On this Saturday, an excellent seminar on ‘The Future is Exciting’ was organized by the Consulate of India in Dubai and Symbiosis International University Dubai in collaboration with the Indian Women in Dubai and the Services Export Promotion Council. It was a fantastic discussion between the students, parents and panellists. Celebrated Chef Sanjiv Kapoor gave insights into how a career in culinary arts at a point when nobody considered this as a career option, shaped his career and life. As an educationist, I am constantly engaged with the youth, and whenever I interact with them, I find them enthusiastic and excited but equally confused about their careers due to many choices.
When we were in high school, the options were so limited. Girls were expected to be doctors and boys engineers, and if you achieved those standards, you were said to have hit the mark. But over the years, I am so glad to see that the education landscape has become so vast, with innumerable opportunities that are not gender biased. Much of it is because of changing societal needs and technological advancements.
For example, with the abundance of data generated by businesses and individuals, there’s a growing demand for professionals who can analyze and derive insights from data, and therefore, there are courses in Data Sciences and Analytics. AI and ML are transforming the healthcare, finance, and transportation industries. Also, as cyber threats become more sophisticated, there’s a high demand for cybersecurity experts who can protect organizations’ digital assets and networks from cyberattacks.
In addition to technological advancements, humans have become conscious of their duties towards the environment. Professionals who can develop sustainable solutions, such as renewable energy technologies, green infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture practices, are in demand. The health and wellness industry is booming, with holistic health coaching, nutrition counseling, fitness training, and wellness entrepreneurship opportunities.
With the increasing popularity of online shopping and digital platforms, there’s a demand for professionals who can manage e-commerce businesses, conduct digital marketing campaigns, and optimize online sales channels.
During the seminar, the renowned Chef Sanjeev Kapoor spoke about the possibilities if one indulged in the study of Culinary Arts. There are a variety of careers in culinary arts, including Executive Chef, Sous Chef, Pastry Chef and Line Cook. For those who want to explore their creative side, there are options such as Food Stylist, Food Photographer, Food Writer/Editor, Culinary Instructor, Restaurant Manager or Caterer. The hospitality industry is also growing daily as people want to travel and explore; therefore, one could look at being a Hotel Manager, Event Planner, Concierge, Resort Manager, Cruise Ship Director, Sommelier or even a Guest Services Manager.
Studies in liberal arts equip individuals with a broad range of skills and knowledge that are highly transferable across various career fields. Liberal arts help develop critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. It hones the ability to communicate effectively and understand human behaviour which makes liberal arts graduates well-suited for careers in public relations, corporate communications, and media relations. Many liberal arts graduates are drawn to careers in non-profit organizations and advocacy groups, where they can apply their passion for social justice and community engagement. Liberal arts graduates often pursue careers in government, working for local, state, or federal agencies in policy analysis, public administration, and government relations. Liberal arts graduates may work in market research firms, advertising agencies, or corporate marketing departments as they develop the ability to analyze data, understand consumer behaviour, and communicate effectively are essential skills in marketing and market research roles. Besides these, there are several other choices you can explore.
However, for the sake of brevity, today’s choices are limitless, and this limitlessness makes the Future Exciting. To make a concerted choice, students should speak to professionals from the industry, students studying that discipline, and most importantly, identify their passion and not get pressured by peers or parents’ choices!
The future for you, today’s young people, is safe, thrilling and exciting!