WORK EXPERIENCE: BAR
Learn how to run a buzzing bar
The bar is a great place to start your career in the tourism industry. Here you will learn the fundamentals of customer service and find out if working with the public each day is something you will enjoy. (Remember, there are plenty of positions behind the scenes if you would prefer a nine-to-five, office-based role.)
As a bartender you will master everything from how to pour the perfect pint to the fine art of mixology and as your career grows so will your skills, and you will learn all about the business end of barkeeping – from managing staff and suppliers, to controlling costs and hitting sales targets.
What are the opportunities for progression?
There is plenty of scope for progression in bars and many successful Bar Managers and publicans start their careers as part-time lounge staff, learning the ropes as they work their way up to senior management roles. From the position of Bar Manager you can progress into the wider food and beverage department in the hotel, then on to general management, or you can branch out of hotels into the pub or entertainment sector.
There are many bar courses and apprenticeships available in third-level institutions and ETBs that can teach you all the skills you will need as you progress your career. These range from three-year, full-time programmes to shorter courses of a few weeks’ duration. Many hotels also run their own in-house training programmes to help you develop in this department.
What can you expect during your work experience?
During your work experience you will gain a good understanding of what it takes to run a successful bar – from looking after customers to dealing with suppliers, maintaining standards, and ensuring the bar complies with all liquor licensing and food safety legislation. This experience will stand to you if you are looking for a part-time weekend or holiday work in future. All work experience looks great on your CV!
To get started, look at the list of hotels in your area and email the HR teams to see if they are offering any work experience in the bar.
* Please note, you must be over 16 to get work experience in a bar. If you are not 16 yet, try a different department first and come back to the bar at a later stage.
Read about what it’s like working in a hotel bar:
Sommelier Gary Butterfield and Bartender Jack Brosnan share their stories.