Becoming a bartender in the hospitality industry can be a rewarding and exciting career choice. Not only do bartenders get to interact with a variety of people and make them happy with delicious drinks, but they also have the opportunity to earn a good living. If you’re thinking about becoming a bartender, here are some tips to help you get started.
- Get the proper training. The first step to becoming a bartender is to get the proper training. This can include taking classes at a local community college or trade school, or even attending a bartending school. These programs will teach you the basics of mixology, including how to make different types of drinks, how to use bartending tools, and how to properly serve customers.
- Gain experience. Once you have the proper training, it’s important to gain experience. One of the best ways to do this is to work as a bar-back or a server in a restaurant or bar. This will give you a chance to learn the ropes and see how things work in a real-life setting.
- Learn about different types of drinks. To be a great bartender, you need to know about different types of drinks and how to make them. This includes classic cocktails, like martinis and Old Fashioneds, as well as more modern drinks. You should also learn about different types of beer, wine, and spirits, as well as how to pair them with different foods.
- Learn about customer service. In addition to knowing how to make drinks, it’s important to be able to provide excellent customer service. This includes being friendly and approachable, knowing how to handle difficult customers, and being able to multitask.
- Network. Networking is a key part of becoming a bartender. This includes building relationships with other bartenders, as well as meeting people in the industry. This can help you find job opportunities and learn from others who have more experience.
- Be flexible and open to learning. The hospitality industry is always changing, so it’s important to be flexible and open to learning new things. This includes learning about new drinks, new trends in the industry, and new technologies.
- Get a bartending certification. There are many bartending certifications available to help you stand out from other applicants. These certifications prove your knowledge and skills in the field, and will give you a professional edge.
- Look for job opportunities. Once you have the training, experience, and certifications, you can start looking for job opportunities. This can include applying to bartending jobs at restaurants, bars, or other venues. You can also look for jobs through online job sites, or by networking with other bartenders.
Becoming a bartender in the hospitality industry can be a great career choice. With the right training, experience, and skills, you can have a successful and rewarding career making delicious drinks and making people happy. Remember to stay flexible and open to learning, and to always be looking for new opportunities.