By Dr Amrita Dass, Founder Director – ICS, Educationist & Career Consultant
- Can I study biology and psychology together?
- Liberal Arts is trending these days. What sort of career prospects does it offer?
- What courses should I pursue to become a chef?
These are some of the questions that students ask now days. And, it is not surprising considering the wide variety of subject combinations, specializations and careers on offer, which can be confusing. The recently announced New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, encourages holistic multidisciplinary education.
This is good news for students because to acquire ‘in demand’ knowledge and skills for a successful career, interdisciplinary studies are highly recommended. Moreover, students will not only get to study the subjects of their choice and excel in them but also pursue their dream jobs thereafter.
Some of the upcoming specializations are:
1) Cliodynamics 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 rapidly in an increasingly volatile and unpredictable world. Research, teaching and consulting in all fields would be the key areas of employment with salaries in the top 10% bracket of various prestigious organisations.
2) Behavioural Finance/ Behavioural Economics – These fascinating fields have emerged owing to the strong influence of the complexities of human behavior in impacting both global and local market trends as well as the ups and downs of stocks and shares. 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 p.a. is the expected salary (1-3 years). The average salary abroad is approximately US $82,000.
3) Genetics Law – A bioscience degree can take one beyond the lab to the courtroom! An LLB qualification with a specialization in Genetics Law will enable one to handle complex cases concerning disputes relating to gene manipulation, intellectual property, environmental law, etc. 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.
4) Cognitive Science is a scientific study of the human mind. It is a highly ‘in demand’ field combining the knowledge of psychology, computer science, linguistics, philosophy and neuroscience. There’s immense scope for cognitive science in AI systems that aim to mimic human thought processes. As an expert in this field one can opt for wide-ranging job opportunities in the fields of education, psychology, AI, data analysis, product design, marketing, research and consulting. The average salary, in India, ranges from Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 9 lakh p.a. While abroad it is approx. US $72,000 p.a
5) Molecular Gastronomy – A sub-discipline of food science, this specialization is all about the art and science of flavor. Its focus is on gourmet cuisine with the objective of 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 industry, which are taking pride in introducing restaurants that specialize in molecular gastronomy. The average salary of a Molecular Gastronomist in India would be the same as that of an Executive Chef of a leading hotel chain, i.e. Rs 9 lakh p.a. The average salary abroad is approx. US $55,000 p.a.
