8 Best Career Options after BA: What to do After BA? [2024]

Updated on 15 May, 2024

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Best Career Options after BA

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In this article, you will learn the 20 Exciting Software Development Project Ideas & Topics. Take a glimpse below.

In this article, you will learn the 8 Best Career Options after BA. Take a glimpse below.

  1. Study Further in your Subject (MA)
  2. Become a Manager (MBA)
  3. Specialize in Business Analytics
  4. Become a Data Scientist (Diploma in Data Science)
  5. Learn Digital Marketing (PG Certification)
  6. Enter the Insurance Industry (Certification)
  7. Become a Lawyer (LLB)
  8. Journalism

Read the full article to know more about the career opportunities in detail.

Are you wondering what to pursue next after you’ve attained your BA degree? Keep reading!

Bachelor’s of Arts of BA is one of the most widely opted courses among learners. The program extends specializations like English, Geography, Political Science, Economics, History, Psychology, or Archaeology to further proceed on definite career paths. Since BA specializations can branch out to numerous career opportunities, it may easily confuse learners as after B.A. which course is best to seek successful in English Bachelor of Arts jobs.

In today’s article, we’ll look at some of the most prominent career options and learn after B.A. which course is best. If you are wondering top 10 courses after ba or career options after BA, you might get surprised to see some careers we’ve mentioned here, so read on and let us know what you think. Also, you can check out our digital marketing free courses which may help you strategise your career path.

What is a Bachelor of Arts (BA)?  

A bachelor’s degree in arts is a college or university degree offered in several topics. Every programme lets you major in a specific specialisation of your choice after covering the required general education courses in liberal arts and humanities subjects. 

Since you may obtain a B.A. degree in a wide number of areas other than what you might consider art, the name “arts” might be deceptive. For example, scope after BA can help you prepare for a profession in marketing, business, or healthcare administration. Read on to know after ba which course is best or things to do after BA or best course after graduation in arts.

How Do You Earn A Bachelor Of Arts Degree?

A bachelor’s degree in arts usually requires four years of study. You might choose to study part-time to prolong it. In order to provide you with a comprehensive foundation of knowledge, you typically devote the first two years of your education to completing coursework in a variety of areas, such as the social sciences, humanities, languages, mathematics, sciences, and fine arts. 

Your last years of study will be mostly devoted to your major’s coursework to learn better after B.A. which course is best. The lists of majors offered by various universities vary, so keep that in mind while selecting a university.

If you are interested in two different subjects, you might be able to double major in both or add a minor, which is a specialisation that takes less coursework than your major.

Scope of BA Degree  

After ba what can I do? The B.A. is one of the most diverse courses in terms of graduate chances for higher education as well as job opportunities or jobs after BA in a variety of industries. Depending on the B.A. specialisation chosen, the student will be able to seek what to do after ba graduation or jobs after graduation in arts in their sector or the appropriate course for subsequent study. A BA graduate’s options are highly diverse, whether they choose to work or further their studies.

Career Options after BA

1. Study Further in your Subject (MA)

One of the most popular career options after a BA is doing a Master of Arts. If you’re highly interested in a particular subject you studied, this might be an excellent choice for you. Master of Arts refers to postgraduate degrees, which BA graduates can join to pursue higher studies in their preferred areas.

To gain more proficiency in their fields and to broaden their career horizons, learners often go for a master’s degree in their choice of subject. It is one of the most preferred paths to consider after B.A. which course is best allowing students to navigate and explore other opportunities too. MA completion makes students eligible for doctorate programs. So, people interested in pursuing academic roles can opt for postgraduate studies.

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

What you can learn in this field

You’ll mainly learn about your chosen subjects in more detail. MA programs are perfect for those who want to study higher and enter doctorate programs or M.Phil. MA allows you to expand your knowledge of a specific domain and get more advanced options in those sectors. You can get a taste of business management through a mini-MBA by joining the Management Essentials program from upGrad.

For example, you can become a historian if you do a MA in History. On the other hand, if you want to become an economist, then you can get an MA in Economics.

