Making Informed Career Choices in a Changing World

In a world where emerging technologies are reshaping industries at an unprecedented speed, career choices demand foresight, adaptability, and relentless skill development. Traditional career paths are rapidly evolving, making it essential to align professional aspirations with future-proof skills such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, digital marketing, and sustainable development.

For women, this transformation brings both opportunities and obstacles. Deep-seated societal biases, limited access to mentorship, and work-life balance challenges often hinder professional growth. However, mastering in-demand technical and soft skills can dismantle these barriers and position women as industry leaders. Online certifications, upskilling programs, and mentorship networks serve as powerful tools to bridge the knowledge gap and provide global exposure.

Beyond skill acquisition, a growth mindset, strategic networking, and leveraging digital platforms for visibility can be game changers. Women should actively explore careers in high-growth sectors such as fintech, cybersecurity, and clean energy, where inclusivity is gradually gaining traction.

Ultimately, success in this ever-evolving landscape hinges on resilience, continuous learning, and the courage to challenge outdated norms. By making informed career decisions and investing in the right skill sets, women can not only thrive in a tech-driven future but also shape it into a more inclusive and equitable ecosystem.

In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Manvee Bansal, Founder & Director of Career Width, unpacks the profound impact of technology and innovation on career opportunities. She highlights the key challenges women face when selecting careers, dissects the structural barriers to workplace inclusivity, and offers invaluable advice to young girls on making informed career choices. Here are the most compelling insights from her conversation.

Q: In today’s fast-evolving landscape, technology is reshaping careers across industries. How are emerging innovations influencing career opportunities, and what key trends are defining the current job market?

A: Opportunities abound today, yet a critical gap persists—lack of awareness. Fields like AI, computer science, and data science offer numerous job openings, including roles for professionals adept at leveraging AI tools. However, many remain unaware of these prospects.

In a recent survey of 800 women, we discovered a startling lack of awareness about available career paths. Digital marketing, content writing, and even executive and personal assistant roles present significant opportunities, yet they remain largely overlooked. While many aspire to prestigious positions like IAS officers through UPSC, it is equally vital to take a data-driven approach to career planning.

Instead of blindly following trends—such as reading about AI in the news and immediately enrolling in a course—individuals should first assess industry demands, identify their strengths, and make informed career choices. With 22,000 career options available, selecting the right path must be a thoughtful and strategic decision, not one based on hearsay.

Q: What key challenges do women face in career selection, and how do societal norms and other barriers impact their professional growth? Can you shed light on these obstacles and potential solutions?

A: Education remains a challenge in rural areas. In urban cities, parents are increasingly educating their daughters, but the real issue extends beyond schooling. The real gap lies in translating education into employment. This is where career counselling becomes crucial.

Many women struggle with deeply ingrained gender roles and stereotypes, but these barriers exist largely in the mind. Breaking them is essential. We must shift the focus from merely earning degrees to acquiring the right skills for employment.

Recently, we worked with women from NCWEB—students pursuing master’s degrees in philosophy and mathematics—yet many remain uncertain about their career paths. The real challenge lies in helping them identify the right skill set to enter the workforce. Instead of fixating on degrees, individuals must prioritize skills. Identify the expertise required for the industry you want to enter, develop those skills, and move forward with purpose.

Q: What are the key challenges women face in achieving inclusivity in the workforce, and how do these barriers impact their job opportunities in the country?

A: Adobe has set a powerful precedent by achieving a 50-50 gender balance in its workforce. More companies are now introducing inclusive policies, signalling progress. However, deep-rooted stereotypes persist, especially in fields like engineering and other male-dominated industries.

Representation remains alarmingly low—only 14% in the Lok Sabha, a stark imbalance that reflects broader societal barriers. To bridge this gap, we must first create an environment where women are not just accepted but empowered. The narrative must also shift. Leadership is often equated with dominance and aggression, sidelining the strengths women bring—collaboration, nurturing, and sustainable problem-solving. Addressing this mindset is crucial to fostering real change.

Q: What advice would you give to young girls aspiring for higher education when it comes to making informed career choices?

A: Certain skills are absolutely essential, and financial literacy tops the list. Everyone, regardless of their field—whether computer science, engineering, business, economics, history, or English—must understand financial trading, investing, and wealth management. Mastering these skills ensures financial independence and empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their future.

When choosing a career, three factors matter most. First, identify your interests. Second, assess your aptitude. Third, recognize your strengths. But that’s not enough. You must also consider market demand and industry trends.

A powerful tool for this is LinkedIn Economic Graphs, which provides real-time insights into workforce demand across different countries. Analysing these trends helps in making strategic career choices. Additionally, the green economy is emerging as a high-growth sector, offering immense opportunities for those willing to upskill. Stay informed, adapt, and align your skills with the evolving job market.