Have you been to a bartending school?

Have you been to a bartending school?



What did you learn, other than how to make drinks?



Was it noticeably easier to get a job as a bartender because you'd been to bartending school? Or if you became a bartender without going to bartending school, how did you come by your job?



Please, first person accounts **only**, as i am not interested in what I should do - I really only want to hear of other people's experiences.



Thanks guys!!!Have you been to a bartending school?
I currently bartend in NYC and have been bartending for over 6 years. I've also managed bars and the best bit of advice I can give you is to NOT go to bartending school. Most bar owners and managers feel as though bartending school is nothing but a waste of money and a way for someone to take the easy way out. You get no real experience and often times pick up bad habits. Many bartending schools that say they will get you a job when you 'graduate' are scamming you into working one or two 'guest bartending' shifts with no promise of actually being hired.



If you are serious about being a bartender, you're best bet is to work somewhere as a bar-back or cocktail server to learn the industry and prove to the management that you deserve to be behind the bar. (I cocktailed). If you get yourself in the right place, they could train you up to be a bartender. People in the industry want to know that you are willing to work for your money, not that you can memorize flashcards in school.



Best of luck!