Of course, it is pretty rare that you will ask someone about their career choices and get an answer indicating they want to be a wine taster! This is not the ordinary run of the mill career choice that people usually mull with. After all you need to be inclined towards it to enjoy your sips of wine. India is not considered to be a traditional wine consumption country, though the domestic consumptions have been steadily rising year on year as per some studies.

The Indian wine exports, though are set to touch some new heights in the coming years and this is a big boost to the wine industry which is also faced with the task of finding good talent to get those international standard wines out.

This is the reason a career in wine tasting is set to be a good one that can reward you handsomely. Unlike many other career choices that require you to plod through years of study, this one is easy to get into as well

How to become a wine taster?

Anyone can opt for a graduate degree in wine tasting offered by certain institutes. Once conferred with a professional degree you may choose to join a food and wine academy or find a job in the wine industry where you can get mentored to find that right touch in wine tasting.

As with many such professions, this is something you can perfect over a period of time and is mastered only with experience. Apart from being just a taster, knowledge about which food goes well with what wine, how grapes can be best cultivated etc. are also taught in the courses.

Mere bookish knowledge is not of much help in this and it is important to go beyond and understand the nuances associated with this career. After all, wine is all about fine dining and there are many varieties of wines too. Knowledge helps, along with a good sense of taste and smell that is also a must to succeed in this career choice.

Roles

A wine taster is also called a sommelier and you may also choose to become a wine writer, a wine critic, a wine educator, etc.

Options to study

There are few institutes in India that offer you the course to become a sommelier. They are:

• Manipal University, Karnataka
• KBR School of Wine, Mumbai
• Institute for Wine and Beverage Studies, New Delhi
• Vincrest India, Delhi

Earning potential

Wine tasting is a lucrative career, though you may find starting salaries in the range of Rs.15000 to Rs.20000. As you grow and become a sought after sommelier, your earnings can really go up. You can also choose to write or teach in this field and being a part of good academies can fetch you handsome salaries. For those wishing to look for career options abroad, the horizon is wide open. Or you may choose to be a freelance consultant and establish a name of your own.

Whatever mode you choose to work in, wine tasting is a satisfactory career that can fetch you fame in this niche area. You could even go on to become a celebrity of sorts!

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For most parents in India, Phonics is something that they get introduced to in case their kids are sent to Montessori schools. This is one of the strongest bases of reading and writing in the Montessori Method of teaching.

If you are wondering what Phonics is, it is just a way of teaching reading and writing with the help of sounds. The difference between the traditional and the phonics method is that in phonics, the emphasis is more on the sounds rather than the Alphabets themselves. Kids are taught to associate a sound with the alphabet that improves their comprehension skills. It also helps them read faster and improves their spelling skills. This skill helps them through life, as they learn to code and decode the words based on the sounds.

Career choices and options

Apart from Montessori, many primary educationists and schools use Phonics as a method of teaching. And hence in a country like India, the scope for a Phonics teacher is very vast. For people who have a passion for teaching, this is a very good option that can help them have a lifelong career. A teacher never retires and will remain one all through life!

There are many teacher training courses that one can opt for, to become a Phonics teacher and in Montessori teacher training it is covered as part of the syllabus. Even in traditional schools, the pre-primary teaching mostly follows the Phonics teaching and is widely preferred. This is a time tested method that has been used widely across the world and hence is very popular.

There are workshops as well as certificate and diploma courses of varying tenures that you can explore. Almost every city in India have centers that provide teacher courses and associated career opportunities.

Once you complete a teachers training course, the options available are to join schools or start a pre-school of one’s own. If taking up a career as a teacher, then the chances are there to grow in the career path to become a Principal. The roles that can be taken up in schools are as teachers, course designers or administrators.

However, if you are entrepreneurially inclined, then the sky is the limit once you set up your own venture. The beauty with this is, you start small and expand gradually. Success is at your beckoning! And you can continue to teach while you may also employ a few other like-minded and passionate people to help you.

Earning potential

Depending on the location and grade, the starting salaries for a Phonics teacher can range from Rs. 8000 to Rs. 25000. It only increases with experience. If however you decide to start a center of your own, you may actually start breaking even in one year or thereabouts.

