What’s so bad about bartending grads?

There are jerks and naysayers anywhere, seeking a way to stroke their own self importance, by belittling others.

Don’t give in to peoples crap….sympathize their own pettiness which forces them to see through blinders.

Now go be your bad ass self and get paid!

I worked with one person trained by a bartending school and I ended up retraining her on the basics. bartending schools do not train how to be efficient.

Learning to be efficient, takes time on the job.

being an impatient jackass takes no time at all.

Invest in your co-workers, who does not need training in regards to learning a new job

Common sense and a kick ass personality and customer service makes a good bartender … everything you learned in school I learned on my own - all the things that they taught you (like how to make lame drinks no one ever heard of) you will hardly ever use. To be a good bartender you need to be able to keep your head when it’s crazy and prioritize - I don’t think you have a chance to learn these things in school. Also, I don’t know many bartenders who didn’t go to school that would have to ask what is in a white russian. There are times when I run into a new shot or a drink that I’ve never heard of and I take no shame in asking them or my fellow employees if they know whats in it. I care not to learn the trendiest drinks that are electric blue and taste like crap - the old stand bys are good enough for me. I guess we give bar grads a hard time because we don’t understand why you would have to go to school to learn what we all do - get into the right place and they will teach you everything you need to know - or study on your own?

…Which means that getting into the right place is everything. From someone who has recently finished bartending school, I’m bombarded with places that write me off, or worse yet, won’t even consider me because I made the attempt to get my research done before jumping in. Is it simply a matter of persistence and applying everywhere/anywhere? I have a strong desire to get into this field, but it’s tough when people won’t even give you a shot. How does one get experience if every place requires experience?

I have to agree. Bartending school is a waste of money. Anyone who wants to get into the business is going to have to start off by getting in to a bar as a waitress/bar back, and learn from there. MAYBE a smaller bar will train those with no experience, but working your way up is your best bet.

Do you have tits? I’ve found that helps trying to bartend in Chicago. I’ve been bartending for 8 years and have managed a bar for 2, and moved to SF last spring. With as many bars there are out here, you’d think I’d get work. Its f#&*ing tough. Good luck.

I agree with u IT IS TOUGH.

anyways, i have worked the bar school grads, what a joke. they are so slow and try to be exact with everything. they end up geting in the way during busy times because they have NO EXPERIENCE. the bar i work at tried out those school grads, 3 of them over the course of a year. i ended up having to train them with everything except what was in a harvey wallbanger or a tom collins. One of them (at a busy time) didnt know what was in a soco-lime shot and was sitting there reading her book to find out. Wow, bartending school doesnt teach you alot of things……..including commonsense.

let’s not forget-and this is not a validation, it’s an observation from someone who’s been in customer sevice for ten years- it’s a snobby, superficial industry! you really kind of need to know someone if you have no experience. so turn on your charisma, don’t be a jackass, make a friend at a couple of your local bars (it’s not a bad start) and see if you can’t get yourself a shift, a recommendation, or some training.

There may be nothing wrong with the people themselves that are Bartending School Grads, but it’s a big waste of money…REALLY!!! I’m sure they are all good people…they just got “suckered into” the school in the first place or was at a low point of life. The simple truth is: don’t waste your time or money on Bartending Schools!

If you want to become a bartender, here’s a few pointers from someone who is a bartender and worked my way up:

1. If you less than 21, then get a job as a barback. Yeah, you work your ass off, but your “foot is in the door”.

Keep your eyes and ears open and learn the drinks/shots that the bartender make all the time. One of the most challenging aspects of bartending is remembering all those damn drinks, but it comes with repetition.

Another thing is getting yourself acclamated on where everything is: which side of the cooler is the miller lite in? where is the patron silver? where are the backup straws? You see, as a barback, your manager knows you know where all this shit is and he/she already visualizes you behind the bar.

Although you can’t (or not legally allowed) to serve alcohol, have fun with the customers, talk with them (not too long because then you are seen by your manager as “slacker” or “too talkative” when you should be busting your hump). This is another good thing for your manager to see because it shows you have the personality.

2. If you are of legal age, get hired as a server in a reputable restaurant. Just like the barbacks, keep your ears and eyes open…learn the drinks! If you don’t know what’s in a drink, ask the bartender. (Every bartender, especially me, likes to be seen as the perverbial “expert” and will answer your question, if we have time.) Watch everything that they do.

Say hi to the “regulars” or introduce yourself to them. Do whatever you can for the bar: run their food, find the barback, etc. These things, again, make your manager visualize you “at the bar”.

Most importantly, let your managers know that you want to be a bartender one day if there is an opening. Work those lunch (not-alot-of-money) shifts when the opportunity arises. Eventually, a night (money) shift opens up.

When you first get behind the bar, work service, it’s easier to learn drinks this way and gain “speed”. I know, it’s not the most glamorous, but it will pay off sooner or later.

Be patient.

Hopes this helps you all!

I’ve worked in a LOT of bars, and nearly everyone I have ever had come out of a bartending school hasn’t had a clue. I don’t blame THEM, but it sucks that they got taken by these places. If you REALLY honestly want to be a bartender, get in as a cocktailer or a barback and sneak your way up the line. I’m not kidding. It doesnt matter HOW much bartending experience you have, because almost 99 times out of 100, places won’t hire someone off the streets, they promote from within. Pay attention to what the bartender does, and the SECOND they call in sick, offer to fill in and make sure that the manager knows you have skills. Sure, you’ll get shit on for awhile in the aforementioned positions, but it’s worth it, and thats just the way this industry works.

Hey New Guy, try saying you bartended at a bar thats not there anymore. And Do Not mention you went to school. I hated working with those people too, not that they lasted long. Read the comments above and DON’T do them yourself. And don’t be a know it all, that’s a dead giveaway of a newbie. Sorry you got scammed. Want to become a licensed photographer?(Heehee)