Career Options After MA: What To Do After MA

MA stands for Master of Arts, a two-year postgraduate degree in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts. Whether you are inclined towards English, History, Philosophy, Political Science or Sociology, an MA opens numerous academic and career opportunities in each field. This degree can be pursued as a full-time course, a part-time course, correspondence, or distance learning.

If you are wondering after MA, which course is best, you are not alone. This is a common query among many MA graduates seeking clarity on the next step forward. Whether pursuing higher studies or entering the job market, an MA is an excellent academic choice for young aspirants.

In this article, we will explore some of the common doubts of students, after MA, which course is best for career growth or higher studies and also explore various after MA job opportunities available in different sectors such as media, education, research and more.

Eligibility Criteria for MA

To secure admission for the MA course, the student must complete his/her undergraduate degree with a minimum of 55 per cent from a recognised university.

Skills Required for MA students

Building the relevant skills not only influences your academic performance but also boosts your chances of securing high-paying paying after MA job opportunities.

• Excellent communication skills

• Interpersonal skills

• Organizational skills

• Strategic planning

• Research and analytical skills

• Presentation skills

Entrance exams for MA

Some of the popular entrance exams for admission to MA programmes in India are listed below.

Master of Arts Specialisations

As the degree offers a wide range of specialisations, it is natural to wonder after MA which course is best. In the table given below, we have listed some of the popular specialisations available in India.

Top Career Options after MA

Many students often feel confused about “after MA job opportunities” and seek clarification on the future scope of the course. If you are one among them, the list below can help you explore some of the top career paths available after an MA degree.

Career Options after MA- Salary Overview

Let us now look at some of the most popular career options after MA, along with their average salary packages in India.

(Salary source: Ambitionbox)

Job Profiles After MA- Details and Skills

Let us now look at these job profiles that candidates can pursue after completing an MA degree.

Journalist

A Journalist investigates, collects, writes, reports, and publishes news stories for print media, broadcast or digital media. They require a specific set of skills to succeed in the field of journalism.

Journalist Skills:

• Must have Interviewing and interpersonal skills

• Strong communication and presentation skills

• Researching, reporting, and writing skills

Average Salaries based on the different roles:

• News Reporter: Rs 4.3 Lakhs per annum

• News Anchor: Rs 22.7 Lakhs per annum

• News Editor: Rs 11.3 Lakhs per annum

• Photojournalist: Rs 3.4 lakhs per annum

(Salary source: Ambitionbox)

Assistant Professor

Assistant Professors work as entry-level academic staff in universities or colleges. Their responsibilities include researching, developing course content, and teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Essential skills for Assistant Professors:

• Subject matter expertise

• Research and Teaching Skills

• Strong communication skills

• Time management

• Mentoring skills

Average Salaries based on the different roles:

• Associate Professor: Rs 12.1 Lakhs per annum

• Adjunct Professor: Rs 8.5 Lakhs per annum

• Professor: Rs 15.9 lakhs per annum

(Salary source: Ambitionbox)

Columnist

A Columnist writes regular opinion pieces or feature articles for newspapers, magazines or digital publications. They are mainly responsible for sharing insights, information of public interest and personal opinions with their readers. By analysing particular topics and providing suggestions, columnists build a dedicated readership for themselves.

Essential skills for a Columnist:

• Strong writing skills

• Research skills

• Creativity and critical thinking

• Niche expertise

Different types of Columnists:

• Advice Columnist

• Gossip Columnist

• Sports Columnist

• Sports Columnist

• Political Columnist

• Metropolitan Columnist

• Outdoors Columnist

Average Salary of a columnist: Rs 3 Lakhs

(Salary source: Ambitionbox)

Photographer

A Photographer is someone who captures events, people and scenes. Their work mainly includes photographing pictures and also editing them. Photographers can specialise in various areas of photography.

Different types of photography:

• Portrait and Lifestyle photography

• Travel and Event Photography

• Wedding Photography

• Fashion Photography

Average Salary of a Photographer: Rs 3.7 Lakhs

(Salary source: Ambitionbox)

Video Jockey(VJ)

A Video Jockey is someone who hosts entertainment and music programs. It is one of the most fun and exciting after MA job opportunities. This job role does not require a formal degree; a diploma certificate in media is sufficient.

Video Jockey Skills:

• Interpersonal and Networking Skills

• Lighting design and Animation skills

• Video editing and mixing skills

Average Salary of a Video Jockey: Rs 3.6 Lakhs per annum

(Salary source: Ambitionbox)

Translator

A translator is responsible for converting written text from one language to another. Their work includes translating, managing work schedules, and meeting deadlines and can be employed in publishing, embassies and multinational companies.

Translator Skills:

• Proficiency in two or more languages

• Communication and writing skills

• Computer-assisted translation (CAT) Tools

• Organizing skills

Average Salary of a translator: Rs 4.2 Lakhs per annum

(Salary source: Ambitionbox)

Psychologist

A Psychologist assists and treats mental health conditions using psychotherapy. They work in various fields such as Hospitals and clinics, schools, counselling centers, and community organisations.

Psychologist Skills:

• Must have communication and critical thinking ability

• Qualitative and quantitative research

• Must have skills of problem-solving and patience

• Organisational and emotional stability

Average Salary of a Psychologist: Rs 3.8 Lakhs per annum

(Salary source: Ambitionbox)

Content Writer

A Content Writer is a professional who writes creative, engaging and informative articles, blogs and social media content. Their work involves thorough research, target audience analysis and writing in a clear and concise manner.

Content Writer Skills:

• Research ability and SEO knowledge

• Creativity and originality

• Writing skills and grammar proficiency

Average Salary of a Content Writer: Rs 3.8 Lakhs per annum

(Salary source: Ambitionbox)

Social Worker

A Social Worker is a skilled professional who helps people and communities to lead better lives. They work in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centres and Community development organisations.

Social Worker Skills:

• Communication and active listening skills

• Leadership and critical thinking skills

• Organisational and problem-solving skills

• Emotional intelligence

• Empathy

Average Salary of a Social Worker: Rs 3 Lakhs per annum

(Salary source: Ambitionbox)

What To Do After MA: Choose The Right Career Path

An MA degree leads to a plethora of rewarding career opportunities in fields like media, education, writing, social work and psychology. If you are still wondering, after MA, which course is best for the future or exploring after MA job opportunities, this article will help you make a wise decision. There is no perfect recipe to build a successful career. The key to a satisfying career is in choosing the right career path that resonates with your interests and skills. With the right planning and dedication, your MA degree can lead you to the perfect and lucrative career journey.