Come summer and the longest vacation of the year begins. Youth Inc has some ideas on how you can utilize the free time you have on your hands – by indulging in a hobby and building some essential skills for life.
The summer holidays are a time of absolute thrill for every student. It is the end of the academic year, there is nothing more to study (not yet), no homework to do (for most) and no exams to worry about (unless you’re preparing for entrance tests). For a month, and sometimes two, students are left to their own devices. This is the only time they can relish lazing around and doing nothing. But being inactive becomes boring soon. Maybe you sleep, eat, watch TV, surf the internet and play games on a typical summer day. But then you repeat that all over again the next day. Your routine loops. You stagnate. And you realize you have another month, perhaps, of the holidays left. What are you going to do?!
A better vacation perhaps would be one where you can do what you love without worrying about getting tired of it. How? We reckon you could explore a hobby you already have, or a new one you’d like to develop. Whatever you choose, this season hosts a variety of classes and crash courses in practically all areas of interests that would cater to your choice. Enrol in a tennis camp, or learn how to build an Android app; learn how to play the piano, or improve your design skills. The following pages are meant to serve as a starting point for your summer of hobbies.
Apart from introducing you to the several options available in India, we tell you what kind of skills you must look to develop from courses and classes, as well as what skills you develop that will last a lifetime and assist you in attaining your long-term goals. Yes, your hobby can indeed amount to something more than a mere time-killing activity.
A Summer of Visual Arts
A flair for design, the want to capture everything on celluloid and an eye for fashion comprises a summer of visual arts. Here is a list of options for a break filled with versatile forms of art
Photography
Photographs not only bring meaning to stories, but also act as storytellers all on their own. This summer, pick up your camera and enroll for a photography workshop.
HOBBY CHECKLIST
* Picture composition
* Knowledge about lenses
* Lighting
SKILLS FOR LIFE
* Conscious: Photography is all about timing. A photographer learns to be aware and alert at all times.
* Out of the box thinking: Developed from constantly thinking about how a story or a feeling can be told through a single photograph.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
• Sports photography
• Fashion photography
• Landscape and portrait photography
• Photojournalism
Fine Arts
Fine art is great skill to hone during the summer break. The old saying is true – every artist was once an amateur. Getting the basics right through a short term course is worth the investment.
HOBBY CHECKLIST
* Basic brush strokes
* Knowledge of color combinations
* Picture composition
SKILLS FOR LIFE
* Presentation skills: A person interested in art tends to pay attention to details and looks to make an impression.
* Communication: The expression of ideas through the medium of art.
* Critique: Positive and negative critique are part of the learning process at art school; a student of art learns to take all kinds of criticism in his stride.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
• Painter
• Cartoonist
• Art curator
• Art director
Fashion
Do you spend the better part of your day reading Vogue? Or do you enjoy creating your own outfits? If yes, a glimpse into the world of fashion maybe right for you.
HOBBY CHECKLIST
* Use of different fabrics
* Designing for body shapes
* Sewing
SKILLS FOR LIFE
* Look presentable: The perks of an interest in fashion translates to a good sense of style. Dressing the part is therefore never a problem.
* Confidence: Fashion needs presentation of ideas with élan.
* Be yourself: Fashion is all about expression; an individual learns to promote his ideas with pride. In short, one learns to be him/herself.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
• Fashion journalism
• Fashion blogging
• Fashion designing /styling
Graphics & Animation
If your creativity comes to light through pictures and moving images, these courses are for you.
HOBBY CHECKLIST
* Fundamentals of design
* Development of a style
* Basic utility of different software
SKILLS FOR LIFE
* Business skills: A person learns to design as per the needs of different businesses. They also learn marketing which helps greatly at different stages of a person’s career.
* People skills: Mutual respect and understanding of ideas of clients and co-workers.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
• Graphic designer
• Website designers and developers
• Advertising companies
A Summer of Performing Arts
If ascending the stage and regaling an audience seems your raison d’être, summer is the best time to hone the performer in you
Music
What words cannot express, music can. Music aficionados are known to indulge in their passion either through singing or playing an instrument, or both.
HOBBY CHECKLIST
* Improved physical dexterity, memory and concentration
* Fundamental knowledge of music theory
* An understanding of different styles and genres
* Reading music notes and notations
SKILLS FOR LIFE
* Self-management: Music needs discipline and regular practice.
* Technical skills: The influence of technology in today’s music is indispensable.
* Teamwork: Playing in a band sensitizes one to others’ needs and emotions.
* Performing under pressure: Stage fright must be overcome to perform for people.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
• Professional performer
• Film and TV composer/scorer
• Musicologist/ethnomusicologist
• Music therapist
• Music critic
Dance
Dancing is not merely shaking an arm or a leg; expression is as important as rhythm and movement. India has a mixed bag of classical, western and contemporary dance styles.