An MA degree is also helpful when you want to become a teacher. These programmers make you specialized in a particular subject, so after completing them, you can become a teacher of that subject. However, you’ll need to appear for the NET/TET examination for that subject, too, if you want to teach at schools or colleges. However, if you wish to bounce to the marketing industry, you can join our digital marketing certificate program from MICA at upGrad and choose one or more specialisations, based on your interest.

Check out the Job Linked Online Digital Marketing Bootcamp program from upGrad.

Minimum Eligibility

To pursue a Masters of Arts, you only need to have a BA degree. Apart from that, different colleges have different eligibility criteria, so be sure to check it out before you apply anywhere. Almost all the major universities and colleges in India offer this program under various specializations like higher studies after BA Economics, making it one of the most sought-after choices among students and ending their confusion about after BA English which course is better.
BA student can get a job, leveraging skills in communication, critical thinking, and analysis. Opportunities exist in fields like marketing, education, administration, and more.

2. Become a Manager (MBA)

MBA refers to Masters of Business Administration. It’s one of the most popular career choices in India among candidates who keep asking questions like ‘Can BA student do MBA?’ after a graduate degree. The reason why so many people choose this path is because of the numerous career opportunities it opens up for them. In an MBA program, you’ll learn about solving business problems, which would allow you to become a competent manager. An MBA can help you in both public and private enterprises. Similarly, knowing how to solve problems related to businesses will help you in entrepreneurship as well. 

What you can learn in this field

MBA teaches you about management, administration, and organization. It shows you how you can solve complex problems a business faces in its daily life. For example, in our Global MBA program, you learn about Strategic Thinking, Integrated Business Strategies, Change Management, and many similar topics.

An MBA can open many doors for your career. You can pursue leadership opportunities in Business Development, Marketing, Human Resource Management, and Finance. The demand for MBA professionals is very high. Whether it’s startups or major corporations, everyone requires their services. 

Learn more: Top 5 Highest Paying Jobs for MBA Graduates in India

Minimum Eligibility

You need to give the Common Admission Test (CAT) to apply for MBA degrees in numerous colleges and universities. Your CAT Score determines which colleges you can enter. On the other hand, you can get a Global MBA Degree with upGrad. It requires you to have a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of work experience. 

Finished 12th and pondering over the future? Unveil the multitude of career options after 12th arts to find a path that resonates with your passion and skills.

Average Manager Salary

Source

Average Manger Salary Based on Cities

City Salary
Bangalore ₹ 16.6 Lakhs
New Delhi ₹ 16.0 Lakhs
Mumbai ₹ 16.0 Lakhs
Gurgaon ₹ 17.1 Lakhs
Hyderabad ₹ 16.3 Lakhs
Pune ₹ 16.5 Lakhs
Chennai ₹ 16.5 Lakhs

Source

How does experience affect Manager salary?

Source

Experience Salary
4 Year ₹ 10.9 Lakhs
5 Year ₹ 11.9 Lakhs
6 Year ₹ 12.6 Lakhs
7 Year ₹ 13.8 Lakhs
8 Year ₹ 14.6 Lakhs

Source

Manager salary based on industries

Industry Salary
Financial Services ₹12.4 Lakhs
IT Services & Consulting ₹20.7 Lakhs
Banking ₹11.1 Lakhs
Internet ₹17.7 Lakhs
Manufacturing ₹16.8 Lakhs

Source

3. Specialize in Business Analytics

If you’ve always taken an interest in using the latest technologies to solve day-to-day problems, then you can pursue a career in Business Analytics. Business analytics focuses on investigating and exploring past business performance to get insight and make plans accordingly. As the name suggests, business analytics professionals analyze problems and derive practical solutions. They use the data of past decisions, performance, and results to make better decisions for the future of the company.

What you can learn in this field

First of all, you’ll learn to use multiple tech solutions to solve business-related problems. You’ll learn about Tableau, MS Excel, MySQL, Python, and many similar technologies. To get the best learning experience, you can get an MBA with a specialization in Business Analytics. You’ll also learn about the applications of analytics in Marketing, Human Resources, Supply Chain, Machine Learning, and Core Management skills. With this knowledge, you can become a Growth Manager, Management Consultant, or bag leadership roles in Finance, Marketing, Sales, and Strategy roles.

