Featured image – Setse in her previous role as a Careers Service Assistant.
Hello and a warm welcome to this new academic year from the Careers Service.
At this time of year, we receive lots of enquiries from students interested in part-time jobs, but are not sure where to start looking or what to expect. In today’s guest blog, Setse, a recent graduate of the University, shares her experience of working part-time as a front of house worker in hospitality and reflects on the valuable skills she gained.
Hello everyone, I’m Setse!
I’m a recent graduate with an MA in Health, Science, and Society, and I’d like to share some insights from my first part-time job in the hospitality industry as a front of house worker. My experience might be helpful for those of you who are considering balancing work alongside your studies.
Securing the job
I began working as a front of house worker during the start of my second year at university. At that time, businesses were gradually reopening after the COVID-19 lockdowns, and restaurants were in need of staff. My primary motivation for getting a job was to have some financial independence, so I wouldn’t have to rely on my parents. Additionally, earning my own money made me feel more like an adult; responsible for my own expenses.
When I started job hunting, I looked through websites like Indeed and Glassdoor and also paid attention to job adverts in windows near where I lived. It was during this process that I discovered Caterer, a website specifically tailored to hospitality jobs. I sent my CV to several places nearby, and after a few weeks, I secured a position as a front of house worker at a newly opened restaurant in St James Quarter.
Balancing work and studies
As a part-time worker, I typically worked two to three days a week, usually on weekdays and occasionally on weekends. During the holidays, I would increase my hours, working full-time for four to five days a week. My usual routine during term time involved attending morning lectures and tutorials, spending a few hours in the library, and then heading home to change before starting my shift.
Responsibilities and duties
My duties as a front of house worker varied depending on the shift. On some days, I worked as a bartender, preparing drinks; on others, I was on the floor serving food, taking orders, and ensuring the restaurant was clean and welcoming. Occasionally, I assisted in the kitchen with tasks like preparing vegetables, garnishing dishes, and packing takeaway orders. Many of my shifts involved closing the restaurant, which included restocking fridges, washing glasses, hoovering, mopping the floors, and replenishing supplies such as napkins and chopsticks.
Skills developed
Reflecting on my time as a front of house worker, I realise that I gained many transferable skills that have been valuable in both my personal and professional life. These include:
- Communication
Working in hospitality required me to interact with a wide range of people, both as part of the front and back of house teams, as well as with customers. This experience taught me how to communicate effectively with diverse groups and adapt my communication style to different situations. For example, when dealing with customer complaints, I learned the importance of staying calm and being a good listener rather than reacting defensively.
- Stress management
Hospitality can be a high-pressure environment, especially during busy periods. This job helped me develop strategies for managing stress, both during and after work. Personally, I found that taking short breaks to get some fresh air or talking with team members helped me stay composed during stressful moments. It’s important to remember that, although stressful situations are inevitable, they are temporary, and the rewards – such as the satisfaction of a job well done and a steady income – make it worthwhile.
- Networking and meeting new people
My first job provided an excellent opportunity to meet new people and make friends, especially since the University of Edinburgh is such a large institution, there is always a high chance you will meet someone at work who is studying at the University as well. It was a great way to socialise and build connections with people both inside and outside of the university community.
- Work-life balance
One of the most important lessons I learned was the necessity of maintaining a good work-life-study balance. Although it might be tempting to take on extra shifts, it’s crucial to consider the impact on your mental and physical health. Ensuring that you have time for relaxation, socialising, and self-care is just as important as your work commitments. This experience taught me that it’s essential to enjoy the journey, learn from any challenges, and appreciate the positive moments along the way.
Final thoughts
Working as a front of house worker while studying was challenging at times, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I gained valuable skills, made lasting memories, and learned important lessons about balancing responsibilities. I hope my experience offers some helpful insights as you navigate your own journey.
Many thanks Setse.
If you’re looking for a part-time job to fit around your studies, the Careers Service can help:
- We advertise hundreds of part-time jobs on MyCareerHub every year. We add new vacancies daily – check them regularly so you don’t miss out on a great opportunity.
- Our website provides advice on how to find part-time jobs. Being open to a wide variety of options will be helpful as any job is useful, even if it isn’t directly related to your degree; it will give you the chance to develop valuable skills such as team work, time management, and so on.
- We also have advice on working hours and your rights at work.
