Drinknation Forums

jennyng · Monkey Joined: 28 Dec 2005 Posts: 12 Location: Queens, NY

Personally I think that going to a bartending school was definitely worthwhile. Although some people stated that they started as a barback and worked their way up and learned through experience, who's to say how long that takes and if you're even that lucky to make that transition quick. Think of it this way, compare it to regular school. There are some people that do not finish college or even attend and get their GRE and enter the work field. While they are gaining experience, you're in college learning for about 4 years without the opportunity to experience the real corporate world (unless you gained an internship of some sort.) But, with the college background, a lot of companies (in this case bars/lounges/clubs) would probably prefer someone with that college degree (bartending certification) versus someone that had little to no direct education (GRE.) And yes you might say that the person with the GRE had about 3-4 years of experience over you but chances of you getting to their level has been statistically researched to be more likely. You will probably be at their level (due to exposure to general bartending knowledge) at a faster pace than if you had not. Think of it as a foundation. Although the money might seem like a lot, if you end up getting a good job, you make up that money in like 5-6 nights of working. That's not a bad trade-off. I did attend bartending school and I definitely think that it helped. Although I didn't start off as a professional bartender (a little less confident) with that foundation, it helped me to build my confidence and skills in no time. No one is going to come straight out of bartending school and bartend like a pro. That's just not how it is. But starting off with no exposure (just taking a barback position), you might take forever before that opportunity arrives for your to transition as a real bartender.

nhmicheall · Monkey-in-training Joined: 02 Sep 2006 Posts: 3

i've been working in private clubs for 3 years and now thinking about going to the "boston bartender school" has any one heard any thing about this school

Fountainpen · Monkey-in-training Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 2

I went to school too and it was worth it.

My bartending instructor was excellent.

I couldn't agree more with a prev poster's remark about "good" schools.

In my research to find the best school I came across some real LOOSERS, so be careful which school you pick.

They're around. do some shopping and you'll find one.

bartend · Monkey-in-training Joined: 29 Oct 2007 Posts: 1

I think online bartending schools are the best and easiest way to obtain your bartending certification. I recommend bartend.com (http://www.bartend.com) because they are one of the best online bartending schools out there.