15+ Career Options After MA: What To Do After MA

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 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 MA Career Options

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. These MA career options are not only ideal for career stability but also reflect different career interests such as academia or media.

MA Career Options- Salary Overview

Let us now look at some of the most popular MA career options, 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.

1. Journalist

A Journalist investigates, collects, writes, reports, and publishes news stories for print media, broadcast or digital media. This profession requires a specific set of skills such as research skills, ethical judgments, communication talent, and ability to work under pressure to succeed. One of the essential qualities a journalist should possess is a strong “nose for news”. It is the ability to identify newsworthy elements through researching current issues, interviewing sources to gather accurate information. These data should also be thoroughly fact checked to avoid the spread of misinformation. Writing clear and concise content that focuses on informing the public about the status quo are some of the primary responsibilities of being a journalist.

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 4.2 Lakhs per annum

• News Anchor: Rs 21.5 Lakhs per annum

• News Editor: Rs 11.5 Lakhs per annum

• Photojournalist: Rs 3.4 lakhs per annum

(Salary source: Ambitionbox)

2. Assistant Professor

Assistant Professors work as entry-level academic staff in universities or colleges. Their core responsibilities include conducting academic research on their area of specialisation, developing course content, and teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students. These professionals are also expected to publish scholarly articles or papers, participate in academic conferences and contribute to the development of curriculum. Working as an assistant professor is a prestigious and respected position among the many MA career options. Students who are inclined towards teaching, education and research can undoubtedly go for this profession.

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 12.2 Lakhs per annum

• Adjunct Professor: Rs 8.8 Lakhs per annum

• Professor: Rs 16 lakhs per annum

(Salary source: Ambitionbox)

3. Columnist

A Columnist writes regular opinion pieces or feature articles for newspapers, magazines or digital publications. They are mainly responsible for sharing insights on current events, cultural happenings or niche topics based on their area of interest. A columnists build a loyal group of readership through their writings and by providing valuable information of public interest. They are invested in analysing particular topics in depth, they may also conduct interviews with experts, attend relevant conferences to create quality content. If you have strong writing skills, a strong understanding of social issues and a unique opinionated voice, this MA job opportunties can be the ideal choice for you.

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)

4. Photographer

A Photographer is a visual storyteller who captures events, people, places and moments through camera. Their work mainly includes planning photoshoots, gathering ideas to capture, using technical equipment, lighting, editing tools to produce high quality images. They focus on the visual appeal of images and meeting their client’s needs. For individuals seeking exciting and creative MA career options, photography is a great option.

Photographers can specialise in various areas of photography such as:

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)

5. Video Jockey (VJ)

A Video Jockey (VJ) is a media professional who hosts entertainment programs, music shows, celebrity interviews and live events on television or other digital platforms. It is one of the most fun and exciting after MA job opportunities perfect for those who love presenting, talking to the audience with confidence and keeping the energy high throughout the performance. While a formal degree is not mandatory a diploma certificate in media is beneficial to build a career around this role. Those with excellent communication skills, vibrant personality and ability to think and act on the moment during live programs can pursue a career as a VJ.

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)

6. Translator

A translator is a language specialist responsible for converting written text from one language to another while also maintaining the original meaning, tone and context. Their work includes translating various content, ensuring information is correct and appropriate for the readers, managing work schedules, and meeting deadlines. Translators can be employed in areas such as publishing houses, government agencies, embassies and multinational companies.

This is a profession that demands strong linguistic skills, attention to detail and sensitivity to cultural differences. For those students exploring best MA career options, translation is a valued and beneficial skill in the job market. This also leads to various MA job opportunities, specifically for graduates in languages, literature or mass communication.

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)

6. Psychologist

Psychologists are mental health professionals who assist, diagnose and treat mental health conditions using various forms of psychotherapy. These professionals conduct evaluations, provide consultation and develop treatment plans for the individuals who approached them to help with their stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns.

Psychologists can work in various fields such as hospitals, clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers, corporate offices and community organisations. Today, as we are more aware and focused on our mental well being, the scope of psychology as the best MA career options is rising. Empathetic individuals interested in mental health care can easily choose this career because it also offers numerous MA job opportunities that are financially and personally rewarding.

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)

7. Content Writer

A Content Writer is a professional who writes creative, engaging and informative articles for websites, blogs and social media platforms. Their work involves thorough research and understanding the target audience to produce clear, concise, relevant and SEO friendly content. Content writers often work closely with the marketing, designing and sales team to make sure their content aligns with the brand goals. With the boom in digital marketing the scope of this MA job opportunities is widening rapidly. Graduates with exceptional writing skills, communication abilities and an understanding of SEO can pursue this field. As one of the top MA career options, this role offers flexible working hours, remote working opportunities which makes it highly appealing to young aspiring professionals.

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)

8. Social Worker

A Social Worker is a trained professional who helps people and communities living in socially and economically challenging situations to lead better lives. These professionals provide ways in which people from underprivileged sections of society can equip themselves to overcome their difficulties. By offering counselling, legal and financial aid, developing recovery plans based on individual needs and helping with access to education and employment opportunities a social worker assists individuals in need. They work in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centres and Community development organisations. As one of the significant MA career opportunities, social work is suitable for empathetic persons with a mindset for positive social change.

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.