Create your path

Don’t wait to complete college. Start a career right away

January 05, 2019 01:13 pm | Updated 01:13 pm IST

Current generations are unique in questioning the manner in which mundane systems work and routine habits inculcated. Some question the education system and why there are 12 grades in school. Why should someone who is eligible to vote, not be able to find a meaningful work opportunity after finishing school? Although, the answer cannot be concluded without a comprehensive discussion on the current capitalist modes of production, there are plenty of ways that unemployed youth can still find roles for themselves in the current economy straight after completing class XII.

The aim of all education is to prepare you to face the world, contribute to society and economic production. You can embark on this journey right away if you are very clear about your past performances and the things you are likely to enjoy doing as an employee. Others would require undergoing an aptitude test to identify and assess interests with affinities and map this combination with a viable career.

Almost every business organisation needs two compulsory departments — accounting and IT. Given the ubiquity of these functions, young candidates can directly earn expertise in these two fields through specific certifications that cover essential skill sets required for working knowledge and fulfil the role requirements of entry-level employees in fledgling companies and gain a foothold in the corporate ladder.

Accounting

Accounting is more than just numbers and calculations. It involves analysing and summarising financial records in combination with auditing and monotonous bookkeeping. It allows shareholders, investors, managers and tax authorities to gain insights into where the company is headed financially and provides the backbone for decision-making inputs in every other business function.

One can pursue chartered accountancy by undergoing the professional exam conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). After school, one is eligible to appear for the CPT (Chartered Accountancy Proficiency Test). You may also specialise in Cost Accountancy regulated by the Institute of Costs and Works Accountants of India (ICWA) or become a Company Secretary via the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI).

Banking

Banks are considered the backbone of the economies of developed nations as organisations and individuals regularly need credit to take advantage of new opportunities and drive growth. It also provide a great platform for young employees to understand how the economic machine works. Banks in India may be private or public, regional or national.

One may become a banker typically by passing examinations conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). Alternatively, one may opt to become bank tellers, marketing representatives, book keepers and so on by undergoing specific courses for these roles such as a diploma in Banking and Finance.

Finance

Careers in finance are distinct from pure accounting or banking professions because finance roles require considerable analytical skills to process financial statements as well as data points in both qualitative and quantitative terms. Being good at statistics is an essential requirement. Courses that cover both finance and accountancy are good starting points to gain entry to a corporate organisation.

Taxation

Compliance with the law is an essential function of any business and taxation is a job requirement that is constantly growing with greater numbers of start-ups emerging. Besides, laws for corporate entities such as the GST are significantly complex and are constantly changing.

This career demands a professional to constantly upgrade both knowledge and skill to remain relevant as well as add value to one’s qualifications.

For all these careers, obtaining a degree in commerce and a MBA are one way to gain entry. However, those are recommended for students who have scored 75% or more in class XII. You can begin by learning accounting concepts and the importance of business communication. Tally, Quickbooks, SAP or other ERP specialisations help in settling you into the practiced role of the staff accountant.

Sales and marketing

This is all about exhibiting a product and service in such a manner that they capture the attention of prospective buyers and create strategies to sell to the greatest number of buyers. To successfully sell a product in the market, it is vital that the sales and marketing department maximises its resources without wastage and knows how to close the deal.

Every organisation invests a considerable amount of money and resources to consolidate the sales and marketing department and sales and marketing personnel are given significant incentives, freedoms and perks to help them perform.

Starting a business

Being your own boss is a full-time job that requires discipline, pragmatism, careful consideration and weighing of risks. Nevertheless, there is no job more rewarding and gratifying than working for oneself. One doesn’t necessarily need to be older to be better at entrepreneurship. But one definitely needs to be different.

As a young innovator, you rely on instinct and what fits into your pattern of values, to make decisions. For this reason, young business owners are advised to build on current working knowledge. An open territory and new market will only work for you if you have the required skill sets to match demand. No industry is really free from competition and mediocre work will quickly lose its way in today’s dynamic world of work.

The autor is the Founder Chairman, ICA Edu Skills

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