Working overseas in bar management
Question
"I am 24 years old and have been in the hospitality trade for seven years. I have worked in hotels, leisure parks and nightclubs. Most recently I have been working in the wine bar trade for some good companies in London, and I am trained to management level. I am feeling rather bored in my present job and want a new challenge working abroad, possibly in Dubai. However, I am finding it difficult to get jobs abroad that are related to wine or wine bar management. How can I move my career forwards in a direction where I can earn better money? Can you give me any advice to kick-start my enjoyment in this industry again?"
Davina
What the expert says
Lesley Reynolds, managing director, Portfolio International
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"It sounds as if you have some interesting experience across a wide range of sectors. This is very helpful in terms of opening doors because transferablility is a big plus these days.
"You are young and there is no reason why a move abroad shouldn't give you the boost and 'kick' out of the routine you have now got into.
"One potential problem is your desire to go to Dubai. In the Middle East, most jobs related to wine bar management are in hotels. The legislation is such that there is not the same opportunity to drink on the high street as there is in the UK. Most of the big hotel chains have "pubs" or "wine bars" and some hotels can have up to about a dozen different F&B outlets. With a background in nightclubs and wine bars, your best bet is to market yourself to the chains either directly or through a reputable recruitment source."