For Aspirants Trying to Figure Out Their Next Step
A few years ago, I was preparing for UPSC myself.
Coming from a Political Science background, I constantly worried about what would happen if the exam didn't work out. Like many aspirants, I had no engineering degree, no MBA, and no clear idea of what opportunities existed outside the UPSC ecosystem.
Over time, I started exploring different paths, policy research, political consulting, sustainability, impact consulting, market research and strategy roles. Eventually, I joined a global consulting firm, later pursued an MBA from IIM, and have now secured a front-end management consulting role.
Looking back, I've realized that many UPSC aspirants are far more employable than they think. The problem is often not capability, but awareness and positioning.
I'm curious:
If you're currently preparing for UPSC (or have prepared in the past), what is your biggest concern about careers outside the exam?
- Not knowing what jobs to apply for?
- Explaining the gap years?
- Resume building?
- Lack of work experience?
- Something else?
I'm trying to understand how widespread this problem really is. Also feel free to reach out (through DMs) in case you want to discuss/seek help regarding any of these.