Max Kureishy

This winter, I worked at one of Japan’s most iconic ski resorts, Niseko, where I honed and expanded my existing barista skills. Our café served a variety of hot drinks, freshly prepared meals, and alcoholic beverages. Located at the base of the slopes, we were the first and last stop for skiers and snowboarders, which made early mornings and late afternoons our busiest times.

With a small team of just two to three staff members on shift, we each took on multiple roles to ensure efficient service and minimal wait times for guests. I conducted float checks at the start of each day and reconciled the till at close to ensure accuracy in daily takings and financial records.

During my time in Japan, I worked part-time in one of Niseko's popular cocktail bars—a small, intimate venue with a capacity of just 35 guests, placing strong emphasis on high-quality, personalised customer service. My role involved both front-of-house and bar duties, including welcoming and seating guests, guiding them through the drinks menu, answering questions, and taking orders.

In this fast-paced setting, I adapted quickly to changing situations and maintained efficiency even during busy evenings. I regularly recommended drinks tailored to guests' preferences, contributing to an increase in overall sales. Additionally, I handled cash transactions securely and accurately, minimising any risk of theft or discrepancies. By consistently engaging with customers in a friendly, approachable manner, I helped create a warm and inviting atmosphere that kept guests coming back.

I spent my summer working at Barbakan, Manchester's award winning bakery and delicatessen.

Responsibilities included organising and displaying the bread from the bakery to the shop floor; handling and cutting cold meats and cheeses; running hot food and drink orders out to the tables; assisting in the kitchen during peak hours; and cleaning and closing down the shop at the end of the day.

Though my time here was short, it was invaluable for sharpening and improving my customer service skills. The majority of our customers were repeat/regular shoppers; some of whom have been coming to Barbakan for their cuts of meat or loaves of bread for as long as the shop has been open, over 60 years! So, they were regulars, and it's important they know and feel their custom is welcomed and acknowledged.

I developed a very good rapport with my customers, as I familiarised myself with their needs, and made sure I remembered these every time they came into the shop. This enhanced the customer experience for them and for me, which helped reinforce the business' focus on its regular and new customer base. Every new customer today is potentially a repeat customer tomorrow!

I enjoyed my time at Barbakan immensely, and know that I learned valuable skills there that will serve both my working and personal life well.

During my time at university, I volunteered at Impressions Gallery, one of the UK’s leading venues for contemporary photography. This role gave me my first hands-on experience in a gallery setting and confirmed my passion for working within the creative and cultural sector.
I assisted with the installation and deinstallation of exhibitions, which involved handling and carefully wrapping valuable photographic artworks, conducting condition reports, and supporting the documentation process. I was also involved in layout planning and curatorial discussions, as well as the physical preparation of the gallery space, including hanging works and painting walls.
This experience provided me with valuable insight into the behind-the-scenes operations of a professional art space. It deepened my appreciation for curatorial work, collaboration, and the technical care required to present art to the public.