1. Lawyer
  2. Fashion designer
  3. Graphic designer
  4. User experience (UX) designer
  5. Photographer
  6. Animations
  7. Hotel management
  8. Media & journalism
  9. Digital marketing
  10. Government services

What to do after completing 12th is one of the most common concerns for all the parents and students who are going to be sitting for their 12th boards.

It becomes an even more serious concern for Arts students in India to find the right arts stream career options that clicks with your passion.

If you are an arts student looking to choose a career option, here are 10 high salary courses after 12th humanities in India!

Lawyer

Legal assistance is one profile that will never lose job demand. To become a lawyer, you need to first clear an entrance test such as CLAT, LSAT and so on.

Next, a degree in Law takes about 5 years to complete, post which you can choose a field for your practice.Next, a degree in Law takes about 5 years to complete, post which you can choose a field for your practice. The educational roadmap typically includes:

  • Clear Entrance Exams: Prepare for entrance exams such as CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) or LSAT (Law School Admission Test) by studying relevant subjects and practicing mock tests.

  • Undergraduate Degree in Law: Pursue a Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB), which typically takes 5 years to complete. During this time, focus on building a strong foundation in various aspects of law.

  • Internships and Practical Experience: Gain practical experience through internships with law firms, legal aid organizations, or government agencies. This provides valuable hands-on experience and insights into different areas of law.

  • Specialization: Choose a specialization based on your interests and career goals. Popular options include Criminal Law, Corporate Law, Civil Litigation Law, Intellectual Property Law, etc.

  • Continuing Education and Certification: Consider pursuing additional certifications or advanced degrees such as Master of Laws (LLM) or specialized certifications in your chosen field to enhance your expertise and credibility.

The popular options for specialization are as follows:

  • Criminal law: This field deals with crimes like domestic violence, murder, or any such felonies.

  • Corporate law: Thie field of law has big corporate companies as clients and corporate lawyers deal with mergers, deal with allegations and so on.

  • Civil litigation law: Lawyers of this field deal with excise law and civil violations.

After serving your tenure as a lawyer, you can proceed to become a Judge as well. The basic starting salary of a lawyer is approximately 4.7 LPA and is subject to increment as you gain experience.

Fashion designer

If you are someone who has a flair for art/ just loves fashion, then this is the career for you.

Fashion changes quicker than the change of seasons, so fashion designer jobs require people who can think out of the box and are always abreast of the color palette and popular demands.

To embark on a career as a fashion designer, consider the following educational roadmap:

  • Develop Your Passion for Fashion: Cultivate your interest and passion for fashion by staying updated on the latest trends, exploring different styles, and honing your creative skills through drawing, sewing, and other artistic pursuits.

  • Research Fashion Designing Institutes: Research and identify reputable fashion designing institutes that offer comprehensive training programs. Look for institutes that are well-regarded in the industry and have a strong track record of producing successful designers.

  • Prepare for Entrance Exams: Many fashion designing institutes have separate entrance exams for admission. Research the entrance exam requirements and prepare accordingly. Practice sample questions, review study materials, and seek guidance from mentors or tutors if needed.

  • Apply for Admission: Once you're prepared, apply for admission to your chosen fashion designing institutes. Pay close attention to application deadlines and ensure that you fulfill all the necessary requirements, including submitting portfolios or attending interviews if required.

  • Undergo Training and Education: Upon admission, begin your formal training as a fashion enthusiast. Engage in coursework that covers various aspects of fashion design, including sketching, pattern-making, garment construction, textiles, and fashion history.

  • Gain Practical Experience: Seek opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, or part-time jobs in the fashion industry to gain practical experience and exposure to real-world design processes. This hands-on experience will complement your formal education and help you build a professional network.

  • Specialize and Build Your Portfolio: Explore different areas of fashion design and consider specializing in specific niches or styles that align with your interests and strengths. Continuously work on building your portfolio by showcasing your best work, projects, and creative concepts.

  • Stay Updated and Network: Stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and developments in the fashion industry. Attend fashion shows, exhibitions, workshops, and networking events to connect with industry professionals, mentors, and potential employers.

Fashion designing institutes also have separate entrance exams, clearing which your training as a fashion enthusiast will begin.

You can check out Shiksha.com for all the important dates and requirements for qualifying the entrance exams.

The starting salary of a fashion designer ranges between 4-7 LPA based on talent and exposure.

Graphic designer

Graphic designer jobs are another field with high demand in the job market. A graphic designer's job requires both creative and technical skills as their primary tasks include creating brochures, logos, websites, etc.

