Jason Stevens
Career: Waiter and sommelier
Age: 27
Lives: Melbourne, Australia

How long did you live in London for?

I lived in London for two years until the end of last year, when I moved home.

What were you doing?

I started out working as a waiter, and by the end of my stay I had developed a real interest in wine. I ended up as an assistant manager at a restaurant in Kensington, and managed to make choosing wines part of my job.

Were the skills you acquired in the UK an asset back home?

A lot of employers like staff who have cut their teeth in big cities overseas. It shows versatility, and it also gives you a way into conversation with customers.

Were there any obstacles to getting work in Australia?

Aussies can be overly patriotic when it comes to wine – some employers don’t think that working in London teaches you much about wine, but they’re in the minority.