By Ishaan Sen
I have been involved with the Our Barn Community since September 2018 when I joined the Our Futures Project. In June 2021 I joined the café as a member of staff working part-time gaining great experience in hospitality. During his time, I have been learning how to make coffee and light lunches as well as serving customers, using the till and keeping the café clean and tidy.
I have been looking for a paid job in Stroud in Gloucestershire as my family is based there for a couple of years. I knew the Arts Centre had been closed but I kept an eye on new job vacancies as they arose. In October I heard they were looking for staff and I popped in to enquire. I handed my CV in and a few weeks later got called to attend an interview! I was very excited but a little nervous, but Vicky and David [Our Barn project leaders] supported me and gave me some help and advice on interview techniques.
After my interview, I was offered the job about five days later. I was so pleased as I had been looking for a paid job for some time. I will be working in the bar and café doing a similar job to working at the Pump & Grind Coffee Shop so my experience there has really helped my chances of getting paid work.
I would say to anyone thinking of looking to get work experience at the Café that it’s a good way to learn and gain some really good experience. I have learned a lot in my time there and have had lots of help in getting my new job.
