Last updated on May 7, 2023
Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash
Changing careers can be a daunting prospect, especially in a country like India where there are multiple hurdles to navigate. Whether it be a cultural roadmap set by society or one set by fear, transitioning to another career in India is often more difficult than we would like it to be. Nevertheless, it is possible to make a successful career transition and secure a position in a new profession - such as maximizing health and wellbeing. In this blog, we explore just how to make this transition a reality.
To make the transition to a maximising health and wellbeing career, you have to have a strong understanding of what you’re passionate about and what kind of work in this space appeals to you. It’s important to research the various fields involved and get to know what you’re naturally drawn toward. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle could come naturally or you could decide to pursue further education on the topics of nutrition, exercise, or mental health. As someone who is passionate about this field, explore the new opportunities out there in India by researching the companies and organisations working in the health and wellbeing space. Find out the key roles, salary expectations, and industry trends over the next few years. It’s also important to gain business knowledge of the health and wellbeing industry, as well as skills like communication, leadership, problem solving, and innovation.
It’s also essential to identify the right role that best works for you and your goals. While there are multiple opportunities within the health and wellbeing profession, you will likely need to update your resume or create a cover letter. This is the time to apply the knowledge and skills obtained from your passions and research. You should also practice interviewing and look for cracking any upcoming competitions or hackathons which can be a great stepping stone for moving into a new career. In the health and wellbeing field, look for jobs in medical services, physical therapy, medical billing, health-related public relations and government organizations, insurance, nutrition services, and healthcare IT, among others.
Your salary expectations should be based on the experience and expertise you possess in the field. The health and wellbeing sector in India is expected to grow with an estimated CAGR of 15% up to 2025, making it a lucrative sector. Based on the roles associated with maximizing health and wellbeing, salaries in India range from INR 3 - 4 lakhs per annum for entry-level roles like junior health care analyst, to INR 11 - 14 lakhs per annum for experts such as Senior Scientific Adviser. So, if you’re thinking of making the transition to this as your profession, you can expect to reap the financial rewards.
To truly get inspired about making a career transition to maximizing health and wellbeing, it helps to be aware of the success stories of other professionals who have done this successfully. A great example of a successful career transition is Nithani Ragupathy, who was an engineer at IBM India for five years. After getting her yoga instructor certification from the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, she chose to pursue a career in the field of holistic health, nutrition and wellbeing. At the age of 34, she made the leap and hasn’t looked back since. After launching her business, she found success working with corporate clients, hospitals and educational institutions, and now mentors other professionals looking to make the same transition. Another is Anshul Goenka, who was working in the investment banking sector and had held senior-level corporate positions. Despite the success of his career, he still felt there was something missing and eventually decided to pursue a career in the health and wellness industry. Now he has successfully set up a health and wellness consultancy firm and believes that the industry is on the cusp of huge expansion.
In India, there are often a few challenges that can prove daunting when attempting to transition to a new career. The role you were hired for is most likely very different to your new career and the transferable skills may not always be easily identifiable. It is essential to be patient and recognize that embarking on a new career path requires time and dedication. It’s important to find ways to bolster your credentials and network in order to make yourself stand out in the qualifications marketplace and make the most of the opportunities available in the sector. It can also be helpful to get an internship or volunteer in the industry and obtain valuable experience. Many internships have benefits that include gaining networks and being mentored by a professional, helping to give you a clear direction and expertise of the field.
Transitioning to a career that focuses on maximising health and wellbeing can be challenging, but the rewards it offers make it more than worth it. Taking the time to research and understand this sector, and be aware of the salaries expected within it, will help you make the best decision for your future. With the right attitude, hard work and some perseverance, making the change from an existing career to a new one focused on maximising health and wellbeing can be done successfully in India.