Interesting jobs for coffee lovers who can’t seem to put their coffee mugs down!

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It’s hot, strong, smells amazing, and comes in a lot of varieties. You know what we’re talking about, coffee! A beverage that is dubbed as ‘comfort in a cup’ has been a reliable companion for many of us at all times. And what better way to celebrate it on International Coffee Day, by exploring jobs for coffee lovers. 

International Coffee Day is a worldwide event proclaimed by the International Coffee Organisation on 1st October. The occasion is used to promote and celebrate coffee as a beverage, along with highlight the efforts of all those associated in the coffee business. Surprisingly, there are several jobs for coffee lovers that help them sustain a livelihood. If you also love every drop of this aromatic beverage, then keep reading as we spill the beans on ways you can turn your passion into a career!

Barista

One of the most common jobs for coffee lovers is the role of a barista. As easy as it may look to wear an apron behind a counter and serve coffee all day, the job profile of a barista is quite intricate. As a barista, you are expected to promote coffee consumption by educating your customers, and preparing coffee by using complicated techniques. The profile requires skills, expertise, and knowledge, which only comes with time. 

You can start your career as a barista at a small chain, and consequently move up to higher positions at well-known brands like Starbucks. All you need is a high school degree and on-the-job training, What matters most is your personality and communication skills. Baristas are offered a plethora of benefits and a decent salary. Over a period of time and experience, you can find yourself being promoted to reputed managerial roles at high-end coffee shops, or even open your own venture!

Professional coffee taster

How cool would it be to drink coffee for a living? One of the least known jobs for coffee lovers involves candidates judging and evaluating the aroma and taste of the coffee. As bizarre as this may sound, an entry-level coffee taster can earn an average salary of INR 1 LPA. The success of this industry has been proved by Ms. Sunalini Menon, a professional coffee taster, and chief executive of Coffeelabs, who has been known as “Asia’s First Lady of Coffee”. 

The skills of a coffee taster are quite interesting. Many of them perform tongue exercises, and even insure their tongues! According to Menon, who has about four decades worth of experience as a professional coffee taster, there are certifications for coffee tasters issued by the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) and Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE). The SCAA issues two types of certificates. One is called the Licensed 'Q' grader and the other, the Licensed 'R' grader. The 'Q' grader license is a certificate for proficiency in evaluating arabica coffees and the 'R' grader for proficiency in evaluating robusta coffees. 

Green coffee buyer

The job profile of a green coffee buyer is listed as one of the most glamorous jobs for coffee lovers. A green coffee buyer is to determine what coffees a roasting company will purchase. Not only is a knowledge of coffee required but managing the relationships and transactions between the grower and the roaster is vital. Along with exploring the world of coffee, you also get to travel around. What you must keep in mind is that the field is competitive and has long hours, but once you are established you can earn a good salary and recognition.

Other than being a coffee lover, being able to keep track of paperwork, calculations for inventory purposes, budget limitations, and communications in various forms is key. While you will get to travel to countries like Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, you’ll be responsible for evaluating climate and soil quality, scrutinising farming practices, and brokering deals with farmers whose beans you’d like to import. When back at home, you’ll have to taste, grade, and price imported coffee, as well as help the process of developing roasting profiles and creating and marketing blends.

Production manager

If you want to explore jobs for coffee lovers that require managerial skills as well, then becoming a production manager is the perfect fit for you. Large coffee companies employ production managers, who are also referred to as the plant manager or roasting and packaging coordinator. They are responsible for managing warehouse operations, inventory control, and logistics. 

There is a high level of responsibility in maintaining communications between the coffee roaster, packaging operators, shipping, and customer service. If you wish to apply for the post of a production manager, secure several years of management and operating experience up your sleeve. A background in food processing experience and knowledge is also preferred.

Coffee roaster

The role of a coffee roaster is amongst the perfect jobs for coffee lovers who seek experimentation and creativity. Think of them as brewmasters, but instead of beer they roast coffee. Turning green beans brown is the ultimate act of coffee alchemy, and it's a job that requires an intimate understanding of coffee chemistry and the deliciousness spectrum on which roasted coffee falls. 

It’s not an easy job. There are long and tiring days where you will often find yourself standing in the soaring heat and roaring noise of the roasting machine, monitoring the temperature, time, colour, and roast level of the beans. But at least you’ll have a cup of coffee to keep you going! Several homegrown companies like Blue Tokai are often looking for intuitive coffee roasters who can come up with something new and innovative.

Sales and Marketing

Exploring the world of sales and marketing is amongst the perfect jobs for coffee lovers enrolled in B-Schools. Coffee businesses involved in product distribution and corporate sales will have a sales team responsible for representing the company in multiple territories. They also require marketing personnel to develop strategies for product campaigns, retail services, loyalty programs, on-premise advertising, promotional advertising, and digital media.

Who knew there were so many jobs for coffee lovers? Make the best of your caffeine rush and apply for one of these jobs today!

If you found this article interesting, then check out the following articles:

1. A cup of coffee can take you anywhere -By Nayana Suri from NMIMS Mumbai
2. When nothing seemed to work, coffee came to our rescue! -By Akanksha Luhadia from IFMR Sri City
3. How to build your career in the time of novel Coronavirus
4. 5 offbeat careers to explore after graduation
5. Class of 2020 these job opportunities await you!