Minimum Eligibility

For PG courses, you only need to have a Bachelor’s degree. However, for the MBA with specialization in Business Analytics, you need to have a minimum of 55% marks and 3+ years of professional work experience and a Bachelor’s degree.

Average Business Analytics Salary

Source
Average Business Analytics Salary Based on Cities

City Salary
New Delhi ₹ 5.8 Lakhs
Mumbai ₹ 11.9 Lakhs
Gurgaon ₹ 5.7 Lakhs
Hyderabad ₹ 5.8 Lakhs
Pune ₹ 6.1 Lakhs

Source
How does experience affect Business Analytics salary?

Source

Experience Salary
1 Year ₹ 6.2 Lakhs
2 Year ₹ 6.3 Lakhs
3 Year ₹ 6.5 Lakhs
4 Year ₹ 7.1 Lakhs
5 Year ₹ 11.0 Lakhs

Source
Business Analytics salary based on industries

Industry Salary
Financial Services ₹ 9.2 Lakhs
IT Services & Consulting ₹ 6.5 Lakhs
Software Product ₹6.8 Lakhs
Internet ₹5.8 Lakhs
Management Consulting ₹11.8 Lakhs

Source

Featured Program For you MBA From Golden Gate University.

4. Become a Data Scientist (Diploma in Data Science)

There’s a misconception among people that you need to have a Science degree or a tech-related degree to enter the field of data science. It’s wrong. You can become a data scientist with a BA degree too. You can get a Data Science course and embark on a new journey. Data Science is the field of using systems, algorithms, and scientific methods to extract insights from unstructured and structured data. It finds applications in data mining, big data, as well as deep learning.

What you can learn in this field

In our Data Science course, you learn about machine learning, predictive analysis, natural language processing, big data, and other relevant fields. With a diploma in Data Science, you can get a job in the tech sector. To become a data scientist, you’ll have to learn about many technologies such as Kera, MongoDB, Python, MS Excel, Hadoop, Tableau, and MySQL. 

At upGrad, we offer a Post Graduate Diploma in Data Science from IIIT Bangalore. Apart from IIIT Bangalore, we offer certification from NASSCOM as well. This way, you get to learn from the best instructors. 

Minimum Eligibility

To enroll in our Data Science course, you only need to have a Bachelor’s degree. You don’t need any prior experience in coding or technology. So, if you have a BA, you are eligible to join this course.
Average Data Scientist Salary

Source
Average 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

Source
How does experience affect Data Scientist salary?

Source

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

Source

Data Scientist 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

Source

You can also check out our free courses offered by upGrad in Management, Data Science, Machine Learning, Digital Marketing, and Technology. All of these courses have top-notch learning resources, weekly live lectures, industry assignments, and a certificate of course completion – all free of cost!

5. Learn Digital Marketing (PG Certification)

Our list of answers to ‘What to do after BA?’ would be incomplete if we don’t mention this field. 

Online businesses are growing at a rapid pace. Thanks to the advent of cheaper data packages and multiple startups, we have a thriving digital industry. The world has more than 4 billion internet users, which is a considerable number. 

If you’ve always been interested in becoming a part of this digital industry, you can become a digital marketer. Digital marketers help businesses and organizations in promoting their services online. Digital marketers help their clients better use online platforms to get more customers and grow their businesses there. It can be a great career option for you if you’re interested in the online industry. 

To become a digital marketer, you’ll have to take a PG course in digital marketing. After completing this course, you can choose from job roles like digital marketing executive, digital marketing manager, SEO executive, content writer, social media marketing expert, search engine marketer, and much more. 

What you can learn in this field

In our digital marketing course, you learn about SEO (Search Engine Optimization), SEM (Search Engine Marketing), Content Marketing, and Marketing Analytics. You’ll get to know how websites work, how social media platforms operate, and how you can leverage them. Digital marketers use many technologies, which you’ll learn about, such as Google Ads, HubSpot, WooRank, Facebook Ad Manager, and Google Analytics.

