Is bartending school a horrible idea?

Apparently, bartending school is a huge waste of money?



Well, I've heard that the certificate is pointless, and that managers don't care. They want hard workers that work their way up to bartender. Well, what if I go to bartending school, take really good notes, and start off as a barback?



Would having the certificate speed up the barback time, and get me to be a bartender sooner?Is bartending school a horrible idea?
Don't go to bartending school (i.e. don't waste the money) unless the job you are applying to requires such an endevour (usually only hotels and casinos ask for that kind of stuff)



Also, most states don't require a license either. Depending on what state you live in you need ot make sure of the age requirements (most states require that you are 21 years old and that's it, some want you to get a state license...etc...) Just check the laws for your state (go here: http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/StateAn鈥?/a>



The most important thing that you should do is pick up the Bartender's Black Book (you can usually find it at a local package store, if not order it from Amazon). It has thousands of recipes, Plus all the basics, terms, and measurements you need to memorize immediately. Learning your pour count, knowing how to make a Long Island, a Martini, a Cosmo, how to tap a keg, etc...



Other than knowing how to pour drinks and serve drinks quickly, the main thing a bartender has to do is listen/talk to people. Make sure you are a people person. You have to love to listen too, especially to drunks. You also want to be up to date on local stuff (where the best entertainment spots are, the nearest hotel, the cab's number, etc...) You also need to have at least two jokes you can pull from memory. One dirty, and one you could tell your mother. Both have to be funny. Also be up to date on all sports scores, especially on local teams. Know who is playing who and at what time (make sure to have it on the TV too).



When starting out, it may be tough to get a job. The best thing to do is to apply to all the places that cycle through bartenders/barbacks a lot (like restaurants, hotel bars, etc...) Then find bars that you like personally and become somewhat of a regular at those places. Get to know the other bartenders, owners, managers, and then in a few months drop the line that you would be willing to work for them. Start out as a barback and work your way up. Most small bars are run like families anyway. You will have to know your fellow employees well. That is how I got my first two bartending jobs and eventually made it to bar manager.



Bartending is an extremely fun job. You will meet tons of people and hear lots of interesting stories. Plus you will know alcohol better than the back of your hand. I find it to be quite rewarding when it comes to the bank account too.



Good Luck and Have Fun!Is bartending school a horrible idea?
if you're going to start from the bottom up (which is THE way to go), why waste your time and money on school? i never met anyone who cared if you went (i've been working in restaurants my whole life). it is true. they want you to start at the bottom. experience is what matters, not a certificate. one of the reasons is that a HUGE part of being a bartending is the customers. they can't teach you that in school!
Horrible idea.... No. But it sure isn't the best idea either. Most managers don't care about it that is true. What they care about is personality, a level head and good math skills. Just starting as a barback and filling in when ever needed works out much better than going to classes. Hell, even after you buy a cocktail book or two you are still ahead of the game since you're making tips as a barback.Is bartending school a horrible idea?
Bartending school typically implies big tips.

Do not trust the big tips unless you are working at a VERY busy place.
Everyone I've talked to that went to bartending school said all they learned was how to water down drinks and make more money by using less alcohol. They didn't actually learn much on how to mix drinks or be a bartender, just a shady business man.Is bartending school a horrible idea?
learn how to bartend the old fashioned way! don't waste your money on schools. being a barback is a good way to go, be observant and learn fast and you could work your way up quickly.
I spent the money (565 bucks) on bartending school. It was a 2 week program and probably the most fun I've had learning in a long time. They have a job placement program, and I was hired the first week after I finished. I made the money back the first week I worked because I was hired for corporate parties during the week of Furniture Market in High Point NC. I didn't make as much in bars/restaurants. I preferred bartending parties because the work was relatively easy and the wages were much better per hour than working bars/restaurants.

Personality is key, and I quit bartending when I got married because I didn't feel comfortable giving so much attention to guys that weren't my husband.