A bartending career is a fun way to work in the hospitality industry. It’s also a great option for college students who want to make extra money.
Some states require TABC Certification, which offers online courses covering liquor licensing, proper alcohol handling procedures, and bartending licenses before you can work in the industry.
However, the laws and requirements vary widely across the country, so it’s important to know what you need to get your permit before you sign up for a course.
If you’re interested in becoming a bartender, there are several things you can do to prepare yourself for the job. These tips can help you get started and ensure a successful bartending career.
Start as a Barback
If you’re interested in working as a bartender, getting a job as a barback is a good way to start. Barbacks are essential for helping bartenders carry out their duties and support the rest of the bar staff.
You can apply for barback jobs in bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and other establishments that serve alcohol. This great way to gain experience and build your resume without paying for training or education.
A great barback is friendly and supportive of the bar’s front-house staff (hostesses, managers, and servers) and back-house staff (line cooks and dishwashers). They also understand that their job is to help bartenders perform their duties, so they take advantage of any opportunities to do so.
Organize Your Study Time
While it is not required to attend a college degree program to work as a bartender, completing a bachelor’s or associate’s degree can increase your job prospects by demonstrating that you are a business expert.
Bartending schools are typically flexible in scheduling and price, making them an excellent option for people who have other commitments or want to work full-time while attending classes part-time. In addition, some colleges offer courses in management and organizational change, which can be helpful if you want to move into management or sales roles.
Get a Bartending License
Bartending is a great career choice for college students. It requires great communication and customer interaction, and you can gain valuable experience through on-the-job training.
You’ll need to know how to check IDs and spot a fake, ensure you don’t serve alcohol to underage people, and handle situations that can lead to intoxication and drunk driving. This training helps you become knowledgeable and protects your customers and your business.
Memorize Bartending Terms
Whether you are looking for a job as a bartender or just trying to improve your skills in this field, knowing the terms associated with working behind the bar can help. If you are not familiar with the language of a bar, it can be challenging to deal with customers. This can make for awkward and tense situations, which is why it is important to memorize the bartending terms. This will help you acclimate to the bar world and improve your chances of getting hired as a bartender.
Start as a Server
A server is one of the best jobs for college students because it offers flexible work hours and allows you to earn money without interfering with your studies. You can even request a day off or switch shifts with your co-workers to get the extra time you need for your classes.
When creating a resume for a server job, include any relevant skills and experience that will help you stand out from the competition. This consists of any certifications in food safety or customer service.
Learn How to Mix Drinks
When it comes to bartending, you need to be able to mix a variety of drinks. This will help you broaden your career options and allow you to work in various establishments.
You can learn to mix various drinks by reading a few books and experimenting with different types of alcohol and cocktails. However, it would help if you also considered attending a bartending school to get the training and skills you need to become a successful bartender. These programs typically last a few weeks and teach you the basic recipe for different types of drinks and state laws on selling alcoholic beverages.
Save Money
One of the best parts about being a bartender is that it’s an extremely flexible job. You can work during the week or on weekends if you’re in school or want to have extra money for fun.
You also save a lot of money on alcohol while bartending. Many bars have happy hours, day-of-the-week specials, and discounts.
However, it would help if you still were smart with your spending. If you’re regularly drinking, it can quickly add up to a significant amount of money. So it’s best to abstain, limit alcohol consumption or only drink when you’re at a discounted or free drink.
