Career guides

Careers students ask us about

For each one: what the job is, which stream to take after Class 10 and which entrance exams to plan for.

Engineering

Mechanical EngineerScience (PCM)Mechanical engineers design, build and test machines, from car engines and air conditioners to factory robots.ArchitectScience (PCM)Architects design buildings and the spaces around them, from homes to schools to airports.

Tech & AI

Software EngineerPCM, or any stream with MathsSoftware engineers write the code behind apps, websites and the systems companies run on.Data ScientistPCM, or any stream with MathsData scientists use data to answer business questions: which customers might leave, what to stock, where fraud is hiding.AI EngineerPCM, or any stream with MathsAI engineers build software that learns from data, such as chatbots, recommendation systems and tools that read images or speech.

Medicine

DoctorScience (PCB)A doctor finds out why a patient is unwell and decides how to treat them.PsychologistAny streamPsychologists study how people think, feel and behave, and help people with problems such as anxiety, low mood or stress.PharmacistScience (PCB or PCM)Pharmacists make sure people get the right medicine in the right dose, and know how to take it.NurseScience (PCB)Nurses look after patients through the day and night: giving medicines, checking how they are and noticing when something changes.PhysiotherapistScience (PCB)Physiotherapists help people move again after an injury, an operation, a stroke or long-term pain.BiotechnologistScience (PCB or PCM)Biotechnologists use cells, genes and microbes to make useful things: vaccines, medicines, better crops, cleaner fuels.Veterinary DoctorScience (PCB)Vets diagnose and treat animals, from pets to farm animals to wildlife.

Business

Chartered AccountantCommerce with MathsChartered accountants prepare, check and explain the accounts and taxes of companies and people.Hotel ManagerAny streamHotel managers run hotels and resorts: rooms, food, staff and guests.Digital MarketerCommerce or Arts/HumanitiesDigital marketers help businesses find customers online, through search, social media, email and ads.

Law & Government

Civil ServantAny streamCivil servants run the government: a district, a police force, an embassy or a ministry.LawyerArts/Humanities or CommerceLawyers advise people and companies on the law and represent them in court.

Creative & Media

Fashion DesignerAny streamFashion designers create clothes, accessories and footwear, from the first sketch to the finished piece.AnimatorAny streamAnimators and VFX artists bring characters, objects and scenes to life on screen, in films, cartoons, games and ads.

Defence & Space

Commercial PilotPhysics and MathsCommercial pilots fly passenger and cargo planes for airlines.Defence OfficerAny stream (PCM for Navy, Air Force)Defence officers lead soldiers, sailors or air warriors in the Army, Navy or Air Force.Merchant Navy OfficerScience (PCM)Merchant navy officers run the cargo ships and tankers that carry most of the world's trade.

Not sure where to start?

The free Career Sketch looks at your interests, personality and learning style, and shows the career that matches you best. It takes about 20 minutes.

Take the free Career Sketch

Choosing a stream? Compare all four in the Stream Matrix.