WORK EXPERIENCE: RESTAURANT
LEARN ABOUT THE EXCITING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN RESTAURANTS
Not only is the restaurant a fun and exciting place to work, it also gives you a solid foundation for a rewarding career in hospitality – whether you choose to stay in foodservice or move into other areas of tourism. It is a great choice for someone who is interested in food, enjoys interacting with people, and likes working as part of a team.
What are the opportunities for progression?
Many newcomers to the hospitality industry start their careers as a waiter or server before progressing through the restaurant hierarchy or moving to other departments. If you choose to forge a career within the restaurant, you can advance to a number of roles, including Sommelier (an expert wine waiter), Restaurant Supervisor, Maître D’ (the restaurant host), and Restaurant Manager.
The Restaurant Manager manages all aspects of the restaurant’s service and works hand-in-hand with the Executive Chef or Head Chef to ensure the restaurant is a success. From this position you can progress into the wider food and beverage department of a hotel, or you could go on to open your own restaurant someday.
What can you expect during your work experience?
On your work experience you will learn about the service of food and drinks, how to set up a restaurant table, and the restaurant reservations systems. You will also learn how the service team work in tandem with the kitchen to create a successful restaurant offering and you’ll get an insight into how good hospitality operations are a collaboration between many different departments, all working together to create memorable experiences for guests.
If this sounds like the right option for you, email the HR department in your local hotel to find out about work experience. You’ll find a list of hotels participating in the IHF Transition Year Work Experience Programme here.
What IS IT LIKE WORKING IN A RESTAURANT?
Sinead Delaney and Shane Hannon share their stories.