Generally speaking, when asked about the most meaningful phase of their lives, people usually rank family, health, and work as their top priorities. Therefore, choosing the type of work, or in other words, your career, becomes arguably an important decision to make. Deciding on a career is about analyzing your skills. Fortunately, in India, you have a long list of career options to choose from. And now, another addition to the list is Direct Selling that has been introduced in academics. Can Direct Selling be your career option? Let us find out.
Commonly Opted Career Options
On completion of their formal education, students in India ponder over the wide range of career options. Though we are unique and suitable for careers accordingly, most opt for options that provide them with a decent job and lifestyle. When choosing a career path, the major factors that one usually considers include salary, growth prospects, security, and satisfaction. And the options that students usually choose are professions like medicine, engineering, chartered accountancy, data scientist, or management. Today, the industry has emerged on the big stage and offers opportunities to many in sales.
Government Boost to the Direct Selling Industry
The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic brought the industry to the fore. When most industries struggled to sustain their growth and revenues during the economic slowdown, the Direct Selling industry stood out. It provided livelihoods to millions who lost their jobs and showed them how to attain financial independence and become entrepreneurs.
With the economic crisis looming large, the Indian Government was quick to sense the gravity of the situation. It boosted the industry by initiatives like Make in India, Women Empowerment, Vocal for Local, Startup India, and Skill India.
Riding on the slogan Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), the Government introduced measures to safeguard the interests of those wanting to own their businesses and become entrepreneurs by joining the industry. It drafted regulations that rendered companies implementing the pyramid business model illegal. It made it mandatory for MLM companies to register with a governing body and to have a permanent office address in India.
Direct Selling – A Part of Academics Now!
The tremendous growth seen in the Direct Selling sector has led The Indian Direct Selling Association (IDSA) to introduce the model in academics this year. It is a first of its kind move worldwide to link academics with the industry.
Also, a statement from IDSA revealed that it has collaborated with Shoolini University to introduce direct selling in academics. Launching a centre of excellence (CEDSA) will facilitate a year-long post-graduate diploma in direct sales.
Direct Selling Industry – Flourishing at a Great Pace
As per a news report on the Economic Times website, the Direct selling sector will employ more than eighteen million by 2025. According to industry estimates, the sector is expected to reach INR 15,930 crore by the end of 2021. Indian Direct Selling industry is currently ranked at number 15 on the global stage.
The exponential growth rate seen over the last few years and the employment generated by the sector for more than a hundred million people during the pandemic goes on to prove that the industry will play a major role in the growth of the economy and generating self-employment. That’s perfectly in line with the Government’s goal of making India self-reliant (Aatmanirbhar Bharat)!
Conclusion: Direct Selling is emerging as a serious career option
For those wanting to start their business, those interested in sales, and those wanting to be financially independent and become entrepreneurs, the Direct Selling business is a great opportunity. And the beauty is that it does not require you to manufacture a product or create a business plan. All you need to do is join a company that sells a product or service you believe in and comfortable selling. Your training, online and printed material, inventory are all taken care of by your company. Now that the model has been introduced as part of academics and a tremendous growth seen, a career in the Direct Selling industry can indeed be a good option to ponder upon. All the best.