Minimum Eligibility

To enroll in our digital marketing course, you only need to have a Bachelor’s or equivalent degree. So if you have a BA degree, you are eligible to join our class and become a digital marketer.

Average Digital Marketing Salary

Source
Average Digital Marketing Manager Salary Based on Cities
 

City Salary
New Delhi ₹10.6 Lakh
Bangalore ₹13 Lakh
Mumbai ₹12.8 Lakh
Gurgaon ₹12.1 Lakh
Noida ₹8.9 Lakh
Hyderabad ₹11.1 Lakh
Pune ₹14.1 Lakh
Chennai ₹8.8 Lakh
Kolkata ₹8 Lakh

Source

How does experience affect Digital Marketing Manager salary?

Source

Experience Salary
2 Year ₹5.0 Lakh
3 Year ₹5.8 Lakh
4 Year ₹7.0 Lakh
6 Year ₹8.3 Lakh
8 Year ₹9.7 Lakh
10 Year ₹10.9 Lakh

Source

Digital Marketing Manger salary based on industries

Industry Salary
IT Services & Consulting ₹13.6 Lakh
Internet ₹13.5 Lakh
Financial Services ₹12.4 Lakh
Software Product ₹14.0 Lakh
Manufacturing ₹22.1 Lakh
Real Estate ₹10.8 Lakh
Healthcare ₹11.3 Lakh
Food Processing ₹13.2 Lakh
Retail ₹14.0 Lakh

Source

6. Enter the Insurance Industry (Certification)

The insurance industry is growing at a fast pace in India. And in dangerous times like these, people want to have financial backing for emergencies. If you’re a people person, then you can enter the insurance sector and kickstart your career. 

To enter this field, you can enroll in our PG Program in Life Insurance. It will provide you with a PG certificate, paid internship, and a full-time job with our partners. Your salary after completing the program can start from 2.5 LPA.  

What you can learn in this field

You get to learn about the Insurance Industry, sales skills, basics of financial services, Insurance products, and their regulations. It’s a great way to enter the financial sector. If you enroll in our course, you get a guaranteed role in HDFC’s front line sales team as a Business Development Manager, Corporate Agency Manager, or a Financial Planning Manager. 

Minimum Eligibility

The minimum eligibility to enroll in our life insurance course is a Bachelor’s degree at the start of the program, along with a minimum age of 21 years at its completion.

Average Insurance Manager Salary

Source
Average Insurance Manager Salary Based on Cities

City Salary
New Delhi ₹3.8 Lakh
Mumbai ₹3.5 Lakh
Bangalore ₹3.7 Lakh
Pune ₹3.4 Lakh
Chennai ₹3.6 Lakh
Gurgaon ₹4.9 Lakh
Hyderabad ₹4.4 Lakh
Kolkata ₹3.4 Lakh
Noida ₹3.5 Lakh

Source
How does experience affect Insurance Manager salary?

Source

Experience Salary
1 Year ₹2.8 Lakh
2 Year ₹3.1 Lakh
4 Year ₹3.7 Lakh
6 Year ₹4.0 Lakh
7 Year ₹4.2 Lakh
10 Year ₹5.0 Lakh
15+ Year ₹7.2 Lakh

Source
Insurance Manager salary based on industries

Industry Salary
Financial Services ₹3.8 Lakh
Automobile ₹3.4 Lakh
Manufacturing ₹3.3 Lakh
Insurance ₹3.8 Lakh
Internet ₹4.3 Lakh
Retail ₹5.3 Lakh
Healthcare ₹6.8 Lakh
Banking ₹4.9 Lakh
Power ₹12.2 Lakh
Food Processing ₹7.4 Lakh

Source

7. Become a Lawyer (LLB)

One of the most prevalent career options after BA is the law. Getting a Bachelor of Legislator Law (LLB) is imperative to become a lawyer in India. After you complete this course, you can practice as a lawyer. It’s a vast field for people who are interested in the judiciary. With an LLB, you can become a legal advisor for institutions and companies. You can also prepare for the Judicial Services Exam and become a judge, which is another popular career choice. 

