Careers in consumer studies

A consumer professional needs to know protection systems and redressal agencies, quality standards, adulteration and how to detect it, consumer laws, and consumer rights and responsibilities.

Soft skills: communication and interpersonal skills, empathy, good listening, creativity in programmes and ads, writing skills (for educational material and test reports), and a wish to help.

Courses: B.Sc. or B.A. Home Science; B.Sc. Family Resource Management (or Home Management, Resource Management); BBA, BBS; PG diplomas in Consumer Education, Voluntary Organisations or Consumer Services; M.Sc.; an MBA in marketing.

Jobs:

• BIS, the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs;
• voluntary consumer organisations (testing, awareness, publications);
• consumer divisions and customer relationship management in companies; market research;
• the National Consumer Helpline; school consumer clubs and teaching; testing laboratories.

Or: start your own consumer organisation; become a consumer activist (with legal training, plead cases in consumer courts); consumer journalism; or, with training, financial guidance, insurance and portfolio management. Help consumers know, choose and claim.