Think out-of-the-box

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Think out-of-the-box

Wednesday, 21 October 2020 | Dr Amrita Dass

Think  out-of-the-box

Liberal Arts is trending but there are a variety of subject combinations and specialisations creating confusion in the minds of the students. Dr Amrita Dass lists a few newage options that will offer lucrative options in the coming days

 In our new normal, volatile and unpredictable world, Liberal Arts is trending; there is an exponential digitisation of jobs post-COVID-19; and industries are increasingly relying on human empathy-driven AI interventions and creativity.

Today, there’s such a wide variety of subject combinations, specialisations and careers on offer that it is confusing not just for students but sometimes also for educators.

To add to this, the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages holistic multidisciplinary education, is set for implementation.

This is great news for students because to acquire the in-demand knowledge and skills for a successful career, interdisciplinary studies are highly recommended. With the implementation of NEP 2020, students will not only get to study the subjects of their choice and excel in them but also pursue their dream careers thereafter.

Let’s take a look at some of the newage specialisations.

Cognitive Science: Love to study both biology and psychology? This combination could yield many specialisations like  Cognitive Science. A scientific study of the human mind, this trending field combines the knowledge of psychology, computer science, linguistics, philosophy and neuroscience. There’s immense scope in AI systems that aim to mimic human thought processes. Such an expert can find job opportunities in the fields of education, psychology, artificial intelligence, data analysis, product design, marketing, research and consulting. The average salary in India ranges from Rs 4.5 lakh-Rs 9 lakh per annum and abroad it’s $72,000 per annum.

Behavioural Finance or Behavioural Economics: The impact of the complexities of human behaviour on both global and local market trends and the stock exchanges has led to the emergence of these fascinating fields. By studying psychology along with economics, finance, accountancy or maths, one can take informed decisions to maximise profits. Banking, finance, investment, planning, consulting, teaching and research are some major areas of employment. In India, Rs 9.6 lakh to Rs 15 lakh per annum is the expected salary (One-three years experience). The average salary abroad is approximately $82,000 per annum.

Molecular Gastronomy: Are you a gourmet who aspires to become a chef and has a deep interest in understanding the science behind flavours? Then Molecular Gastronomy could very well be your calling. A sub-discipline of food science, this specialisation is about the art and the science of flavours. Its focus is on gourmet cuisine and on providing a sublime gastronomical experience.

A basic understanding of the sciences along with undergrad studies in home science, food sciences or culinary arts is highly recommended. Job opportunities abound in the hotel, restaurant, catering and food industry, which is taking pride in alluring customers with new molecular gastronomy-oriented menus. The average salary would be the same as that of an Executive Chef of a leading hotel chain, — Rs 9 lakh per annum. The average salary abroad is around $55,000 per annum.

Genetics Law: Today, you don’t need to choose between a career as a legal expert and a bio-scientist. A degree in Genetics Law can take you beyond the lab to the courtroom.

An LLB qualification with a specialisation in Genetics Law will enable you to handle complex cases concerning disputes related to gene manipulation, intellectual property, environmental law and more. Employment opportunities are on the rise in law firms, research labs, government departments, hospitals, etc. The average salary, in India, ranges from Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 12 lakh p.a. Average salary abroad is approx. US $100,000 p.a.

Cliodynamics: This is a futuristic trans-disciplinary specialisation, which combines history and other social sciences with mathematics and statistics for a more accurate prediction of future trends. The demand for Cliodynamicists is slated to boom in our increasingly volatile and unpredictable world.

Research, teaching and consulting in private and government organisations as well as NGOs will be some of the major arenas of employment. Salaries will be in the top 10% bracket of various prestigious organisations.

The writer is founder-director, Institute for Career Studies

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