What you can learn in this field

You’ll get to learn about how the judiciary works, the different components of India’s Constitution, and relevant topics. After getting an LLB, you can pursue advanced studies and specialize in a specific category of law such as criminal law, divorce laws, etc. 

Minimum Eligibility

Many major universities and colleges offer this program. To enroll in LLB, you’ll need to pass the respective admission test of the institute. If you want to join the prestigious National Law Universities, you’ll need to pass the cut-off in CLAT (Common Law Admission Test). You also need to have a Bachelor’s degree to enroll in LLB.

Average Lawyer Salary

Source
Average Lawyer Salary Based on Cities

City Salary
Bangalore ₹4.3 Lakhs
New Delhi ₹4.6 Lakhs
Mumbai ₹4.8 Lakhs
Hyderabad ₹4.5 Lakhs
Pune ₹4.5 Lakhs
Chennai ₹4.5 Lakhs
Noida ₹4.6 Lakhs
Gurgaon ₹4.7 Lakhs

Source
How does experience affect Lawyer salary?

Source

Experience Salary
1 Year ₹3.4 Lakh
2 Year ₹4.0 Lakh
4 Year ₹4.4 Lakh
6 Year ₹5.0 Lakh
8 Year ₹6.3 Lakh

Source
Lawyer salary based on industries

Industry Salary
Law Enforcement & Security ₹4.9 Lakh
Federal Agencies ₹5.3 Lakh
Financial Services ₹5.6 Lakh
Legal ₹4.7 Lakh
IT Services & Consulting ₹5.2 Lakh

Source

8. Journalism

Journalism is the most popular course available for students & one of the best courses after BAJournalism involves gathering information and presenting it using different means of mass media. Journalists cover news and raise other pertinent issues in written, spoken, and visual formats. They may choose a niche in terms of the industry (crime, politics, sports, entertainment, business, and finance), or focus on a specific medium (print, broadcast, or digital). 

A typical six-semester BA degree will serve as the foundation for your entry into the professional world. If you want to be a journalist, you should also try to gain some practical exposure in broadcasting, publishing, etc. Moreover, interacting with people from all walks of life will be a mainstay throughout your journalistic career. So, explore the different aspects of the occupation, gain new perspectives, and decide which option suits you the best. Higher studies after BA Economics is also a great option.

At upGrad, we have mentored thousands of students from across the globe for different courses and careers. Checkout our degree courses offered by upGrad in association with top universities for motivated students like you looking for state-of-the-art BBA courses after completing their 12th.
Average Journalist Salary

Source
Average Journalist Salary Based on Cities

City Salary
New Delhi ₹4.8 Lakh
Kolkata ₹5.1 Lakh
Mumbai ₹4.9 Lakh
Bangalore ₹6.0 Lakh
Hyderabad ₹2.5 Lakh
Noida ₹2.9 Lakh
Chennai ₹2.8 Lakh
Pune ₹4.1 Lakh

Source
How does experience affect Journalist salary?

Source

Experience Salary
1 Year ₹2.5 Lakh
3 Year ₹3.4 Lakh
4 Year ₹3.8 Lakh
6 Year ₹4.3 Lakh
10 Year ₹5.8 Lakh

Source
Journalist salary based on industries

Industry Salary
Media & Entertainment ₹5.0 Lakh
Printing & Publishing ₹3.5 Lakh
Broadcasting ₹3.3 Lakh
Internet ₹4.4 Lakh
Financial Services ₹3.4 Lakh
IT Services & Consulting ₹7.1 Lakh

Source

Job-oriented Certification and Diploma Courses

Instead of thinking, ‘Can I do MBA after BA?’ to land high-paying jobs, candidates interested in short-term courses to upskill can go for job-oriented certification and diploma courses after exploring Bachelor of Arts jobs. These span for 5-12 months and provide exceptional upskilling opportunities. 

The job-oriented part of these courses also helps candidates confused with questions like ‘can we do MBA after BA’, find lucrative opportunities in diverse fields right after course completion. Platforms like upGrad have many such certification courses equipping students with in-demand skills and providing immediate BA degree jobs. 

Advanced Certificate in Digital Marketing and Communication is one widely opted certification course from upGrad that has helped hundreds of students navigate their path and create a successful career in digital marketing.

