Puneeth Bhuvan Shekar

I came to the UK in September 2022.

Soon enough, my classmates were busy planning their corporate takeovers, while I was learning the art of mixing the perfect cocktail. Bartending. The source of my valuable lessons.

The late shifts taught me more than I expected:

• How to read people in seconds
• The art of multitasking under pressure
• Working with a smile even at 2 AM

By day, freelancing. By night, bartending. Somewhere in between, classes and sleep.

Six months in, I started the real hunt. 1150 job applications. 1100 rejections. 45 interviews.

There were calendar alerts for interviews between classes. The cover letters written during bar breaks. The LinkedIn profile updates at 3 AM after closing. It was rough.

I remember when I got an offer from Domino's – commission-only doorstep marketing. No fixed salary. So I said no. Some opportunities aren't opportunities at all.

What made the difference? Focus.

When Unimad helped me reshape my CV and LinkedIn profile, I stopped trying to be everything to everyone. Instead, I highlighted what I was genuinely good at and made it public.

My bartending stories became interview gold. Managing difficult customers? Conflict resolution skills. Remembering complex orders during rush hour? Attention to detail under pressure. Upselling premium spirits? Sales skills.

June 2024. The email arrived: internship offer accepted.

Looking back, I wish I'd explored opportunities beyond the UK earlier. The world is bigger than one country's job market.

But here's what I know for sure: Embrace every role, no matter how small. The skills from unexpected places– like measuring the perfect pour or dealing with a rude customer. They often become the unique edge that sets you apart.

That's my story.
From late nights at the bar to late nights preparing presentations.

Different path. Same destination.