In order to become a graphic designer, you need to clear an entrance test like NID Entrance exam, Pearl Academy entrance exam, or IIAD Entrance exam.

To pursue a career as a graphic designer, follow this educational roadmap:

  • Develop Your Skills and Portfolio: Start by honing your artistic and technical skills in graphic design. Familiarize yourself with design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Practice creating various design projects to build a strong portfolio showcasing your abilities.

  • Research Design Institutes: Explore reputable design institutes that offer programs in graphic design. Look for institutes that provide comprehensive training in both traditional and digital design techniques, as well as opportunities for hands-on experience and portfolio development.

  • Prepare for Entrance Exams: Many design institutes require applicants to clear entrance exams for admission. Research the entrance exam requirements for institutes such as the National Institute of Design (NID), Pearl Academy, Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), etc. Prepare for these exams by studying relevant topics and practicing sample questions.

  • Apply for Admission: Once you've prepared for the entrance exams, apply for admission to your chosen design institutes. Pay attention to application deadlines and ensure that you fulfill all the necessary requirements, such as submitting portfolios or attending interviews if required.

  • Undergo Formal Training: Upon admission, undergo formal training in graphic design. Engage in coursework that covers various aspects of design theory, typography, color theory, layout design, and digital media. Take advantage of studio classes, workshops, and projects to enhance your practical skills.

  • Explore Specializations: During your studies, explore different specializations within graphic design to find your niche. Some common specializations include marketing & advertising graphic design, visual identity graphic design, user interface graphic design, publication graphic design, art & illustration, motion graphic design, packaging graphic design, and environmental graphic design.

  • Gain Practical Experience: Seek internships, freelance opportunities, or part-time jobs in graphic design to gain practical experience and exposure to real-world projects. Collaborate with clients, agencies, or design studios to expand your portfolio and network within the industry.

  • Stay Updated and Network: Stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and developments in graphic design by attending workshops, conferences, and industry events. Network with professionals in the field, join design communities, and seek mentorship to continue learning and growing as a graphic designer.

After graduating, you can choose from the following spectrum of graphic designing;

  • Marketing & advertising graphic design
  • Visual identity graphic design
  • User interface graphic design
  • Publication graphic design
  • Art & illustration
  • Motion graphic design
  • Packaging graphic design
  • Environmental graphic design

The average starting salary of a graphic designer in India is 3.7 LPA and increases depending on the skills and experience.

User experience (UX) designer

As stated above, one of the most popular career options amongst graphic designers is a UX designer job.

The tasks of a UX designer include performing usability testing, collaborating with the product team and clients, and also curating wireframes and sitemaps.

In addition to these tasks, a UX designer researches, creates sketches, and prototypes digital product experiences as per user experience requirements.

The average starting salary of a UX designer is approximately 7.1 LPA.

Here's an educational roadmap to pursue a career as a UX designer:

  • Understand UX Fundamentals: Start by gaining a solid understanding of UX principles, methodologies, and best practices. Familiarize yourself with concepts such as user research, information architecture, interaction design, and usability testing.

  • Develop Design Skills: Hone your design skills by practicing visual design, prototyping, and wireframing using tools like Adobe XD, Sketch, or Figma. Experiment with creating user flows, personas, and user journey maps to understand how users interact with digital products.

  • Learn UX Tools and Technologies: Stay updated on the latest UX tools and technologies used in the industry. Familiarize yourself with tools for prototyping, user testing, and collaboration, such as InVision, Axure RP, or UsabilityHub.

  • Enroll in UX Design Courses: Consider enrolling in online courses, workshops, or bootcamps that focus on UX design. Look for programs that offer comprehensive training in UX methodologies, hands-on projects, and mentorship from industry professionals.

  • Build Your Portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your UX design projects, including case studies, wireframes, prototypes, and usability testing results. Highlight your problem-solving skills, creativity, and ability to deliver impactful user experiences.

  • Gain Practical Experience: Seek internships, freelance projects, or entry-level positions in UX design to gain practical experience and build your portfolio. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, participate in design sprints, and work on real-world projects to enhance your skills.

  • Network and Collaborate: Network with other UX professionals, attend industry events, and join online communities to stay connected and exchange ideas. Collaborate with developers, product managers, and stakeholders to gain insights into the product development process and work collaboratively towards delivering user-centric solutions.

  • Continuously Improve: Stay curious and keep learning by staying updated on emerging trends, attending workshops, and seeking feedback on your work. Continuously strive to improve your skills, expand your knowledge, and adapt to the evolving landscape of UX design.

Photographer

If you love the art of photography, then a photography job is your calling. You can enroll in colleges with popular filmmaking courses as they provide training and knowledge of handling a camera.