Competitive Examinations

Besides applying for jobs for BA students, candidates can look for attractive opportunities working under the government through competitive government examinations. Major examinations demand BA as their basic eligibility criterion, so you can start preparing for career opportunities for BA degree jobs in sectors like railways, civil, administrative departments, and various other industries. 

Excelling through government examination in India is a dream and passion for thousands of youngsters. If you wish to serve the people by becoming a part of government institutions, preparing for competitive exams is your best bet. The only thing candidates must know is it demands exceptional dedication, commitment, and hard work. 

Human Resource Specialist 

The HR is one of the best options to pursue after BA. As an HR professional, the jobs after BA becomes much more wider as all the organisations require the human resource professionals to manage their day-to-day operations along with the organisation level operations. 

The career options after BA becomes many, from the HR Specialist, Talent Azqusition Specialist, etc. They are responsible for identifying the candidates who proves to be promising and bring success to the organisation. If you pursue HR, your career after ba becomes sky rocketing due to the many employers in the market as well.

Minimum Eligibility

The minimum eligibility to become a Human Resource Specialist typically includes a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field. Some positions may also require relevant experience or additional certifications.

Average Human Resource Specialist Salary

Source

Average Human Resource Specialist Salary Based on Cities

City Average Annual Salary
Bangalore ₹6.7 Lakhs
New Delhi ₹7.9 Lakhs
Mumbai ₹7.9 Lakhs
Hyderabad ₹7.4 Lakhs
Pune ₹8 Lakhs
Chennai ₹7.6 Lakhs
Kolkata ₹6.3 Lakhs

Specialisation in Cybersecurity 

The technology is advancing rapidly and so are the crimes related to the cyber world. There is a pertinent need for creating a strong cybersecurity in place. There are various information which gets safeguarded such as computers, networks, and data. This is what to do after BA if you are very much interested in the world of cyber security as this is the best courses after BA.

People who are wondering ‘What after BA?’, ‘After BA what we can do?’, ‘After BA which course is best?’ or ‘After BA what can I do?’ can be assured that you will succeed if you put your mind and efforts into doing  anything you choose.

P.G. Diploma Courses  

The top 10 courses after BA are as follows: –

  • P.G. Diploma in Management (PGDM)  

A sought-after postgraduate diploma program known as the Post Graduate Diploma in Management, or PGDM, delves into the intricacies of various management aspects and the business landscape. This management program is widely favoured by working professionals and students, as it equips them with critical thinking skills essential for addressing the challenges encountered in their daily work, academic pursuits, and other contexts.

The PGDM is a rigorous qualification ideally suited for individuals aspiring to build a career in management. Given the evolving nature of the world, the requirements of organisations, institutions, and enterprises undergo continual change. This dynamic landscape creates a substantial demand for individuals to fill roles as managers, leaders, functional heads, and specialists.

  • P.G. Diploma in Business Analytics (PGDBA)  

This is the best courses after BA. The Postgraduate Diploma in Business Analytics (PGDBA), a comprehensive two-year program, imparts a profound understanding of business analytics. It provides enrolled students with a unique combination of specialised knowledge in the field of analytics.

The PGDBA is structured to facilitate rapid learning, placing a primary focus on enhancing students’ proficiency in applying analytical skills. The central theme of the course revolves around the integration of business analytics with other informational resources. Given the rise of self-initiated businesses and enterprises, the PGDBA holds significant promise. Business analytics is in high demand as organisations seek assistance formulating and sustaining their growth objectives.

  • P.G. Diploma in Marketing  

This is another career options after BA. Marketing stands as the paramount element in every business, being the sole avenue to reach the intended target audience and generate revenue. The proper utilisation of marketing is indispensable for the prosperity of businesses. It is undeniably accurate to assert that within large organisations, marketing emerges as the most critical component. Substantial financial investments are made by major corporations to enlist industry specialists, ensuring the effective execution of marketing strategies.

