian higher education is 24% right now. With India attaining almost universal elementary education, and increased retention in secondary schools, the projected demand for higher education and jobs will only escalate. India has finally been placed on the world map with a solid advantage where labour supply is concerned. Impacting Education: My Journey and UpGrad It’s not all good news though. Indian millennials are being touted as the future of jobs and the saviours of the working world. But this won’t hold true if in-demand skills are not imparted to the youth entering the workforce. The world of work is changing and industries are transforming. It’s a fact that we are moving towards a massive labour pool, but we are possibly riding a low-skill, low-wage cycle to get there. The country is on a trajectory that involves a surplus of millions of low-skill workers, whereas most nations, including India, will be demanding high-skill workers more and more. Most industries are replacing low-skill jobs with high-skill ones. Skills relating to upcoming technologies in advanced areas – think AI, robotics, data science and mining – are gaining immense relevance. Unfortunately, our education system is not preparing students well enough to enter the workforce as high-skill workers nor equipping them with skills in emerging domains. Curricula is outdated and pedagogy poorly-developed. Gone are the days when just holding a graduate degree was enough to get employers to clamour to hire you. Education is not enough. The new-age job-seeker must strive to acquire specific skill sets to be considered employable (currently only 43% of Indian youth are considered fully employable). This applies to all sectors of the economy, as most industries and businesses are adopting new-age technologies and going digital within most functions. There’ll Be A Billion-Plus Job-Seekers By 2050! The positive connotation associated with our demographic shift has been taken for granted and assigned the term ‘dividend.’ But if we don’t strategically harness this change, we could easily be faced with a demographic disaster. We don’t want to be stuck in a situation where we have too many job-seekers with inadequate skills, and therefore not enough jobs for them. India is moving workers out of farm jobs at a very fast rate, and this will only add to the burden of providing jobs in other sectors. Realising this, even the government has begun focusing on skill development and training. Creating an entirely new Ministry and launching the Skill India Mission are clear indications of this. Another sign that skill training is gaining momentum is reflected in the growth of the Indian education and skills industry at an average rate of 13% over four years. From Rs 1.21 trillion in 2008 to Rs 2.35 trillion in 2012. However, these measures have not been enough to successfully skill India’s young. Only 2% of the Indian workforce has received some kind of formal skills training so far, and 8% have received informal training. Comparatively, 47% of China’s workforce is skill trained, 52% in USA, 68% in UK, 75% in Germany, 80% in Japan and 96% in South Korea. Almost half of Indian employers find it difficult to fill jobs and a similar proportion of employed youth suffer from some degree of skill deprivation. By 2050, India will be home to more than a billion jobseekers. This means providing jobs for over 12 million new entrants annually. There is also the challenge of finding jobs for the backlog, which reached 60 million by 2014. The pace of accretion to the labour market will keep increasing, given our demographic profile and declining age-dependency ratio. Our working age population (15-64 years) will peak in 2050 and till then pressures for jobs will only become worse. We need a wake-up call and more concerted efforts towards large-scale skill development and training. We may have a situation of too few high-skill workers and not enough jobs for medium or low-skill workers. This needs to be rectified by adjusting the education and skilling system to ready ourselves for the jobs of tomorrow. Article Source: http://www.firstpost.com/business/skill-deprivation-education-alone-wont-guarantee-a-job-in-demand-skills-need-of-hour-3020568.html
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by Apoorva Shankar

08 Nov'16
Why The Growth Of Higher Education In India Hinges On The Private Sector

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Why The Growth Of Higher Education In India Hinges On The Private Sector

For the sake of simplicity, let’s say that the public sector’s role in education can be identified as a three-fold one. Firstly, it is tasked with universalizing access to education. Its next responsibility would be to regulate the sector and finally, to ensure quality education for all. In the context of the access provider role, estimates show that just in terms of physical infrastructure, more than a US $100 billion spends would be required in higher education alone, to double enrollment, from where it stands today (24%). Where regulation is concerned, bodies such as the University Grants Commission (UGC) and other higher education regulators are in-charge but leave much to be desired in terms of quality checks and monitoring, accreditation, etc. In fact, the UGC merely acts as a grants disbursing body now for universities and colleges, rather than a regulator. This is despite the fact that about 16% of the Ministry’s budget (2016-17) was allocated to UGC. Regarding quality, the government struggles to set standards and measure outcomes. Accreditation in the country is irregular and sub-optimal. In addition, unlike school education, where a certain level of learning outcomes may be gauged, this is difficult to do in higher education – especially assessing employability of a student post completing such education. So is there a role the government should prioritise? Further, because the government is entrusted with these roles, does it necessarily mean that they are its exclusive mandate? Or should the government act as an enabler and allow external participation if it means better execution and a higher success rate? The education and training industry is extremely large today and has strong further growth potential. With total educational spending of $2.7 trillion, the industry accounted for about 4.25% of the world’s GDP in 2010. In India alone, the spending on education and skilling has touched approximately Rs 74,000 crore. This may seem like a daunting figure but is still not sufficient. India spends about 4% of its GDP on all of education (about 1% on higher education), whereas globally the minimum recommended expenditure on education is 6% of GDP. Most of the public expenditure on higher education is used upon salaries and maintaining existing institutions, leaving very little to be spent on curriculum, research, and technology. However, spending on education still has enormous scaling to do and this is where the private sector comes in. Private players will have opportunities from rising demand in segments not well covered by the public education system (like adult education and vocational training). They bring in additional capital and are able to make huge investments, especially when government spending is insufficient and results in substantial infrastructure and investment deficit. For instance, the government had set a target of achieving a 30% enrolment ratio in higher education by 2020. The enrolment ratio currently is 24%. Judging by historical trends, and the current pace of rising enrolments, this target seems difficult to achieve. We may need a better, plan to succeed. Plus, the demand for higher education is only set to accelerate with growing population, higher enrolment as well as retention of students in schools. The private sector could play a crucial role in plugging these gaps and matching demand. In fact, it is already capturing the market in a big way, as can be seen in the adjacent graph. Enrolment in, and share of, private higher education institutions has surpassed that of government institutions (data as on 2013). Even the online education market in India expected to grow to US $40 billion by as soon as 2017. Unlike the education sector, which is legally mandated to operate on a not-for-profit basis, for-profit skill training institutes can be set up. This, coupled with initiatives of the National Skill Development Corporation, has encouraged the private sector to set up vocational training institutes. Corporate interest has also increased in the skill development space because of the benefits that accrue to businesses themselves, in the form of adequately trained manpower as a ready pool for future hiring. Majority of institutions offering professional disciplines are now in the private sector. There is a tendency of the public sector to view the private sector’s involvement in the education space with scepticism. But the private sector is necessary because of its ability to match industry demand for superior skilled manpower. It supplements infrastructure, facilities, technology and pedagogy and has an added advantage of escaping bureaucratic control and retaining autonomy to a large extent. Private players often collaborate with reputed international universities for faculty and other benefits which can be attractive to prospective students. They are also heavily investing in research-based education. As consumers of skilled manpower as well, the private sector is in a position to understand what type of skill training is to be imparted, and eventually benefit from it. This makes skill-training more efficient and effective. All three education-related roles of the government are equally important. However, while regulation should remain outside the purview of the private sector, nothing should stop them from assisting the public sector in maximising enrolments and improving quality of education. Public needs to work with private and create a level-playing field, in order to uplift the overall quality of education. Article Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.in/mayank-kumar/why-the-growth-of-higher-education-in-india-hinges-on-the-privat/
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by Apoorva Shankar

08 Nov'16