Barista Skills in Demand: Where Can You Work After Training?

The days when coffee was something trendy are long passed, and it has now become an expanding industry. On the streets of Kathmandu to the Dubai airports, people are flocking in coffee shops. And every espresso machine has a person behind it who knows what he is doing absolutely.

Therefore, after you have finished a barista training program, or you are planning to be in a barista training program, the question is, what next? The response: quite much. The job opportunity of barista is very high in Nepal and also in other international places as well so you may have a lot of career options when you complete your training.

This is where your new skills will get you.

1. Cafés and Coffee Shops in Nepal

The first and most obvious place to work is in local cafés. Cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, and Chitwan now have hundreds of cafés — and most of them are constantly looking for trained baristas.

With your certification and practice, you’ll have the confidence to:

• Prepare espresso-based drinks like cappuccino, latte, americano

• Handle customer orders smoothly

• Maintain machines and cleanliness

• Serve with confidence and professionalism

This is a great starting point, especially for beginners building their first job experience.

2. Hotels and Resorts

Large hotels often have in-house cafés or restaurants that serve a wide variety of beverages. Baristas who work in hotels often earn more and are expected to meet international service standards.

Your barista training can help you land positions in:

• 3-star to 5-star hotels in Kathmandu or Pokhara

• Resorts in popular tourist destinations

• Business lounges and event venues

Many hotels also promote internally, meaning you can grow into higher hospitality roles over time.

3. Work Opportunities Abroad (Dubai, Qatar, Malaysia, etc.)

Barista jobs are in high demand in countries like:

• United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)

• Qatar

• Malaysia

• Saudi Arabia

Cafés, restaurants, and hotels abroad are always seeking skilled, English-speaking baristas. If you have a recognized training certificate and basic communication skills, you can apply for jobs through agencies or directly with international brands like Starbucks, Costa Coffee, or local café chains.

Many Nepali baristas trained at institutes like Galaxy Training Institute have found rewarding jobs overseas.

4. Franchise Chains and Fast-Food Outlets

International and national food chains are expanding in Nepal. Outlets like:

• Himalayan Java

• Cafe Coffee Day

• Bakery Café

• KFC, Pizza Hut (with coffee corners)

...often need baristas for their beverage sections. Working here teaches you not only coffee skills but also teamwork, time management, and customer handling — important for career growth.

5. Cruise Ships and Airports

As more experience is gained, most baristas end up picking up jobs in cruise ships and airports that pay higher salaries and have better benefits. The jobs involve speed, consistency and professional attitude which are learned in a quality barista course.

As a goal, it can be excellent in case you are willing to travel and work in a foreign country with some years of experience.

6. Start Your Own Café or Coffee Business

Not everyone wants to work for someone else — and that’s okay. After learning the skill and gaining a little experience, you can:

• Open a small coffee stall

• Start a mobile coffee cart

• Launch a delivery-based coffee brand

The best part about barista training is that it gives you the technical foundation to build your own brand, even with low investment.

Final Thoughts

It is not all about learning how to make coffee in the barista training, it is more about opening the gates. The skills that you acquire are all needed regardless of your desire to stay and work in the local area, work in a foreign country, or open your own cafe.

Given right practical training, some experience, and encouragement, the gates that lead to the hospitality world are opened. You can start your career as a barista in a small cafe and go anywhere around the world.