Here's an educational roadmap to kickstart your journey as a photographer:

  • Develop Your Passion for Photography: Start by exploring different genres of photography and understanding what aspect of photography excites you the most. Experiment with different techniques, lighting conditions, and subjects to develop your unique style.

  • Enroll in Filmmaking Courses: Consider enrolling in colleges or institutes offering popular filmmaking courses. While these courses may primarily focus on filmmaking, they often include modules on photography, cinematography, and camera handling techniques. Look for programs that provide hands-on training with professional-grade equipment and opportunities to work on practical projects.

  • Learn the Basics of Photography: Familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of photography, including camera settings, exposure, composition, and lighting. Invest in a good quality camera and practice regularly to improve your skills.

  • Gain Practical Experience: Seek internships or assistant positions under professional photographers to gain practical experience and insights into the industry. Assist with photo shoots, learn from experienced professionals, and build your network within the photography community.

  • Build Your Portfolio: Start building a portfolio showcasing your best work across different genres of photography. Include a variety of images that demonstrate your technical skills, creativity, and ability to capture compelling visuals. Your portfolio will serve as a powerful tool to showcase your talent to potential clients or employers.

  • Specialize and Find Your Niche: Explore different genres of photography such as portrait photography, landscape photography, fashion photography, wildlife photography, etc. Identify your strengths and interests, and consider specializing in a niche that aligns with your passion and career goals.

  • Continuous Learning and Improvement: Photography is a continuously evolving field, so it's essential to stay updated on the latest trends, techniques, and technologies. Attend workshops, seminars, and photography exhibitions to learn from industry experts and expand your knowledge.

  • Market Yourself and Network: Develop a strong online presence by creating a professional website and showcasing your portfolio on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Network with fellow photographers, clients, and industry professionals to create opportunities for collaboration and career growth.

You can also start working as an intern under professional photographers to gain experience.

A photographer's average annual salary is 3.7 LPA and can go up to 7 LPA.

Animations

Content creators have the job market by storm, and the most in-demand ones are the visual content creator jobs.

Whether the gaming industry or films, VFX, Animators, illustrators, etc. animator jobs are always in high demand.

If you're passionate about creating visually stunning content, pursuing a career as an animator could be a perfect fit for you.In order to become one, you can enroll in a BA in Animation & Multimedia or BSc in Animation which is a 3-year course.

Here's an educational roadmap to help you get started:

  • Develop Your Creative Skills: Start by honing your artistic and creative skills. Experiment with drawing, digital painting, and storytelling to develop a strong foundation in visual storytelling.

  • Research Animation Programs: Explore colleges and institutes offering Bachelor's degree programs in Animation & Multimedia or related fields. Look for programs that provide comprehensive training in animation techniques, digital media, and storytelling principles.

  • Enroll in Animation Courses: Consider enrolling in a BA in Animation & Multimedia or BSc in Animation program, which typically spans over three years. During your studies, you'll learn essential skills such as character design, 3D modeling, texturing, rigging, animation principles, and compositing.

  • Gain Hands-on Experience: Take advantage of opportunities to gain hands-on experience through internships, projects, and workshops. Work on real-world animation projects, collaborate with peers, and learn from industry professionals to enhance your skills and portfolio.

  • Specialize in Your Area of Interest: Animation offers a wide range of specializations, including 2D animation, 3D animation, VFX (Visual Effects), character animation, motion graphics, and more. Identify your interests and strengths, and consider specializing in a niche that aligns with your career goals.

  • Build a Strong Portfolio: As you progress through your animation program, start building a portfolio showcasing your best work. Include a variety of projects that demonstrate your skills, creativity, and ability to bring characters and stories to life through animation.

  • Stay Updated on Industry Trends: Animation is a rapidly evolving field, so it's essential to stay updated on the latest tools, technologies, and trends. Follow industry blogs, attend conferences, and participate in online communities to stay informed and connected with the animation community.

  • Prepare for Entry into the Industry: As you near the completion of your animation program, start preparing for entry into the industry. Tailor your portfolio and resume to highlight your skills and accomplishments, network with professionals in the field, and apply for entry-level animator positions.

The basic average salary of a beginner Animator is 5.7 LPA.With dedication, continuous learning, and a strong portfolio, you can embark on a rewarding career in animation and contribute your creativity to various industries such as gaming, films, VFX, and more

Hotel management

If you are someone who is intrigued by hotel experiences or just loves cooking and wants to make a career out of it? Then Hotel management is the career option for you.

