Gain experience for your career in gastronomy

The world of gastronomy is exciting, creative and full of opportunities. If you try things out and gain experience, you will have the best chance of successfully launching your own business later on.  

With our tips, you will get closer to your dream of self-employment step by step!

Before you start your own business, you should find out where your strengths lie and where you feel most comfortable. 

• Restaurant: From small family-run inns to upscale Michelin-starred cuisine - in a restaurant you will learn the art of spoiling guests with culinary delights.
• Hotel or guesthouse: The hotel industry combines service, organization, reception and hospitality. Nowhere else can you expect as much variety as in a hotel.
• Bistro or café: Whether it's a stylish Viennese coffee house or a hip brunch venue with creative dishes - the unique concept is the focus of every café.
• Bar or nightclub: While you perfect the mixing of your own drinks in a trendy cocktail hotspot, the elegant wine bar is all about fine wines and the art of wine advice.
• Snack bar or food truck: In a snack bar, quick enjoyment meets creativity. Even with a small menu and few ingredients, you can delight guests with flavorful sophistication.
• Catering : When planning weddings, birthdays and corporate events, you will learn how to calculate large quantities precisely and delight guests with perfectly coordinated menus.

HOGASTJOB tip: Try out different areas before you commit yourself. An internship or seasonal work will give you valuable insights and help you find out what really suits you.

Getting a taste of different jobs will help you avoid mistakes later on. Even if you prefer to work in management, you should gain experience in the kitchen if your dream is to run a restaurant. This is the only way to understand your future employees. 

You should gain practical experience in these areas:

• Service: In direct contact with your guests, you will learn how to communicate professionally and keep a cool head even in stressful situations.
• Kitcheneven if cooking is not one of your passions, you will gain an insight into important processes.
• Reception: During your time as a receptionist, you will learn about booking systems and how to manage complaints with confidence.
• Management & Administration: Behind the scenes, you will learn everything you need to know about marketing, accounting and personnel management.  

HOGASTJOB tip: The broader your experience, the more flexible you will be later on - and the easier it will be for you to successfully implement your own concept.

Are you looking for a real plus in the hotel and catering industry? Then start packing your bags! Because working in other countries not only broadens your horizons, but also introduces you to new kitchen styles, service concepts and working methods. Whether it's fine dining in France, a luxury resort in Dubai or a lively pub in Ireland - each station will give you valuable experience that will help you on your way to self-employment.

HOGASTJOB tip: Find out about visas, work permits and accommodation well in advance - so you can start your adventure abroad stress-free!

You don't learn everything that is important for your self-employment straight away in practice. From the perfect espresso to wine expertise, from business management basics to modern gastronomy trends - every training course brings you a step closer to your dream of owning your own restaurant or hotel.

HOGASTJOB tip: Train your soft skills and leadership skills too!

So, are you ready to take the next steps? On HOGASTJOB you will find exciting vacancies in numerous establishments throughout Austria, Bavaria and South Tyrol where you can gain valuable experience for your future. Take a look and start your career in gastronomy now!