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How to become a Bartender?

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Talent.com talent.com
Answered March 04 2021
Career Expert at Talent.com
There is no single set career path to becoming a Bartender, but it is one of those tricky careers where most establishments want someone with experience. It is hard to gain experience without former experience! 

Most Bartenders start by working as either a busser or a barback and then working their way up the ladder. They may begin practicing bartending on quieter nights and then gradually moving to busier and busier shifts. Bars and restaurants tend to promote internally, especially once management sees that you are hardworking and responsible. Some establishments, such as student bars on college campuses or restaurant chain bars, are great steppingstones to learning the ropes of bartending and building your skills so that you can move up to more upscale establishments.  

If you are genuinely committed to becoming a Bartender, you can take several courses online and in person. However, they do not replace real-world work experience. There are several options for bartending school, but both The Columbia Bartending Agency and The Beverage Alcohol Resource are well-regarded in the industry.  

Most states do not require special licenses for bartending, but New York, Illinois, California, and Washington do. If you live in one of these states, you cannot work as a Bartender without the proper permit. Some states, such as Oregon, do not require a bartending license but require a certificate that proves that you have passed the state-approved alcohol service course. If you want to become a Bartender, you will need to look into the regulations for serving alcohol in your state.  

Important Things to Know Before Becoming a Bartender
  • It can be mentally taxing
 Like any customer service job, you must be friendly, polite, and accommodating to every customer. That will include some rude and demanding ones. You are also not allowed to have a bad day; you need to set all your problems aside when you are at work and focus on making customers happy. 

  • Bartending is physically demanding
You are on your feet often for long shifts. You are also expected to lift cases of bottles, kegs, and any other types of supplies. Investing in some very comfortable shoes goes a long way to prevent injury and tiredness. 

  • It is a high-pressure work environment
On a busy Friday or Saturday night, you need to keep up a brisk pace, ensure everyone is served, and keep an eye on your inventory. Some people do well under pressure, but not everyone. 

  • You will work late nights, and your social life will be impacted
Forget making plans with your friends that work 9-5 daytime jobs. Your time off will be weekday afternoons, and your work hours will be weekend nights. Depending on how later bars are open where you live, you can expect to work as late as 3 or 4 am.
Easteregg!