With so many graduate schemes out there, how do you begin picking from them? Well if you're reading this, something tells us you're interested in a hospitality grad scheme... call it a hunch.

To give you a little insight into what a grad scheme at M&B is all about, we caught up with Chris Scott who has completed our retail graduate scheme. Chris took on the role of an Assistant Manager, which put him in a great place to learn what it takes to me a great General Manager.

Read on to hear from Chris what it’s like to be an Assistant Manager and what doors the scheme has opened up for him.

When did you join Mitchells & Butlers?

I joined in 2011 whilst studying at university and I worked as a front of house server for a bit of time.

Tell us a little bit about your career journey with Mitchells & Butlers

I started out as a server with Toby Carvery whilst at uni. Over time, I also moved into the kitchen working as a Kitchen Assistant in the quieter periods. When I finished my degree at uni, I realised I wanted to stay in hospitality and began looking at the Mitchells & Butlers retail graduate scheme. My General Manager at the time was really supportive and we discussed the opportunities available for me to develop to become a Team Leader whilst I applied for the retail Graduate Scheme. 

When General Manager moved to the corporate side of the business, this presented the opportunity for me to step into the General Manager for at Toby Carvery. This was my first experience of managing a restaurant and I'd be lying if I said it didn't come with its challenges.

Having completing the grad scheme I now can't wait for my first appointment as a fully-fledged General Manager. 

So, what it’s like to be an Assistant Manager?

There are so many great things about being an Assistant Manager. But honestly, I love that I am still learning every day. I always building my knowledge and looking at ways to make the business better with the support from my managers. Working with the General Manager and Kitchen Manager has been really fun and it's been a great way to boost my knowledge and support network. 

I am lucky enough to come to work and new people from all over the world. One day, I might be pouring a pint for a local guest, the next day I could be talking through whiskeys with someone from Asia. I feel privileged to be able to do this while working in a fantastic location on the banks of Loch Lomond in Scotland.

How does it feel making the jump to Assistant Manager?

Going from Team Member to Assistant Manager was challenging. But with the right support from your managers, and with a great team around you, it is an opportunity to really push on with your career.

What is your favourite part of your current role?

Working at The Balloch House is up there - it's a beautiful pub in a great location. I take great pride in being able to work here and deliver quality service to our guests. I also enjoy coaching new starters to see them flourish and become capable Team Members.

What inspires you to become a General Manager?

Becoming a General Manager is the next step on journey, and I am ready. I want to be able to progress and pass on what I’ve learned to my own team so that they and the business can succeed with pride.

What advice would you give to someone looking to become an Assistant Manager?

Go for it! The training is in place at Mitchells & Butlers to push forward with your career. By following the learning journey and trying out different brands you can experience a wide range of pubs and restaurants. There is so much room for progression and if you put in the effort you will see the reward.

Join the M&B team!

Are you interested in a career as an Assistant Manager or are you looking to secure a graduate scheme?