There is always a high demand for quality education in the pre – school domain and Phonics teaching plays a big part in this. It is important to get the foundation right for the next generation and that is why, if you choose to be a Phonics teacher, you will be a part of this revolution. Realize your potential to teach and also earn, by taking up a Phonics teacher training course and enjoy a satisfying career.

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People in India are becoming more and more health conscious and reaching out for information and help on their health and nutrition choices. Nutrition is associated with our general well-being and maintenance of healthy lifestyles that help in the long run. Though most often the two words dietician and nutritionists are used as one, there is actually a minor difference between the two.

Dieticians are the ones who are in charge of patients’ diet in hospitals, health care centres, clinics, wellness centres and the likes. Dieticians are at times also referred to as clinical nutritionists. Titles differ based on the area of work. However, nutritionists are mostly found in the field of research and industries like FMCG. They are responsible for things that have a much wider reach than just diet. Their focus is more on devising sustainable solutions to community problems of nutrition and help in the overall development.

With the focus in India being on the ill effects of malnutrition nowadays, this is the best time to take up a career as a nutritionist. People are realizing more than ever before, the importance of nutrition in a healthy lifestyle.

How to go about it?

People can opt for a career as a nutritionist after 10+2 and there are many universities and courses that can help a person prepare for a career as a nutritionist. Usually these topics are associated with a Home Science degree. Having a science background is not necessary for entry into this field, though in most cases it certainly helps. Check the course structure and syllabi properly and enquire about the options available before taking it up.

If you are looking to do Post Graduation in this area, then you can either opt for a Diploma or a Masters. Some of the specialization choices available to take up are Food Science, Public Health Nutrition and Therapeutic Nutrition. Higher studies options include research and a PhD in their specialization areas and offer highly rewarding careers to those who are inclined towards it.

Industries and roles

As mentioned above FMCG is one of the main industries that hire nutritionists. In a highly competitive market, it is very important for these companies and brands to come out with credible products. All the claims used in the marketing and advertising should be backed by the nutritionists who help design, plan and develop the products, through research. The same is the case with Pharmaceutical companies who come out with patient related foods and nutritional supplements.

You also find nutritionists in healthcare centres, schools etc. One may even opt for an international career, if inclined, in organizations like WHO.

Apart from the private jobs that are available in plenty, one can also opt for Government jobs. You can appear for the UPSC exam for posts on the Food & Nutrition Board (FNB). Starting as a class-I Gazetted officer there are options like Advisor, Deputy Advisor etc.

Salary Range

From Rs.15000 to Rs.20000 per month for a fresher, the salary can go up depending on the organization, the location etc. especially in private employment. Even in Government jobs, the starting salaries range from Rs.25000 and go higher with your experience, post and service.

For those with an inclination towards nutrition, this is indeed a healthy field of employment, to pursue.

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There is a very subtle difference between a sports instructor and a sports coach and they are often used interchangeably, to define the position. However, the basic variance between the two is summed up in the following statement. While the former provides practical and theoretical instructions in a particular sport or help the athletes in maintaining their general fitness and health, the latter identifies and nurtures talented athletes.

The prospective employers for this profession include professional, semi-professional and amateur sports clubs, universities and colleges, sports development organizations, local authorities, fitness centers and gyms, sports administration bodies and so on.

The competitive sport has an industry worldwide, providing excellent employment opportunities. Several reputed coaches have established records of grooming the potential winners and winning trophies and competitions.

There are professional coaches who have developed their expertise in fields like, football, cricket, athletics, tennis and other popular sports. Their income is often equivalent to the players whom they train. They also enjoy the competence of choosing a workplace of their choice across the globe.

A sports instructor or a coach is responsible for gauging the performance of his athletes under his expert direction. He will also analyze the weaknesses or flaws of the opponents of his team or player. It will be his responsibility to develop tactics and the training activities.

He will also be developing new skills of his athletes and will prepare them mentally for participating in the competitions. He also needs to make liaison with the other sports professionals to ensure that the players attain optimal fitness when required.

