Not long ago, entering a profession followed a predictable route, formal education, campus placements, and structured entry-level roles. Today, that pathway is being quietly reshaped by digital platforms that allow young people to test, build, and even monetise skills long before they land their first traditional job.
From content creation and freelance consulting to remote internships and online certifications, digital platforms have lowered the barrier to entry across industries. Students no longer need to wait for degrees to end or organisations to open doors; many are creating their own entry points while still studying.
This shift is particularly visible among those in their late teens and early twenties, who increasingly view learning and working as parallel processes. Exposure to real-world projects, audiences, and clients gives them a clearer sense of direction than theory alone. As a result, career exploration has become more experiential and less linear.
Apeejay School, Faridabad alumna Samriddhi Sharma (Batch 2020) exemplifies this evolving approach. While pursuing law and management studies, she is also growing as a fashion and lifestyle content creator. For her, digital platforms offer a space to experiment without waiting for formal validation. “This is the only time where you can experiment with yourself,” she says. “When you are in your 19s and 20s, you still have options.”
What makes digital platforms especially impactful is their ability to reward consistency and skill rather than credentials alone. Young professionals can build portfolios, networks, and visibility through regular output, whether that’s legal research, design work, writing, or video content. These platforms also encourage interdisciplinary growth, allowing individuals to blend interests that once seemed unrelated.
Another major advantage is the confidence such platforms cultivate. Early exposure to feedback—both positive and critical—helps students develop resilience and self-awareness. It also challenges the fear of judgment that often prevents young people from trying something new. As Samriddhi puts it, “You should not have a fear that people will judge you or something. If there’s something you’re passionate about and you think you’re good at, you should at least try it once.”
However, this evolving landscape also calls for discernment. Not every digital opportunity translates into long-term growth, and guidance remains essential. Mentorship, career counselling, and self-reflection help young people use these platforms purposefully rather than impulsively.