I am interested in tourism
I pursued my Master’s in English literature at Gujarat University. But I don’t know what to do now. I was interested in designing but couldn’t do that for some reason. And now I am interested in tourism. I have always wanted to see different places, I have always wanted to travel. Please guide me as to what to do and what not to do.
Qureshi Atiya (22) / Gujarat University, Ahmedabad
Since you’re interested in travel and have a degree in English, you may opt for becoming a tourist guide. The job of a tourist guide is very challenging and needs preparation with personality development. A course in tourism will provide you all the knowledge about sites, historical monuments and destinations with the facts the places hold.
The Tourism Office of the Government of India conducts a tour guide training programme. Students who have completed their graduation can apply for this course. The Ministry of Tourism (tourism.gov.in) provides licenses to the tourist guides and also organizes regional-level tourist guide training programmes.
Apart from this, IITTM (Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management) (iittm.ac.in) imparts short-term courses. Many private/public colleges also offer direct admission into tour guide programme in various disciplines.
Dr Vibha Gupta, a feature writer, is a Ph.D. in Mathematics from IIT Roorkee. Her book Careers: A Pathfinder and articles in various publications are an attempt to guide students in choosing a career according to their natural strengths, talents and skills.