For Anurag Rajni Kujura, the first amount earned meant not just topping up his bank account, but also the opportunity to treat his mother to dinner and buy her a saree. For Anshu Saga, earning while studying became a path to financial independence, allowing him to move towards his long-term goal of becoming a lawyer without giving it up. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Raj Kumar spent about a year after finishing 12th grade contemplating his future.
Not all graduates after 12th grade are forced to go to college and pursue traditional education. Some young people have chosen the path of short-term professional courses, starting to earn and gaining work experience parallel to their studies. The story of these three young men demonstrates that with the right skills and training, a career can start even before completing a degree. These three completed skills-based courses, started internships, and receive a stipend of 14 to 18 thousand rupees monthly.
Anurag Rajni Kujura's story differs from those of the other two students. He grew up with his grandparents because his mother worked in Delhi. During his 10th-grade exams, his health deteriorated, forcing him to be hospitalized, which prevented him from completing the exams. However, instead of dropping out of school, he later took the 10th-grade exam through an open school and continued his studies.
From the beginning, Anurag aimed to work in the healthcare sector. Upon arriving in Delhi, he began studying BSc Nursing and simultaneously enrolled in the General Duty Assistant (GDA) program. During his studies, a medical camp solidified his career decision. At an event dedicated to Nurses Day, he registered patients, recorded their necessary health indicators, and assisted medical staff. This experience gave him a real insight into hospital work.
After this, he was offered an internship at Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital. He works in the endoscopy department of this hospital and supports the medical team. Anurag received his first stipend of 14 thousand rupees. His mother works as a domestic helper. After receiving his first earnings, Anurag shared his joy with his mother and family by inviting them to dinner and gifting his mother a saree. For a young man who missed exams due to hospitalization, working in a hospital was a special achievement. Now, his goal is to become a qualified nurse and financially support his family.
Anshu Saga faced a financial problem. His parents worked hard to provide for the family. Anshu wanted to continue studying while achieving financial independence. He took a course in retail management. After completing the training, he was offered an internship at Lifestyle, where he receives a stipend of 18 thousand rupees monthly.
The excellent training in retail boosted his self-confidence, and working with customers gave him practical experience. During the internship, he mastered many skills. Anshu's goal is not to stay in retail long, but to obtain an LLB degree and become a lawyer. He believes that the skills gained from interacting with customers will help him understand clients and handle complex situations in his future legal career.
His first earnings also strengthened his confidence. He spent part of his stipend on his needs and contributed to his family's financial support. For him, this internship is not an endpoint, but merely a means to achieve the big goal he has set for himself.
As for 19-year-old Raj Kumar, after 12th grade, he hesitated about attending college. He was unsure whether to go to university. After that, he spent a year at home. He looked for an option that would give him practical experience and allow him to start a career. Then, he enrolled in a certification course in hospitality management.
During his studies, he was taught essential skills such as customer service, coffee making, visitor interaction, and communication. After completing the training, Raj secured a barista internship at Bakingo, where he receives a stipend of 14 thousand rupees monthly. On his first day of work, he felt both nervous and excited. Meeting new colleagues, understanding workplace rules, and working in a new environment were new experiences for him.
The stories of Anurag, Anshu, and Raj also point to an important issue facing youth after 12th grade, highlighting their difficulties. What should one do if the traditional college path is impossible, disliked, or lacks career clarity? In such circumstances, short-term skills development courses can be an alternative.