The major requirements for the field is to have good communication skills and a good personality because hotel management requires a lot of client-facing roles and how you present yourself and communicate with the guests reflects the brand's image.

Embarking on a career in hotel management involves a combination of education, practical experience, and personal skills. Here's an educational roadmap to help you pursue a career in this field:

  • Develop Your Interest and Skills: Start by cultivating your interest in hospitality and developing essential skills such as communication, interpersonal skills, organization, and problem-solving. Gain experience in customer service roles or part-time jobs in the hospitality industry to understand the demands of the profession.

  • Research Hotel Management Programs: Explore colleges and institutes offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses in hotel management. Look for programs accredited by recognized hospitality organizations and universities that offer comprehensive training in various aspects of hotel operations, management, and hospitality services.

  • Choose the Right Course: Decide whether you want to pursue a Bachelor's degree or a Postgraduate diploma in hotel management based on your career goals and educational background. Bachelor's degrees typically span over three to four years, while postgraduate diplomas may range from one to two years.

  • Enroll in a Hotel Management Program: Once you've identified suitable programs, apply for admission to the course of your choice. During your studies, you'll learn about various aspects of hotel operations, including front office management, housekeeping, food and beverage management, event planning, marketing, and finance.

  • Gain Practical Experience: Seek internships, externships, or industrial training opportunities at reputed hotels, resorts, or hospitality establishments to gain hands-on experience in hotel operations. Participate in rotational training programs to familiarize yourself with different departments and roles within a hotel.

  • Develop Your Professional Network: Network with industry professionals, alumni, and mentors to learn from their experiences and insights. Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops to stay updated on emerging trends and connect with potential employers or mentors in the hospitality industry.

  • Focus on Personal Development: Enhance your soft skills, including leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity, as these qualities are essential for success in the hospitality industry. Continuously seek opportunities for personal and professional development to stay competitive in the job market.

  • Prepare for Entry into the Industry: As you near the completion of your hotel management program, start preparing for entry into the industry. Update your resume, tailor your job applications to match the requirements of potential employers, and prepare for interviews to showcase your skills and suitability for the role.

A hotel management course has both Undergrad and Postgrad courses, for further information you can check out Shiksha.com.

The starting salary in hotel management is approximately between 7.3 LPA which only increases with experience and knowledge. You can find your dream hotel management job on Naukri.

Media & journalism

If you love writing and telling informative stories, then Journalism is your calling. Journalism can take various forms, including news reporting, feature writing, broadcasting, and digital journalism.

To become a journalist, you can either have a degree in English or enroll in a journalism & mass communication degree.

Here's an educational roadmap to help you pursue a career in journalism:

  • Develop Your Writing Skills: Start by honing your writing skills and cultivating a passion for storytelling. Practice writing articles, essays, and blog posts on topics that interest you. Focus on clarity, accuracy, and engaging storytelling techniques.

  • Research Journalism Programs: Explore colleges and universities offering degree programs in journalism and mass communication. Look for programs that provide a comprehensive curriculum covering topics such as news writing, media ethics, investigative reporting, multimedia storytelling, and digital journalism.

  • Choose the Right Course: Decide whether you want to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Journalism & Mass Communication or a related field. Alternatively, you can opt for a postgraduate diploma or degree program if you already have an undergraduate degree in another discipline.

  • Enroll in Journalism Programs: Once you've identified suitable programs, apply for admission to the course of your choice. During your studies, you'll learn about the principles and practices of journalism, media law and ethics, research methods, interviewing techniques, and news production.

  • Gain Practical Experience: Seek internships, freelance opportunities, or part-time jobs at media organizations, newspapers, magazines, or digital media outlets to gain hands-on experience in journalism. Use these opportunities to develop your reporting skills, build a portfolio of published work, and network with industry professionals.

  • Specialize in Your Area of Interest: Journalism offers a wide range of specializations, including print journalism, broadcast journalism, investigative journalism, photojournalism, data journalism, and multimedia journalism. Identify your interests and strengths, and consider specializing in a niche that aligns with your career goals.

  • Stay Updated on Industry Trends: Journalism is a dynamic field that is constantly evolving with new technologies and media platforms. Stay abreast of the latest trends, tools, and best practices in journalism by following industry blogs, attending workshops, and participating in professional development programs.

  • Prepare for Entry into the Industry: As you near the completion of your journalism program, start preparing for entry into the industry. Update your resume, create a professional portfolio showcasing your best work, and network with journalists, editors, and media professionals to explore job opportunities and internships.

The starting salary for a fresher in the field is approximately 4 LPA.

Digital marketing

With digital space gaining prominence, businesses are looking for professionals who can help brands reach their target audience. These professionals are called digital marketers.

