Bartending is one of the most iconic professions out there. For many, it represents a fun, dynamic, and potentially lucrative career path. Yet, whether you’re a seasoned bartender or a newcomer to the profession, you may be questioning the value of attending bartending school. In this article, we will take a closer look at the pros and cons of bartending school and assess whether it’s truly worth the money.
While attending a bartending school may seem like a great way to fast-track your career, it’s natural to wonder if it’s worth the investment. After all, these courses can be costly, and many bartenders start their careers without any formal training. So, is bartending school a waste of money? Join us as we dissect the pros and cons of attending bartending school and help you make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.
What Are The Pros and Cons of Attending Bartending School?
Attending bartending school can have both advantages and drawbacks. One of the major benefits is that it provides a comprehensive introduction and practical training to the art of bartending. Students get to learn about different types of cocktails, the art of mixology, and customer service skills. This knowledge can prove to be invaluable and can also give aspiring bartenders a competitive edge in the job market.
On the downside, bartending schools can be quite expensive, and there is no guarantee that you will get a job after completing the program. It’s also important to consider the reputation of the school before enrolling, as some bartending schools offer substandard training that may not appeal to potential employers. Ultimately, individuals should weigh the pros and cons of attending a bartending school before making a decision. If you already possess bartending skills, are a fast learner, and have a knack for customer service, you may not need to attend a bartending school.
Can You Learn Bartending Skills Outside of Bartending School?
While attending bartending school can certainly help you develop bartending skills, there are other ways to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to succeed in the field. Many successful bartenders have learned their skills through on-the-job training, starting as barbacks or servers and gradually working their way up to bartending positions. Additionally, there are countless online resources and tutorials available that offer valuable information on everything from mixing drinks to customer service.
One of the biggest advantages of learning bartending skills outside of school is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting. Working a bar job can help you develop important skills like communication and time-management, while also giving you the chance to network and make valuable connections in the industry. So while bartending school can be a helpful resource, it’s certainly not the only way to gain the knowledge and experience necessary for a successful bartending career.
How Much Does Bartending School Cost?
Bartending schools are supposed to train students in the art of mixing and serving drinks, so the decision to attend one largely depends on the cost. The cost of bartending schools varies greatly, depending on location, school reputation, and the course duration.
Generally, the cost of a bartending school ranges from $200 to $1,000 or even more. Some schools offer training in a few days or weeks, while some provide extensive courses for months. However, the cost doesn’t just cover tuition fees. Students must also consider expenses such as textbooks, equipment, uniforms, and travel costs, which can add up considerably. While bartending school may seem like an excellent investment in your future career, it is essential to weigh the cost against the benefits and opportunities that come with training, to determine if it is a worthwhile investment.
What is the Expected ROI of Bartending School?
When investing in any education program, it’s reasonable to assess the potential return on investment. The same goes for bartending school. As a result, potential students wonder, “What is the expected ROI of bartending school?”
The answer to that question depends greatly on factors such as where you are located, the type of establishment you are working in, and the skills you developed during bartending school. For instance, in cities with a higher cost of living, bartenders tend to make more money. Bartenders who honed their skills in mixology and learned how to work fast under pressure can earn higher rates of pay and be more sought after by employers. With this in mind, the expected ROI from bartending school is highly subjective and dependent on an individual’s career path.
Is a Bartending School Certification Necessary to Land a Job?
Many aspiring bartenders wonder if completing a bartending school certification program is necessary to secure a job in the industry. The short answer is no. While a certification may make your resume stand out, employers are more interested in your practical skills and experience.
In fact, many successful bartenders have learned their craft on the job and have never attended a bartending school. Employers are more likely to hire someone who has hands-on experience and a strong work ethic, rather than someone with just a certification. However, attending a bartending school can still be a valuable experience, providing you with a solid foundation of knowledge and introducing you to industry professionals. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to decide if the cost of a bartending school certification program is worth the investment.
What Do Bartending Schools Teach That You Can’t Learn on the Job?
Bartending schools often advertise that they offer comprehensive training that covers all the aspects of bartending. However, the question remains: are these skills useful and can they only be learned in a classroom setting? When it comes down to it, most of what bartending students are taught can be learned on the job.
One of the benefits of learning on the job is the ability to adapt to various work environments. A bartender’s job is heavily influenced by the type of establishment they work at, which affects the clientele, menu, and service style. Working in different environments forces bartenders to develop a range of skills to succeed, like quick-thinking, problem-solving, and customer service. These are difficult skills to learn in a classroom setting and can be better honed by being thrown in the deep end and learning as you go.
Testimonials from Bartenders Who Attended Bartending School.
In order to provide a well-informed answer to the question of whether or not bartending school is a waste of money, it is important to hear from those who have actually attended these schools. Many bartenders who have gone through such a program swear by its efficacy in terms of opening doors in the industry and providing valuable education and training. One testimonial detailed how bartending school was the only way to become a bartender in the area due to strict hiring requirements, and how the teachings and connections made during the program helped him land his first job.
On the other hand, some bartenders who have gone through bartending school argue that the expensive program didn’t offer much value and that they could have learned the same skills on the job through gaining experience. These criticisms were largely directed towards schools that only provided theoretical education and not enough practical training. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of attending bartending school for themselves and see if the investment is worthwhile for their own personal goals.
The Conclusion
From the above discussion, it can be inferred that whether or not bartending school is worth the investment depends on the individual’s goals, experience, and financial situation. Attending bartending school can provide valuable training, skills, and networking opportunities that can help individuals stand out in a competitive job market. However, if an individual is already experienced and skilled in bartending or cannot afford the cost of tuition, bartending school may not be necessary.
In the end, it is important for individuals to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of attending bartending school and make an informed decision based on their unique circumstances and career aspirations. Regardless of whether or not one chooses to attend bartending school, the most important factor for success in the industry is passion, dedication, and a strong work ethic.