While engineer, medical and lawyer are among the most sought-after careers among students and parents, there are a several unusual professions that are not much heard of but can prove to be fruitful career choice
with the right degrees and skills. From enjoying a cup of tea to creating virtual worlds, here are five unique yet promising career paths for today’s youth.
Tea Taster
Tea Tasters, also known as Tea Sommeliers, evaluate the aroma, flavour, texture, and quality of teas, offering insights on blend development, purchasing, and quality assurance. They typically work for tea estates, exporters, brokers, and luxury hospitality brands.
Candidates must have cleared class 12 along with a B.Sc in Botany, Horticulture, Food Sciences, Agriculture, Home Science, or a related field. They will also be required to opt for a postgraduate diploma in Tea Management.
Training is available both on-the-job and through certificate or diploma programmes lasting from three months to a year. Job opportunities include positions in tea gardens, trading houses, auction centres, quality labs, and R&D departments.
Drone Pilot
Drone pilots operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for various tasks such as photography, agriculture, mapping, inspections, delivery, and emergency services. Eligibility requires a minimum Class 12 education. To obtain a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL/RPL), one must complete training through DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organisations (RPTOs), which includes theory, simulator training, practical tests, and certification via DGCA’s Digital Sky Platform.
Job prospects are strong in areas such as aerial photography and videography for films, weddings, real estate, and events; agriculture for crop surveillance, spraying, and precision farming; infrastructure for surveying, inspections, and smart city mapping; emergency response for disaster relief, public safety, and surveillance; and conservation efforts like wildlife monitoring and anti-poaching.
Pet Groomer
Pet groomers maintain the hygiene and appearance of animals through services like bathing, cutting, styling, and general grooming, either in salons or at home. To become a pet groomer, candidates must have completed class 12. Vocational grooming programmes or private academy training can be beneficial. Apprenticeships and certifications typically last around 6–12 months, with accreditation from NDGAA or IPG enhancing credibility.
Job opportunities include starting as salon assistants, progressing to mobile groomers, or eventually opening their own business after gaining experience.
Forensic Linguist
Forensic linguists analyse spoken or written language to assess authorship, authenticity, intent, and meaning within legal contexts, often serving as consultants or expert witnesses in criminal or civil proceedings. Eligibility typically includes a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, English, or related fields, with advanced roles often requiring a master’s or Ph.D. in Forensic Linguistics.
Job prospects include consulting for law enforcement or legal firms and academic positions. They can also take up teaching posts.
AR/VR Designer
AR/VR Designers create engaging augmented and virtual reality experiences, including games, training simulations, and immersive applications. Candidates typically need a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Game Design, Multimedia, or a related field. Essential skills include proficiency in Unity, Unreal Engine, C++, 3D modelling, UX/UI understanding, and interactive design principles
The world in which Gen Z is growing up looks vastly different. This generation, shaped by rapid digital transformation, a climate crisis, and rising mental health awareness, is redefining success. Students today are moving beyond traditional career choices, seeking alignment with personal values, job satisfaction, and opportunities for growth in a more diverse career landscape.
