I am the Teaching Assistant for HTM 355: Restaurant Operations at UMass Amherst. I work under Chef Jenafer Andren in order to assist the students on their tasks throughout the course. This course is designed to be an opportunity for students to get a feel for all aspects of running a restaurant, from serving, hosting, food prep, cooking, managing, and dish washing. My specific role is to assist with the Front of the House to guide students through the process of serving, hosting, and managing at a fine dining restaurant. I also assist with food prep when needed as well as cleaning the kitchen, prepping all work stations, and setting up the dining area.

Assist in preparing the event space to ensure the customer’s specified event set-up instructions are followed precisely.Be prepared for guest’s needs and requests by gaining knowledge of potential question topics.Use problem-solving skills to work quickly and efficiently respond to any issues.Ensure guests safety by using proper sanitization techniques and following all food safety guidelines.Complete all tasks given by management in a timely manner with utmost accuracy.Travel around campus to make deliveries or set up events in new locations.

Assist with the complete setup and breakdown of the banquet area.Document food and beverage orders, allergies, and special requests.Maintain a high level of cleanliness and awareness of sanitary practices.Anticipate guests’ needs and exceed customer service expectations.Respond urgently and appropriately to any concerns while using problem-solving skills.

Follow up with customers to finalize event contract details.File paperwork and important company documents and bills into their correct places.Handle phone calls intended for the Catering Sales Manager to ease her workload and aid customers while ensuring the best possible customer experience.Review event contracts with customers in order to form and finalize floor plans and menu selections.

For the duration of this employment, I had many roles in this position. I worked the front desk, selling tickets, answering the phone, and answering customer questions. I also worked the concession stand, taking the customer's orders and providing them with the correct food. I worked as an usher as well, guiding people to the correct movie theater. Finally, I also cleaned each movie theater after every showing as well as the lobby and hallways.