The DIP Life : Part 2

Last week, I talked about how the WSET Level 4 DIP is organized and what one can expect in terms of the content of the program.  This week, I dig a bit deeper into how it affects me personally.  Everyone’s experience is different, but it is my hope that by sharing my story, I can help others in their decision to definitely go for DIP.

MY life as DIP…. 

Being a full time single mom I wasn’t sure how I was going to juggle Jake, work, and full time studying. I went ahead with it anyway, and I am so very happy I did even though this has been one of the most difficult things I have ever done.  My two University degrees ain’t got nothing on WSET.

It’s a fact….

My 22 month old son requires a lot of attention and if is he is not daycare, he is with me: running, eating, playing, making a mess, crying, laughing, being the beautiful little beast that he is. Although he is my priority, I DO take time away from him to devote to my studies and I OFTEN feel guilty about it. I have questioned every single day if taking this course is the right thing to do.  At the end of that day, I reflect and the answer is always yes. I am learning so much more than I ever thought I could. I’m starving for news and facts on appellations, yeast strains, and market shares.  But holy hell….the more I learn, I realize the less I know…..

Sometimes Jake gets to study with me.  On this 

particular day, he is working on Tuscany 

 What about support?

I get a lot of grief from family about my ‘wine stuff’. They don’t particularly understand what it is that I’m doing, or why it’s worthwhile….and that’s ok.   I spend a great amount of time online, in books, reading, writing, and tasting. They do not understand what I get out of it - especially because I don’t even work in the wine industry, with no guarantee that I ever will. Sure, I write a blog once a week but really how is WSET helping me professionally, and more importantly how am I building a solid, stable future for my son?

I don’t really have the answer to that except that I run on the determination and belief that one day my passion will turn into my work.   I must set the example that Jake can one day  live his dreams given he is crazy and passionate enough to work hard at it.

When taking the Diploma, you need a tremendous amount of support. Find that support in any form it comes in : your friends, family, co-workers, other WSET students, your pets….doesn’t matter. Having the guts to attempt Diploma itself exhibits a great amount of courage and determination.  Which leads me to my next point….

What about one’s partners?

I have heard some sad tales about what the DIP can do to a relationship. Time once given to loved ones gets directed instead to writing notes, tasting meetings, late night studying, and assignments.   If you do have a partner, it might be best to get a head start to talk about the time that needs to be dedicated to the course.  Or, as silly as it may sound, book off specific times/date nights for some quality time.  Remember that communication is absolute key!

Money, money, money......MONEY!

The cost of the course varies depending on what school offers DIP.  I am registered with IWEG in Toronto. ( You can see their site at the end of this post.)

MANY online students fly into Toronto to take exams and that certainly isn’t cheap.   There is a gal from Nova Scotia, a sommelier from Newfoundland, and even a guy from Mexico City who flies especially to Toronto!!! On the flip side, this can be seen as an  extra incentive to hit the books hard, because re-writes end up costing a fortune. 

There is the additional cost of reading/study materials of texts, books, articles, etc.  Best to buy used.

Then….there is the beloved cost of samples….

I have been so very, very fortunate to have a friend in the wine biz  who shares his samples with our study group in Montreal.   I have not had to dish out too much cash for the copious amount of wine/spirits we have to taste through.  

The Diploma is a serious course for wine scholars and the rewards can be huge, but remember to keep the not so good bad bits in the back of your mind.  

WSET:

http://www.wsetglobal.com

Independant Wine Education Guild (IWEG):

https://www.iweg.org