Written by Amy Tickner, MA History
My name is Amy and for the last three years I have been working as a Bar Supervisor across Phineas, Huntley & Mully’s, and The Institute. Working at the Students' Union UCL bars has been a huge part of my University life and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a part time job whilst studying. Here’s why…
Work/Study/Life Balance? Easy
After a day of lectures, a whole afternoon in the main library, or having just caught up with my mates on campus, it would have been difficult and expensive for me to commute to work. A job on campus at the Union bar meant travelling to work after a day of studying was never anything I had to worry about; it was great!
Working for the Union bars meant that my managers were well used to hiring students and had an incredible understanding of university life. They were always keen to fit my shifts around lectures, society commitments, and exams. This was something that was difficult to find in other part time jobs in London at the time. There’s obviously always an understanding in any position that you must commit to your shifts, so it was great to know that my managers supported and understood my student life when building the rota.
Beyond this, having a part-time job provided structure to my day. It forced me to finish my University work by 16:30 on days I was due at the bar, to plan my social events, and to be generally organised with other commitments in my week. Finding structure as a student is often quite hard, but working at the Union Bars made everything a lot easier for me.
Be part of the UCL community
I found that working at the Union Bars was a great way to learn more about UCL and feel a part of the wider student community. I met students from almost every department, whether that be through people I was working with or those I was serving. I was clued in to events that were taking place across the academic year, knew the best drinks deals, and had a wider understanding of how the Union is organised. Arriving at University, you can often feel like a little fish in a big pond, but working for the Union Bars alleviated that feeling for me.
Build up that CV
Working as a Bar Supervisor has also given me some integral skills that I’ll take with me into my career life. I’ve learnt how to work in a busy environment under pressure; i’ve learnt how to make quick decisions and communicate with students and venue managers; i’ve improved my time management skills, and I’ve proven commitment to a workplace for a substantial period of time. All these are highly employable skills that I can take with me after UCL.
Meet your new best friends
Finally (but perhaps most importantly) I can confidently say that some of my closest friends are those that I have worked with behind the bar for the last three years. The SU Bar staff maintain a real community feel, and I’ve made longlasting friendships that I know will outlive my time there; it’s a great place to meet new people and to build your social life whilst funding your studies.
Working at the SU Bars hasn’t been just a part time job for me. It’s certainly been hard work, (especially during the late and busy nights) but has been overwhelmingly positive, and has been a really important part of my UCL experience.
Fancy working behind the bar like Amy? Apply for Huntley, Mully's and Phineas here - last day to apply is 19 August 2022.
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