If you’re a college student looking to get your foot in the door as a bartender, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. These tips will help you have a better experience and ensure your first day goes smoothly!
TABC Certification
If you are a college student and want to work as a bartender, one of the best things you can do is get TABC certified. Many employers in Texas require that employees of bars, restaurants, and other food-related establishments are TABC licensed before hiring them.
Getting your TABC certification can make you more employable and help you land a job faster. In addition, TABC certification shows you are educated about the alcohol industry and can handle it responsibly.
TABC course and exam are designed to teach servers, bartenders, cashiers, caterers, and others that sell or serve alcoholic beverages in Texas about responsible alcohol sales. After you complete the course and test, you can print your TABC certificate immediately.
Be A Professional
Bartending is a profession that requires extensive knowledge of various drinks, ingredients, and garnishes. Many resources are available to help you build your knowledge base, including books, seminars, and classes.
Being a professional bartender is key to earning tips and success in the industry. This means you have to work under pressure and prioritize your tasks correctly while being courteous and attentive to your customers.
You may also want to join a local United States Bartenders Guild (USBG) chapter for networking opportunities and events. A strong bartending network can help you find new opportunities, make friends and gain valuable skills that will benefit you throughout your career.
Don’t Be A Hinder
A properly designed and executed bartending routine should be fun and, if not enjoyable, part of the college experience. It’s also a great way to network with classmates, alumni, and staff in the most philanthropic and socially responsible manner possible. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of a senior whose bartending stint at the most popular campus restaurant resulted in a full-time job offer upon graduation, with the coveted title of bartender adorning his/her resume. The best part? A few well-selected students will receive a check for their efforts, with a generous benefits package.
Stay Busy
Staying busy is one of the best ways to keep your head above water while behind the bar. Getting caught up in conversations with customers who want to chat is easy, but you must remember to scan the bar for other items needing attention.
Another great way to stay busy is to sneak out for a quick break every few hours. Whether it’s a drink, a snack, or some time to watch a movie, a break will recharge you and keep you focused until you close the bar.
If you’re struggling to focus on your studies, consider using a study space with minimal distractions. It’s also important to avoid checking your phone while you study, as it will distract you and take you away from what you’re trying to learn.
Have Great Memory
A good long-term memory can benefit a bartender, especially when remembering regular names and drinks. This will allow you to create a more personalized experience for each person who comes in, which can turn them into returning customers.
If you’re a college student looking for a job in a bar, you should consider attending a bartending school to learn the skills needed to succeed in the industry. Courses teach you the basics of bartending, including pouring techniques and drink recipes. They can even provide you with practice in free pouring, which involves pouring liquids without measuring them beforehand.
Handle Money Well
Handling money well is a skill that not many people are born with, but it is one of the most important skills that bartenders must have. Whether counting change or knowing how to tip customers, managing cash properly can be difficult, especially for young people who have never had to work for an income before. But if you handle tips well, they will come your way and make a big difference in how much you earn from your job as a bartender.
Remember that the most important part of a job as a bartender is your service to customers, not your tips. If you are obsessed with getting the best tips every time, your customers will notice and think of you as stingy or not paying attention to their needs.