HOBBY CHECKLIST
* Understanding the nuances of rhythm and time
* Becoming aware of your body
* Improving posture, balance, flexibility and coordination
* Better stamina
SKILLS FOR LIFE
* Confidence and self-awareness: Dance teaches you to be proud of your body, no matter what.
* Self-discipline: Like music, dance needs regular practice.
* Teamwork: Performing with a dance group teaches team dynamics.
* An open mind: Movement can come from anywhere; dance relies on experimentation.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
• Professional dancer
• Choreographer
• Dance teacher/instructor
• Dance critic
Theatre
If you think you have been bitten by the acting bug, develop your skills with workshops and classes. Acting on stage is the usual starting point.
HOBBY CHECKLIST
* Familiarity with the stage and the concept of space
* How to break down a given scene
* How to inhabit a character
* A better stage presence
SKILLS FOR LIFE
* Public speaking: Acting requires clear delivery of lines to an audience without losing out on eloquence.
* Confidence: Like other stage arts, acting requires one to overcome stage fright and perform to an audience.
* Improved body language: Your body and face are trained to tell stories of various characters.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
• Professional actor
• Theatre director
• Drama therapist
• Stage presenter/compere
A Summer of Media and Communication
If you love connecting with people through various mediums, you may want to think about perfecting your communication skills this summer
Creative Writing
The pen has always been mightier than the sword. Very few tangible skills can compare with the ability to express oneself through words.
HOBBY CHECKLIST
* Learn the basics of grammar
* Get introduced to various genres of writing
* Practise writing outside your comfort zone
* Learn to critique and appreciate works of professional writers
SKILLS FOR LIFE
* Imagination: One of the biggest plus points of creative writing.
* Problem solving: Working around problems in stories develops the ability to deal with them naturally.
* Insight: Looking at stories from different perspectives will give you more insight in future tasks.
* General knowledge: Inculcating a habit of reading and writing will make you well-read over time.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
• Journalist
• Novelist
• Playwright
• Screenwriter
• Copywriter
Radio Jockey
Once the greatest source of entertainment and news around the world, radio is still extensively favored in India and radio jockeys enjoy a position of importance.
HOBBY CHECKLIST
* Train your voice
* Develop your own style
* Increase your knowledge of current affairs
* Learn how to think outside the box
SKILLS FOR LIFE
* Clarity in speech: You will learn how to speak clearly and effectively.
* Quick thinking: Radio jockeys think on their feet and come up with solutions quickly.
* Confidence: Inhibitions have no place in the world of a radio jockey.
* Emotional growth: It will teach you how to manage your emotions, especially in your voice.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
• Radio jockey
• Voice-over artist
• Narrator/announcer
• Host/compere
Film appreciation
The entertainment industry in India is a religion based on films and the lives of film stars. Not many choose to learn film appreciation but you can take the initiative this summer.
HOBBY CHECKLIST
* Learn the technical terms used in film-making
* Familiarize yourself with the history of film-making
* Read about contemporary filmmakers
* Increase general knowledge to appreciate references
SKILLS FOR LIFE
* Sharp mind: Film appreciation requires quick thinking to pick up nuances and make connections.
* Objectivity: It teaches you how to play a neutral role when having an experience.
* Critiquing: You can learn how to criticise and take criticism without being personally involved.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
• Film critic
• Filmmaker
• Film journalist
Social Media
Social media allows people to be connected instantly in spite of being in different parts of the world. Learning how to use social media well has become the need of the hour.
HOBBY CHECKLIST
* Learn how to check analytics of different social networks
* Perfect writing skills for social networking
* Familiarise yourself with all social networking services
* A better online presence
SKILLS FOR LIFE
* Social skills: Although known to reduce interpersonal social skills, social media does usher in communication on a broader scale over the internet.
* Writing ability: There is a direct correlation between social media and improved writing skills.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
• Social media executive
• Digital marketing
• Copywriting
A Summer of Outdoor Activites
Many people associate summer with the need to break free from their shell and do something crazy. Some outdoor activities might help you channel your energy in the right direction
Mountaineering
Scaling mountains is a fascinating activity that only the brave undertake. It can now be within the reach of anyone willing to learn.
HOBBY CHECKLIST
* Learn how to tie important knots
* Figure out exactly how your body reacts under physical stress
* Trek long distances to condition your body
* Learn how to utilise landscapes for your benefit
SKILLS FOR LIFE
* Perseverance: Optimism is one of the key qualities required for mountaineering which builds the ability to face adversities.
* Confidence: Challenges naturally faced and overcome during the activity builds belief in oneself.
* Teamwork: Since it isn’t possible to climb a mountain alone, the basics of working alongside other people is learnt.