The earnings of a sports instructor or coach vary considerably based on the sport he is involved with and the team or player being coached. For instance, a coach of the Wimbledon champion will command a vastly bigger amount compared to the swimming instructor of the tadpole class in a municipal pool.

The job of a sports coach is not a typical 9 to 5, Monday to Friday work. According to the standard norms, they start out early in the morning, especially during the ‘playing season’. The training sessions often start at 6, or even earlier in the morning and go on till around 10 am.

Many a times, additional sessions are held for training the athletes and they are generally held in the evenings, between 3 and 6 pm. Generally, competitions and matches are scheduled during the weekends, in the evenings to get the maximum viewership.

Traveling is a part of the sports instructor’s or coach’s job. He needs to travel outside his hometown or often his state or country to train and guide the team at the venue, where the sport will take place. International travel happens mainly during major tournaments and events.

As mentioned, there are several job opportunities in this field – high schools, athletic leagues, adult education programs, health clubs, private industry etc. Those having the most experience, education and training will be eligible for the best employment opportunities in the market. If you have the requisite skills, expertise and the dedication, it is an avenue worth exploring!

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Salary for Fitness Trainer
Pay scale in this field mostly depends on the reputation, location, the clientele, and the number of students of the health centre or fitness club. As a starter, one can earn a monthly salary between Rs 7000- Rs10, 000. Established and experienced trainers may charge up to Rs.1, 000-1,500 per hour depending on their role. These days, personal trainers are in high demand who earn a lot more than the Exercise Specialists and Group Fitness Instructors. Being a celebrity trainer, they can earn much more, as it is the most highly paid category in this field.

Market segments to target
Fitness trainers can work as aerobics instructors, corporate wellness directors, health club managers, weight loss counselors, fitness directors, personal trainers, etc. Fitness trainers are usually employed by a fitness centre, spas, tourist resorts, hotels, health clubs, gyms, housing societies and large organizations. One can start a fitness training career after finishing the course. As a starter, they can help a senior fitness instructor and after gaining some valuable experience, they can begin taking their personal classes. They can also become a personal instructor.

Eligibility and Required Skills
One can basically begin by learning several nuances of fitness from a local gym. However, as the demand for a qualified instructor is high, the person with a professional degree for this job is mostly preferred. There are several options for pursuing professional courses. To become a fitness instructor, one can opt for a diploma or certificate course in yoga/fitness/sports science/ naturopathy. They can go for a professional fitness course like the Reebok Instructor Certification program or Nike Aerobics Course or any of the various well-known locally offered courses.

The basic course includes 80 hours out of which 40 hours are given to the theory part and the rest 40 hours is given to practical training. An examination is conducted after the completion of the course. By a well-known instructor, one can also take a Diploma or Bachelor courses in Yoga & Naturopathy. There are many well-known institutes offering courses in Sports & Athletics Coaching.

Career Scope- Growth Opportunities
In addition to conducting actual fitness training, they can also earn by providing several guest sessions for corporate houses. They can even write fitness related articles in health journals/magazines. In the recent past, people have become more conscious about their health and appearance which has resulted in the mushrooming of health clubs and gyms. As such the qualified fitness instructor’s demand is going up sharply. With the popularity and demand of fitness trainer, several institutions are offering specialized training programs in India. Some of the well-known institutions under Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports, HVPM, Sports Authority of India, Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education and Indira Gandhi Institute of Physical Education & Sports Sciences. In almost all metros, there is Reebok training centre.

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Salary for Fashion Designer
The Starting monthly salary package for a fashion designer can be from Rs.10, 000 to Rs.15, 000. One will acquire maturity in designing skills with experience. A few years down the line their monthly salary could be in the range of Rs.35, 000 to Rs.40, 000. In case, one become a well-known designer he/she could demand the world. An upward moving trend of the salary is always seen by the great fashion designers. But, in the fashion industry, a conscious effort and hard work to update the latest trends are imperative.

Market segments to target
The opportunity for fashion design jobs in India is huge as Indians are becoming more fashion conscious than ever before and seek to improve it in every way. Clothing firms have to hire people in a range of jobs, varying from models, buyers, merchandisers, fashion designers, textile designers, and retailers, to give end-to-end solutions to their customers. According to a recent study, within the next 5 to 10 years, the India’s fashion designing industry will expand from the current Rs.180 crores to Rs.1, 000 crores.