  • P.G. Diploma in Fashion Designing  

Fashion design stands out as one of the most sought-after and imaginative professions globally, catering to individuals who relish exploring fashion trends, sketching patterns, and conceiving innovative ideas for the realm of style. If you’ve ever pondered the initiation of a career in fashion design, the first step involves enrolling in a foundational design certificate or degree program. This educational endeavour equips you with the intricacies of crafting clothing and garments, along with staying abreast of the latest trends in the industry.

  • P.G. Diploma in Finance  

Opting for a career after BA in finance presents one of the most financially rewarding choices, given its focus on the study of money, investments, risks, debit and credit, and market trends. The pursuit of increased profits and revenues is a common goal for every business, and professionals in financial management play a pivotal role in formulating and implementing effective financial strategies and policies. This field stands out as one of the top career options following a B.A. in economics, offering ample job opportunities for individuals with such qualifications.

  • P.G. Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA)  

Numerous computer applications courses, such as B.C.A., M.C.A., and Diploma programs, are available, providing a valuable edge in the tech industry. Among these, the Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) stands out as one of the most sought-after courses. Offered by many universities, PGDCA provides a fundamental comprehension of computers and various operating systems, ensuring that you stay current with the latest technology trends.

  • P.G. Diploma in Development Studies  

Emerging as an amalgamation of diverse multidisciplinary social science domains, the study of development gained prominence in the latter half of the 20th century as third-world nations endeavoured to establish themselves post-years of colonisation. This field of study places significant emphasis on analysing the transformations of countries from political, economic, cultural, socioeconomic, and geographical perspectives.

  • P.G. Diploma in Social Work  

The specialised degree known as a Masters in Social Work (M.S.W.) is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of society’s social and hierarchical structures. Upon completion of the course, students will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to assist those in need when learning after B.A. which course is best.

Career Options After B.A. Economics

The field of economics presents a diverse range of opportunities. Here are some of the leading career paths after B.A which course is best in economics:

  1. Economist: Economists examine economic issues and research trends, often finding employment in consulting firms, research organisations, and government agencies.
  2. Financial Analyst: Financial Analysts assess investment opportunities for both businesses and individuals. They typically work in banks, insurance companies, and mutual fund organisations.
  3. Data Analyst: Graduates with a background in economics, equipped with strong quantitative and analytical skills, excel in roles as data analysts.

Career Options after B.A Psychology

After earning a B.A. in Psychology, individuals encounter a multitude of career pathways. They may opt to pursue a master’s degree in Psychology to attain licensure as a psychologist or specialise in areas such as clinical psychology, counselling, or organisational psychology. Alternatively, avenues like research, human resources, or social services are available, as well as the option to further their education in related domains like neuroscience or forensic psychology. The field of psychology presents diverse opportunities for individuals to contribute significantly to improving people’s lives.

Career Options after B.A Sociology

Do you want to know after B.A which course is best? Completing a B.A. in Sociology gives individuals the opportunity to explore a range of career possibilities. They can engage in roles within social services, community development, human resources, or research. Additionally, there is the option of pursuing advanced studies in sociology or related fields like social work or public policy to delve deeper into specialised areas, thereby enhancing career prospects. Sociology graduates bring with them valuable analytical and critical thinking skills that are applicable to various professional domains.

Best Career Options after B.An L.L.B

Obtaining a B.A. L.L.B. degree can give individuals access to excellent career opportunities. They can embark on a career as lawyers, working in law firms, corporate legal departments, or as advisors. Alternatively, they may choose legal consulting, law enforcement, or judicial roles. Another avenue involves pursuing advanced education in specialised fields like international or intellectual property law. The combination of B.A. L.L.B. establishes a robust foundation for a successful career in the legal domain.

Career Options after B.A Arts

After achieving a B.A. in Arts, individuals find themselves with a broad spectrum of career possibilities. They can choose to enter professions in journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising, human resources, education, or social work. Moreover, there’s the option to explore entrepreneurship and creative industries or pursue advanced studies in specialised areas to enrich their expertise and enhance career prospects. The versatile skills acquired during a B.A. in Arts unlock diverse professional opportunities.

