Bartending: Building A Foundation For A Profitable And Rewarding Career
By Dave Parks
Dating back thousands of years, began as a trade by those who produced liquor and, in turn, sold it to the public. This was not only a profitable venture for these early bartenders, but provided a product in huge demand by the public. Historically, humans have always had a fondness for spirits, which is an enormous benefit to those pursuing a career. Prohibition makes a very clear case that people want their drinks, and demand is not quashed by the absence of product.

Very few careers can offer you virtually guaranteed placement in literally any place you wish to live and work in the world. Most bartenders, in fact, earn more than entry-level college graduates, with some eventually earning six- figure incomes.

Becoming a successful bartender takes more than just learning to spin drink recipes. The professional bartender is well-versed on the legal and business ramifications of alcohol management and service. Today's bartenders are a breed apart, savvy and knowledgeable performers in a fast-paced exciting environment. Simply put, there is no aspect more vital to a professional career than the foundation built by a quality school. schools provide more than just preparation; they directly affect how much you earn, from your very first day on the job. Some certifications, such as TIPS ® (Training for Intervention Procedures or TAM ® (Techniques in Alcohol Management) are required, by law, in many states.

Given the earning potential offers as a career, the cost of attending a quality school becomes a wise investment rather than an expense. Most schools are very affordable, require very little time (as little as two weeks), and can be found in nearly every state in the country. Bartending-World.com offers a state-by-state listing of reputable schools that makes selecting a school a breeze. When selecting a school, make sure to ask these questions, and be leary of those who cannot offer answers.

What is the schools' industry reputation and how long has it been in business? Look for a school well-recognized in the education industry. Many schools have a long history, making research easy.

What are the size of the classes and how well-equipped are they? Look for low teacher-to-student ratios and facilities that mimic actual working environments, as closely as possible.

Is the school licensed by the state? What credentials are required for the instructors? Verifying that a school is actually licensed by the state, in which it teaches, is important. Find out what they look for when they hire instructors. Instructors, if well-chosen, are industry vets who can provide invaluable insight into the industry.

Can you be given references of graduates who are working in the industry? What is the school's job

placement policy? Any reputable school will have working graduates who will endorse the school. If not, you need to be careful. A successful job placement plan is always indicative of a good training facility. If local bars have had success with hiring quality graduates then you can rest assured that school is worth a second look.

Bartending offers a rewarding and profitable career for those who are serious about their pursuit. While there is a lot of hard work involved, the excitement and fun of the atmosphere is hard to beat. Investing in a quality education will put you on the fast track to maximized earnings in bartending.

Dave Parks is a contributing author to Bartending-World.com www.bartending-world.com. A bartending school resource site for current and aspiring industry professionals.