How to Find an Internship in the Restaurant Industry
What an Internship in the Restaurant Industry Can Offer You
An internship in the restaurant industry gives you a concrete look at what everyday work is like. You’ll gain your first hands-on experience, learn about work processes, and discover whether front-of-house or the kitchen is a better fit for you. Many restaurants also use internships as a way to get to know potential new employees.
The benefits of an internship:
- Practical insights into day-to-day work
- initial contacts in the industry
- Guidance for your career choice
- possibly a job offer afterward
Where You Can Look for an Internship
There are several ways to find a suitable internship.
#1 Contact businesses directly
Many restaurants and other food service establishments appreciate a direct, friendly inquiry. Check out the business's website or social media channels beforehand and send a speculative application.
#2 Search online for available internships
On HOGAST Job, you'll find current job openings, including internships in various fields. With our job alerts, you'll also be kept up to date on new openings.
#3 Use Your Network and Recommendations
Ask around: family, friends, or teachers often know the right people in the industry.
#4 Involve a school or training institution
Many schools and training institutions already have connections with companies and can help you in your search. In some cases, internships are even arranged directly through educational institutions.
It's worth putting together a well-written application even for an internship.
Here's what matters:
- A brief, personalized cover letter
- Resume highlighting relevant experience
- Show genuine interest in the company
- Apply in a timely manner, ideally a few months in advance
You can find more tips for creating professional application materials in our application guide.
And after that? When it comes time for the job interview, being well-prepared will help you come across as confident. You can read more about this in our tips for job interviews.
FAQs About Internships in the Restaurant Industry
The fastest way is through job boards like HOGAST Job, direct inquiries to companies, or recommendations from people you know.
That depends on the company and the training program. Many internships last between one and several weeks; summer internships often last several weeks.
No, an internship is exactly what you need to gain your first experiences. Motivation and an open mind matter more than prior knowledge.
It's best to book a few months in advance, especially for the summer season, since popular spots fill up quickly.
Yes, many companies use internships to get to know suitable new employees and then offer them a permanent position.