Digital marketing can be of various types, email marketing, content marketing, social media marketing etc. You can enroll in any course and then move on to either an MBA degree with specialization in digital marketing or any other digital marketing course.

If you're interested in pursuing a career in digital marketing, here's an educational roadmap to guide you:

  • Develop Your Interest in Digital Marketing: Start by familiarizing yourself with the various aspects of digital marketing, including email marketing, content marketing, social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and more. Explore online resources, blogs, and courses to gain insights into the field.

  • Explore Digital Marketing Courses: Research and enroll in digital marketing courses offered by reputable online platforms, universities, or training institutes. Look for courses that cover a wide range of topics, provide hands-on experience with industry tools and platforms, and offer certifications upon completion.

  • Gain Practical Experience: Apply your knowledge by working on real-world digital marketing projects. Seek internships, freelance opportunities, or entry-level positions at digital marketing agencies, startups, or in-house marketing teams to gain hands-on experience and build your portfolio.

  • Specialize and Upskill: Digital marketing encompasses various specialties, such as social media marketing, content marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing, digital analytics, and more. Identify your interests and strengths, and consider specializing in a niche that aligns with your career goals. Continuously upskill yourself by staying updated on the latest trends, tools, and best practices in digital marketing.

  • Consider Higher Education: If you're looking to advance your career or specialize further, consider pursuing higher education in digital marketing. Options include pursuing an MBA with a specialization in digital marketing or enrolling in advanced digital marketing courses or certification programs offered by universities or professional organizations.

  • Network and Learn from Industry Experts: Attend digital marketing events, webinars, workshops, and conferences to network with industry professionals, learn from experts, and stay updated on emerging trends and technologies in the field. Join digital marketing communities, participate in online forums, and seek mentorship opportunities to connect with peers and industry leaders.

  • Build Your Personal Brand: Showcase your expertise and experience in digital marketing by creating a strong personal brand. Develop a professional website or blog, build a strong presence on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, and actively contribute to relevant discussions and communities to establish yourself as a thought leader in the field.

  • Prepare for Entry into the Industry: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills, experience, and achievements in digital marketing. Prepare for job interviews by researching potential employers, practicing common interview questions, and demonstrating your passion for and knowledge of digital marketing during the interview process.

You can find out more about it on Naukri Learning.

On average, the fresher salary of a digital marketer is 4.9 LPA which increases as per experience and how well you upskill yourself.

Government services

Government services such as the Civil services are one of the most popular options amongst Arts students.

Considered one of the toughest exams to crack, you need to have a thorough knowledge of not just your undergrad and postgrad Honours subjects but also your school subjects.

You will find other important information on the UPSC official website. The starting salary of a Civil servant is 6 LPA along with other benefits.

Hope you find these suggestions of the best jobs for arts students useful. Find your calling first instead of following herd mentality as the will to perform better naturally increases when you make your passion into a career.

All the Best!

FAQs:

  1. What career options are available for Arts students?
    Arts students have a diverse range of career options available to them, including roles in fields such as journalism, advertising, public relations, marketing, social media management, teaching, human resources, event planning, content writing, and graphic design, among others.

The skills developed during an Arts education, such as critical thinking, communication, creativity, and problem-solving, are highly valued across various industries.

  1. What are some high-demand jobs for Arts graduates?
    Some high-demand jobs for Arts graduates include digital marketing specialist, content writer or editor, social media manager, public relations specialist, market researcher, human resources assistant, graphic designer, event coordinator, and language translator.

These roles often require strong communication skills, creativity, and the ability to adapt to changing trends and technologies.

  1. Do Arts students need additional skills or certifications to succeed in their chosen careers?
    While a degree in Arts provides a strong foundation, Arts students may benefit from acquiring additional skills or certifications to enhance their employability.

Depending on their career goals, Arts students may consider gaining proficiency in digital marketing tools, graphic design software, content management systems, data analysis tools, foreign languages, or obtaining certifications in relevant areas such as Google Analytics, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.

  1. How can Arts students leverage their education and skills in the job market?
    Arts students can leverage their education and skills in the job market by showcasing their abilities effectively through their resumes, cover letters, portfolios, and professional networking profiles.

They can highlight their critical thinking skills, research abilities, communication skills, and creativity gained through their Arts education. Additionally, Arts students can gain practical experience through internships, volunteer work, freelance projects, or extracurricular activities relevant to their chosen career paths.

Networking with professionals in their desired industries and staying informed about industry trends and developments can also help Arts students secure rewarding job opportunities.

Career Advice Freshers