Eligibility and Required Skills
One can enroll for a part-time/full-time certificate course. Generally, students take enroll after completing their 10+2 level. These courses are even available for graduates or students with higher qualification. There are various short-term certificate courses that are provided by the same fashion institutes for part-time/full-time basis specialization. These courses equip them with creative thinking and technical skills.

The fee structure of fashion designing courses ranges from institution to institution. However, to complete a Fashion Designing course from a well-known institution, on an average the students will have to dish out over Rs. 45,000 per annum. Some fashion academies in India broaden merit-based scholarships. Generally, these scholarships only waive off payment of tuition fee. The criterion of these scholarship programs is based on the eligible student’s parental annual income. For meritorious and financially deserving students, there are scholarships sponsored by some well-known companies. To cover other payable fee and expenses, the Scholarship awardees also receive educational loan facility.

Career Scope- Growth Opportunities
In today’s world, Fashion designing is one of the most glamorous, appealing, lucrative, and exciting career options. If one possesses a penchant for style, creativity, and originality, a fashion designing career is the one tailor made. One can work in areas like fashion marketing, fashion media, promotion of brands, design production management, designer wear production, fashion accessory design, quality control, planning and concept management.

On one hand, both the materialistic needs and the creative fancies of the people are satisfied by the fashion industry. On the other hand, it gives a high pay package to the deserving and talented designers with enormous glamour, fame, and success. Hence, if one can create magic with different colors, shapes, and designs, then they can simply obtain a professional course to start a successful fashion designing career in the alluring world.

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Salary for Wedding Photographer
For a professional wedding photographer, there is no fixed monthly income. In the beginning, while helping any established photographer, one can earn anywhere from Rs. 500 to Rs. 2,000 per wedding. In a single month, with a higher number of marriages attended, the pay bounces up. For a single ceremony, one can make up to Rs. 5,000 as a freelance wedding photographer. When contacted for celebrity weddings demand Rs. 20,000, or even more are generally demanded by the most high profile and established wedding photographers. A wedding photographer earns an average income of Rs 3, 00, 000 per year. After 10 years, most wedding photographers move on to other positions.

Market segments to target
There is a huge opportunity all over the world for the wedding photographers, considering the number of wedding take place every day in every state. Without a professional photographer, an Indian wedding looks out of place. These photographers can work with event management companies, documentary filmmakers, fashion designers, freelance wedding writers and even entertainment-based organizations nowadays. Even Television channels readily hire profile wedding photographers for their numerous programs. By opening their own studios with some make-up artists, the photographer can choose self-employment.

Eligibility and Required Skills
In order to build a career in wedding photography, one has to complete a photography course and learn the minute details, techniques, and skills of photography. To excel in this field, he/she has to possess creativity and talent. Till now, regular courses are not offered in wedding photography. Hence, interested candidates can complete any level of photography program and learn and perfect the very nuances of photography skills. With good aesthetic sense, a 10+2 pass out is eligible for any part-time/full-time course in photography. The minimum qualification to become a wedding photographer is a high school diploma since technical and creativity skills are more essential for employment than a degree. But, a formal degree program in wedding photography is also available. By attending seminars and workshops conducted by various photography organizations, one can become a member. To see how business operates for a wedding, one can help any specialist photo studios or established wedding photographer. It will enable budding wedding photographers, alongside other work skills, to develop their photographic skills.

Career Scope- Growth Opportunities
Skilled and experienced wedding photographers can work for newspapers, websites, magazines, and television stations as they use current events with images to spread information to the public. They can even take wedding pictures for books, magazines and advertisements and marketing companies. These experts can photograph models to highlight a fashion designer’s clothes. Television channels and renowned film directors also hire wedding photographers.

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Yoga instructor without any experience can earn Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 on a monthly basis. With more than 1 year experience, the Yoga instructor may earn Rs. 20, 000-25, 000 a month. The salary climbs higher at a faster pace depending on the expertise and experience.

