4 Perfect Jobs for Chocolate Lovers
Working in the chocolate industry may be exactly the right job for you if you’re a chocolate lover. It’s a stable industry to work in and some of the jobs are well paid.
Chocolate Sales Person
The chocolate industry is highly competitive and if you have a knack for sales, you may just land yourself a job in chocolate sales. Apart from your sales skills, you will also need an understanding of the industry and the products. Communication skills are also important in an industry where customer satisfaction is the greatest priority.
Many companies using chocolate sales assistants work on a commission basis where your sales determine your pay. Such a job may not be difficult to find but may be difficult to keep. You need to be committed to constantly updating your knowledge about the latest products and your competitors.
Chocolate Taster
It may seem like a dream job to get paid for tasting chocolate. What people may not know is that you usually need to have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and food technology to be eligible for a job like this. It can also be hard work, despite the fact that it appears to be the dream job.
Your degree gives you some basic knowledge when it comes to making sure food is safe and wholesome. Your knowledge of flavors and textures will come with experience.
A chocolate taster is trained to analyze the flavor of the chocolate, check the aroma and inspect for flaws. When you go for an interview, you may have to undergo a blind taste test to identify the flavors and ingredients of different chocolates. This is usually something that comes with practice, which is why experience is so valuable.
You are likely to work in the hospitality industry, which may include working at resorts, on cruise ships or in casinos. Career prospects include going into research, lecturing, consulting or even opening an outlet to sell your own chocolates.
Chocolatier
Chocolatiers create and decorate handmade confectionery. It’s a skill that requires much patience and usually comes with plenty of hands-on experience. Academic qualifications are an advantage, with many companies wanting at least a bachelor’s degree in baking or pastry. Intern training or specialist training is another plus.
For this position, you will need good listening skills, an artistic mentality, critical thinking, patience, a good focus and steady hands. Becoming a head chocolatier offers many extra benefits and more pay. Chocolatiers may end up coaching other chocolatiers or becoming consultants.
Chocolate Consultant
Study and experience are essential for this job. You can’t hope to understand all the flavors and brands of chocolate in a hurry. Academic qualifications are often not as important as experience in the industry. A passion for chocolate is a plus.
The job description may include developing new products, conducting market surveys, training employees, minimizing waste and advising on marketing.
Places where you will find such jobs are consulting firms, research organizations, and manufacturing companies. Chocolate consultants are often self-employed.
