Tea Management even though a rare career option, there are a number of jobs a person can specialize in tea industry. As most of us can accept, tea is one of most popular and refreshing beverages in the world and India being a largest consumer, producer and even exporter of tea products, there is a wide scope of career option in tea industry in India. When it comes to career in tea management, tea taster is one of the specialized areas of work, while the other areas of work include consultants, tea brokers, plantation managers, researchers, etc…

In India, Nilgiris, Darjeeling and Assam are the highest tea plantation areas and different varieties of tea is grown in the same garden in these areas. Tea being a seasonal plant, the same twigs from the same bush, plucked in different seasons have different bouquets and different methods of handling is required for different varieties of tea leaves.

Educational qualification needed for entering into the field of tea management:

Even though anybody with basic educational background can find job opportunities in the tea industry and can get the necessary on-the-job training in required skills, candidates with a degree in agricultural science, horticulture, food science, botany and allied fields are given preference these days.

Job levels in the field of tea management:

Candidates with specialized knowledge in marketing or business management are recruited for marketing jobs. Fresh entrants are recruited as assistants at the plantation level and once they gain competence and experience they are promoted to the basic managerial positions and then to higher managerial positions. Most of the candidates getting into tea management industry as assistants reach top level positions within 12-15 years of entering into the industry. Candidates selected as Potential tea tasters are offered on-the-job training and in addition to possessing natural talents, rigorous training for a number of years is important for becoming a professional tea taster and then as tea tasting manager. In addition to acquiring skills in tasting, candidates will have to work in marketing and managerial capabilities as well.

Personal attributes needed for tea management career:

Candidates opting for a career in tea management must have liking and interest for outdoor life. They must be physically fit, self-reliant and adaptable. Ability to deal with laborers and leadership qualities are an added advantage for becoming factory/plantation managers. One must be knowledgeable and must have initiative about the tea market and must be alert for changing market forces and must be willing to undertake strenuous work. Candidates should also possess fair knowledge about the geographical and topographical location of tea estate and tea tasters require to have keen taste buds and they should also keep their sensitivities clean and they should also be inclined to keep drinking, smoking and intake of spicy foods in check.

Tea Management courses in India:

Some of the courses that can pave way for a career in tea management are:

• Bachelor of Science in Tea Husbandry & Technology

• Master of Science in Tea Husbandry & Technology

• Certificate Programme on Tea Testing and Marketing

• Post Graduate Diploma in Tea Management

• Certificate Programme on Computer Applications in Tea

• Advanced Certificate Programme on Computer Applications in Tea

• Summer Training courses for candidates with interest towards the field of tea management

Government jobs in tea management in India:

When it comes to government jobs in tea management, candidates can find job opportunities in government-run Tea Development Corporations. Most of the state governments in India have their own tea development corporations. Some of the government employment areas include Tea Research Companies, Tea Board of India, Tea Associations, Tea Broking Houses, Tea Gardens and Tea Companies.