Career Options after B.A Geography Honours

After earning a B.A. Honours in Geography, individuals encounter a range of career possibilities. They can opt for careers as urban planners, environmental consultants, G.I.S. analysts, cartographers, or research analysts. Additional opportunities include roles in fields such as transportation, tourism, disaster management, or sustainability. The specialised knowledge gained through a geography honours program equips graduates with skills applicable to various industries and sectors.

Career Options after B.A History

If you are wondering after B.A which course is best upon attaining a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in History, individuals open up many career avenues. They can choose careers in education, research, journalism, museum curation, archival work, or heritage preservation. Other options encompass roles in publishing, writing, law, government services, and pursuing advanced studies in History or related disciplines. The critical thinking, research, and analytical skills acquired during a B.A. in History establish a robust foundation for various professional paths.

Choose Your Career Wisely

So, there you go – we tried our best to answer the question ‘What to do after BA?’

While you have an ocean of opportunities and jobs for BA students, don’t be overwhelmed. Instead, conduct a self-assessment to decide which pathway is the best for your career goals. There are many career opportunities available, and you should choose one according to your interests. 

For candidates still confused about their best-suited path, upGrad has career support and counseling services to narrow down your doubts and create a precise picture of what you can achieve with your skills. So, seek whatever help you require to assist you through this crucial process, as it is one of the most significant turning points in your career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the advantages of a BA degree?

A Bachelor of Arts degree equips you with certain transferable skills like critical thinking, research, and writing effectively. Having a BA degree opens up a lot of prospects in terms of the jobs you can do, and also the higher education you can pursue. If you are interested in research, you can specialise in a particular field of your choice by doing a PhD and take on research projects in the future.

2. How do you prepare yourself for a job after completing your BA degree?

The best way to not getting overwhelmed is to start looking and applying for jobs early. Explore various online platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and so on. Try not to focus on your earnings at your first job, but instead consider the kind of opportunities and network you will have access to. Try to build your network by getting in touch with people who work in the same field as you. Spend time working on your CV and keep a track of all your academic and personal endeavours. Don’t limit yourself and be open to learning new things.

3. Does higher education really matter?

Yes, having a postgraduate degree and/or a PhD can enhance your professional and personal life significantly. A whole new range of professional roles open up for you, and you can also look at a higher pay grade. The knowledge you have of your career field expands and deepens, while enabling you to find your niche within the same. Having a postgraduate degree is not just about improving your resume, but also about training you in the art of research and interpersonal skills.

4. Why should you pursue Business Analytics?

Businesses are becoming more and more popular every day, with an evident rise in the number of start-ups, small businesses, and independent ventures. Subsequently, this is a course that is seeing an increase in demand. The importance of learning business analytics will be visible to you if you plan on starting your own business avenue, or want to aid other businesses in improving their growth. This is a lucrative and highly beneficial career opportunity. As a Business Analyst, you will be able to assess and manage risks better, come up with strategies for recovery and profit-making, and also improve business performance. You can apply your knowledge in your personal life as well, as you learn more about the world of business.

5. What are the roles and responsibilities of a Data Scientist?

The role of a data scientist is to collect, analyse, and interpret data to address business problems, and build models to solve them. Another key role is using data visualisation techniques to present findings in a user-friendly and innovative way. Data scientists also help in discovering patterns and trends, and implementing machine learning algorithms. Part of their responsibilities is collaborating with other professionals, including engineers and product developers. At the basis of their jobs, data scientists make use of coding and tactics in computer programming to facilitate their duties.

6. What do you learn in a Journalism course?

Within journalism, you learn how to obtain information about current events and affairs, and then produce reports about the same. The many formats of journalism are newspapers, magazines, podcasts, websites, and television shows. You will learn how to conduct interviews and research, and other mediums of gathering data. Journalism degrees also focus on practical skills that are useful for fieldwork on the job. In terms of the courses that may be part of the syllabus, here are a few - mass communication, editing techniques, media laws, advertising, and so on.

7. What is the future after BA Programme?

After a BA Programme, graduates can pursue careers in diverse fields like media, education, and business or opt for higher studies such as MA, MBA, or professional certifications.

Did you find this article helpful?

Nitin Gurmukhani

There is no better service to society than helping voluntarily. Grammarly fan, random reader, and an avid learner.

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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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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