If so, you probably love history, culture, and all the wonders this world can offer you! Are you able to tell story, and want to interact with people from all kinds of backgrounds? Well, if so, the career as a foreseeable tour guide might be your best choice. In this blog we will learn about the stories of people that have made the jump to take on the job of tour guide in one of Europe’s most exciting vibrant cities.
Why Consider a Career as a Tour Guide in Berlin?
History is something the city of Berlin has always had. There are story after story relating to the material of the Berlin Wall (from the remains of the Berlin Wall to the iconic Brandenburg Gate), no question. By the nature of your role, you can really get to know the city’s culture, history and make a difference in your visitors’ understanding of this truly special place. However, what drives someone to do this career path?
Passion for History and Culture
There are many tour guides in the Berlin who have a profound interest in history and culture. Diving into city’s past, uncovering hidden stories and sharing their knowledge with others, this is something that they enjoy. If you love historical events or you really want to keep up with local culture with your friends this could easily be the outlet for your passion.
Flexibility and Independence
The freedom and independence that come with being a tour guide is one of the perks. Unlike traditional 9 to 5 jobs, you will also be free to set your own schedule, how many tours you’d like to conduct. It especially appeals to those who are seeking a less structured work life balance or who want to hang out other interests besides their main career.
Meeting People from Around the World
Being a tour guide is very rewarding if you are a people person who enjoys meeting new people from all over the world. You are going to see people from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspective on a daily basis. Not only does this increase your horizons but it gives you the opportunity to cultivate true connections and lifelong friendships with people of all different struggles.
How to Get Started
Well, you have chosen to become a tour guide in Berlin. Now what? Some steps you can take are as follows:
1. Research and Learn
First, get to know the history, culture and the attractions of Berlin. Go and visit museums, read books on your own, and explore the whole city. With more and more knowledge and understanding under your belt the better will you be prepared to give these future tour groups an enriching experience.
2. Gain Relevant Skills and Certifications
Looking for courses or certifications on your tour guide skills can help too. Public speaking, storytelling, foreign language classes and even first aid classes might be among the things he could be doing this. The additional qualifications will give you a better credibility and make you stand out in the competitive market.
3. Network and Gain Experience
Connect with well known tour guides in Berlin and ask if they would let you follow along or help them with tours. This will be a hands on experience which will give you great insight into the profession and good potential for you to learn from who have already found their niche in the market. Additionally, networking with other guides can also open up possibilities of future jobs.
Stories of Career Transitions
Next, we’re going to see stories of some successful people who made the change to become tour guides from their passion for travel in Berlin.
1. Emma: From Finance to Storyteller
Emma spent quite a long time in the finance industry, but always wished to tell stories. When she decided to take a chance, she enrolled in the tour guide training and started to tell the world about her love for Berlin’s history. Now, Emma and her financial background leads highly coveted tours that mix anecdotes and the financial background.
2. Michael: Embracing a Multilingual Lifestyle
Michael was a linguistics graduate and he knew that his love for languages was an opportunity to explore interesting work. When he moved to Berlin he decided to become a tour guide to be able to pass through his language skills and knowlege of the city’s multicultural aspects. Today, Michael leads the tours in several languages, which has ensured his popularity among international visitors.
3. Sarah: Pursuing a Second Act
Upon retirement from education Sarah wasn’t ready to stop impacting people’s lives. She became a tour guide in Berlin because her inner passion for history and teaching came into play. The reason sarah is well loved by senior groups and families is that her personality is so warm and she can tell you the complex historical event in a simple way.
Conclusion
If you love history, culture, and connecting with people a tour guide career in Berlin can be a life changing choice but it will require a lot of hard work in regards to becoming educated on the subject matter. When you gently bring yourself into the heart of the city’s wealth of past, where you learn the relevant skills and get to network with the seasoned guides, you’re starting a very fulfilling, rewarding journey of sharing your passion with the world. Whether it’s to quit a full time job in a previous career you’re just not interested in anymore or because you’re embarking on a totally new career in life, becoming a tour guide in Berlin is an awesome, exciting and very rewarding experience!
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