* Courage: Climbing a mountain is no easy feat and builds plenty of courage in those who attempt it.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
• Mountain guide
• Tour operator
• Professional athlete
Water Sports
A sense of thrill overcomes everyone who takes to water without fear. Indulging in water sports this summer may be your key to a positive approach in life.
HOBBY CHECKLIST
* Perfect different techniques of swimming
* Get accustomed to large water bodies
* Learn breathing techniques when swimming
* Be as comfortable in water as you are on land
SKILLS FOR LIFE
* Dexterity: The challenge posed by operating around water improves the motor skills of your hands and feet.
* Fitness: Navigating through water, especially swimming, tones the body physically.
* Patience: Training in water requires plenty of practice and it ultimately improves mental endurance levels.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
• Water sport operator
• Lifeguard/coastguard
• Merchant navy
• Host/ compere
A Summer of Sports
Every Student enjoys playing a sport or two and summer is the best time to enjoy it. A few coaching classes ought to refine your skills and challenge you to do better
Team and Individual sports
Working with a team is difficult as well as enlightening, while performing in a singles sport is as much about bettering yourself as it is about beating your opponent.
HOBBY CHECKLIST
* Improve your levels of physical endurance
* Work at getting along with teammates
* Perfect your physical and mental conditioning
* Learn new skills and techniques for the respective sport
SKILLS FOR LIFE
* Teamwork: Sports which have teams competing develop a sense of camaraderie.
* Hierarchy: Playing alongside a captain or getting instructions from a coach inculcates the understanding of how a hierarchy functions.
* Hard work: Training for a sport requires plenty of input to level up to your potential.
* Determination: The winning mentality inculcated from sports brings out the best in a person in all fields of life.
* Time management: since sports are played against the clock, learning how to manage time comes naturally to sportspersons
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
• Professional sportsperson
• Sports commentator
• Sports manager
A Summer of Personality Building
If you often find yourself groping for words during class presentations or you think you lack the confidence needed to hold a conversation with another person, a course in personality development will help bring out the best in you
Personality Development and Public speaking
A self-assured person is always a confident one. With confidence comes good public speaking skills, higher employ ability and the chance to maximize potential and overall development.
HOBBY CHECKLIST
* Self-improvement
* Sharper problem solving skills
* Better body language
* Improved dressing sense
SKILLS FOR LIFE
* Confidence: A sense of confidence brings with it a sense of achievement to be able to converse freely and with poise.
* Accent: An understandable accent and diction takes a person a long way.
* Sociable: A person won’t have to think twice about starting and holding conversations with people.
* Body language: A firm hand shake, the right attire, how you sit, eat, walk and your hand gestures
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
• Salesmen/women
• Master of ceremonies/compere
• Jobs in the hospitality industry
• VJ, RJ, TV host
A Summer of Social Service
Human and civil rights violations, ill-treatment of animals, and woman and child empowerment are issues that a lot of students feel strongly about. There is hardly anything better than bringing joy into the life of another person. Choose social service this summer
Volunteering
As a volunteer, a student gains handon experience in dealing with people from the underprivileged sections of society. Those interested can also volunteer at animal shelters – who doesn’t enjoy that?
HOBBY CHECKLIST
* Become aware of social issues
* Develop empathy for others
* Learn to listen, not just hear
* Discover the society-politics nexus
SKILLS FOR LIFE
* Empathy: You will become receptive to the needs of others through helping them.
* Gratitude: A person learns to be thankful for what they have.
* Satisfaction: The realisation will dawn on you that monetary happiness is not everything there is to life.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
• Child and women welfare worker
• Animal rescue worker
• Medical health worker
A Summer of Mobile Wonders
Apps are the new leprechauns found at the end of the rainbow with a pot of gold. For a phone aficionado who can never have enough of dressing their smartphone with apps, summer has much in store
Everyone has a smartphone. You, your mother, the newspaper vendor, auto rickshaw drivers – maybe even your maid. What makes this breed of phones so popular, as you might know, is its highly customization nature. The smartphone becomes a Swiss knife when apps convert it into a banking tool, a bill paying service, a book reader, a navigator and so much more.
HOBBY CHECKLIST
* An overview of Apple, Mac and iOS/Android systems
* An understanding of the architecture of the operating systems’ software
* A grasp of the fundamentals of UI (user interface) design
* Coding, coding and some more coding!
SKILLS FOR LIFE
* Appreciation of tech developers: You finally understand why not all software offerings can be free.
* Employable IT skills: Everyone needs IT professionals – just look up job listings.
* Attention to detail: Debugging code is arguably the toughest part of the job as errors hide between lines and between characters.
* Time management: Yes, programmers and developers have deadlines too, and they are often very tight.
* Commercial awareness: Developers must always create something new and fresh to beat the competition.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
• Professional app developer
• Game developer
• UI developer
• Software engineer
