specialist for restaurant and event catering (m/f/d)

Huong Nguyen Van, restaurant specialist trainee

What inspired you to pursue a career in gastronomy?
I previously had a part-time job in the hospitality industry in my home country and really enjoyed it. That experience inspired me to start an apprenticeship in this field. I genuinely like working in gastronomy.

Which topics from vocational school do you find especially interesting?
I find it particularly exciting to learn which glasses go with which drinks and what cutlery is used for specific dishes. I'm also very interested in the pairing of food and beverages—for example, how a specific wine complements a particular dish. I also enjoy learning about the different types of service styles.

What has been the quirkiest or funniest moment you've experienced at work so far?
I can’t think of one specific quirky or funny moment right now, but one thing is for sure: I always have fun at work! That’s what matters most to me.

What does a perfect workday look like for you?
A perfect workday starts for me at 7:00 AM on an early shift. First, I handle the breakfast service, and then I prepare everything for lunch. After that, the lunch service begins, and afterward, I hand things over to the late shift. I prefer the early shift because I get to go home earlier.

What advice would you give to someone entering your field?
One important tip is to always be friendly and smile a lot. You also need to be a good team player because communication is essential.

Which tasks do you enjoy the most, and which ones not so much?
I especially enjoy working behind the bar and preparing drinks. I also really liked the time I spent in the kitchen—particularly preparing the salad buffet, where I could be creative.

How do you handle shift work?
I handle shift work very well. There’s always a sufficient break between shifts, which helps me recover.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I like to relax by watching a movie. I also enjoy doing sports, especially jogging or cycling.

How do you deal with stressful situations? Do you have specific strategies that help you?
I usually don’t get stressed easily and tend to stay calm. If I do end up in a stressful situation, I take a few deep breaths and usually grab a drink. That short moment of distraction helps me collect myself and continue working.

Thank you very much for the interview!