Try out careers that have new appeal

When comedy outfit Fun Factory started out back in the early 2000s at Steakout, no one foresaw that Richard Tuwangye, Hannington Bugingo, Veronica Namanda, Nina, among others were stocking a fire that would result into a thriving genre producing super stars such as Patrick Idringi aka Salvado and Anne Kansiime.

The basic requisition for this career is creativity, public speaking skills and a better than average sense of humour. Formal training in drama and film give one a better advantage. It is no doubt that it is one of the careers that were obscure before but are now appealing to many.

Event hosting/Emceeing
We have seen our media personalities diversify and chart careers in the world of emceeing. Mitch Egwang, Isaac Rucci, Peace Menya are some of the popular Ugandan emcees with a regional following and are well paid.

The rate you charge is determined by how well you interact with the audience. In addition to ensuring an appropriate level of energy to keep the audience engaged, an emcee is expected to have fresh, well-thought out and provoking tit-bits to share with their audience.

To be an excellent host, one should be well conversant with world trends, be they political, economic, religious, cultural or otherwise. A course in political science, journalism or international relations will help prepare you for this glamorous career.

Motivational speakers/ therapists
It is ironic that while the world becomes a global village, the family fabric is becoming more and more disintegrated.
As a result, there is an increasing demand for people with knowledge and conviction about life’s upheavals who are willing to share and comfort others.

This includes people such as career guidance counsellors Ethan Musolini, marriage counsellors Senga Hamidah Namatovu and life coaches Hilda Bahati, among others.
A degree in psychology or an equivalent should equip you and give you an edge in this field.

Fitness instructors
A few years ago, gyms were places mostly frequented by boxers, bouncers and people in the armed services. Currently, however, gyms have become open for everyone as fitness becomes a lifestyle. This has given rise to a new career altogether. Remmy Semwaka, 47, is one of the rising fitness trainers.

According to Semwaka, there is more to fitness than just the physical body; your overall health is also affected by what you eat and the state of your emotional health. “These are interrelated in that one affects the other. So I counsel the client and guide them on their diet as well as exercising,” explains Semwaka. To qualify as a fitness instructor, Semwaka enrolled for a six-year fitness trainer course in the UK and followed it up with a certificate in physiotherapy from Germany.

Nutritionists
Nutritionists are experts in food and nutrition. They can help patients choose the right things to eat, help them plan menus, and advise them on the health effects of certain foods. Nutritionists assess a patient’s current dietary habits and needs, educate them on healthy eating habits, follow up to ensure the menus are working, and write reports that document a patient’s progress.

They might also speak to groups, such as schools or businesses, about good nutrition and preventing health problems through proper foods. Nutritionists frequently work closely with individuals who have medical issues, such as those with diabetes or those undergoing chemotherapy, to help them find the right foods to eat for their best possible health.

editorial @ug.nationmedia.com