The government is recruiting Yoga Instructor and specialist, under the pay scale of Rs. 15, 600-39, 100, who are possessing MA or Ph.D. There is a great demand for the Yoga professionals in the private sector too, as in such organisations the stress level is quite high.
A deserving candidate may earn up to Rs. 1 Lakh per month. If the person starts their own center or Health resorts, Yoga as a career will provide big earning opportunity and in-depth job potential.

Market segments to target

There is a huge opportunity for the Yoga Instructors abroad. More or less all over the world, there is high demand for Yoga experts considering the significance and relevance of Yoga therapy in the health domain.

Yoga experts can work as instructors in tourist resorts, gym, schools, health centers, resorts, housing societies and large organisations. The person can choose a career in the research and training field or can serve as a yoga therapist, by imparting coaching in yoga, to treat minor ailments and disorders.

Even Television channels readily hire proficient and deserving yoga trainers for their numerous programs. Numerous well-known personalities including film stars and politicians hire their personal yoga instructors. By opening yoga classes/center, the person can choose self-employment.

Eligibility and Required Skills

A yoga instructor is trained in particular yoga techniques and philosophies to teach yoga to groups. Comprehensive and specialized training is required to become a yoga instructor in any style. The person should complete a complete training program specializing in a particular discipline in order to become a yoga instructor in that field.
The minimum requirement to join B.A/B.S.C in Yoga therapy is that of 10+2 with 50% CGPA. The minimum requirement to pursue M.A/M.S.C in Yoga Therapy is that of B.A/ B.S.C in yoga therapy. Though Bachelor’s degree in fitness is available, it can’t replace the need for a certificate program or vocational training in yoga instruction.

Career Scope- Growth Opportunities

When compared with other professions, yoga teaching is less lucrative. However, it is the mental satisfaction and physical fitness attached with this profession that draws the attention of people.
Depending on the Yoga training the person has received, they can choose the research or training field or can work as a Yoga therapist. They can search for work in gyms, schools, health center, resorts, housing societies and large organisations.
Television channels and renowned personalities also hire Yoga trainers and instructors. Many professionals opt for self-employment. Adding to the demand for Yoga specialists, the ever-increasing number of foreign tourists chooses Yoga as a great stress buster as they seek peaceful holidays.
In this noble profession, there is no dearth of scope for the people, if the person is hard-working and consistent.

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So, if you have been thinking about exploring this field, there is no better time than today to make a positive move in this direction. Lately, the demand for content writers has increased and the credit goes to the new mode of advertisement & promotion. Writing blogs, product description, game description, medical content writing, legal writing etc. are few ways via which companies are trying to get the attention of the consumer. On one hand, this is a great way to promote a company and at the same time it has opened new avenues of job opportunities.

Content Writer Job Profile

As a content writer you can get myriads of options, some of which include the following:

Apart from full-time job option, content writers can easily avail the option of work from home or part-time job. This has also proven to be a great source of some extra money making. Freelance writers are in great demand nowadays. Owing to the rise of blogging & other methods of brand promotion which needs to be embellished with beautiful and alluring words, the demand for content writers has increased.

Another option that a content writer or a freelance content writer can explore is academic writing. There are many students & researchers who are not good at writing; academic content writers can be of great help to them. This field not only enhances your writing skills but also broadens your learning spectrum.

The rising demand of freelance writer by the start-ups has made it as a good career option. People who have the flair for writing or who are willing to make this as their career can begin with freelance writing profile. Not only it gives you an alternate field to work for but at the same time, you can work as per your time and need. It also serves as a great source of an alternate mode of income.

Let’s talk money

As far as the salary portion is concerned, freelance writers earn on the basis of the work done by them. For those who pick up an entire project of rewriting a website or writing new content, the cost is pre-decided; however, most of them prefer to pay per word. As a freelancer, you can earn from few thousand rupees to around lakhs per month but that totally depends on your ability, creativity and for whom you are writing. Although, in the beginning, you may have to settle down for peanuts but in the long run, this field will offer you great monetary benefits.

Freelance writing is all about being creative, innovative, ready to work and your capability to negotiate. A proper blend of all these qualities will make you prosper in the field of content writing. The demand for quality content writers is going to increase in the near future so, if you are good at it make use of your talent and start exploring this field today.

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