Bartending Schools--Are They Worth It?

[Starlet]

While I am trying to find my first full-time job post graduation, I was thinking of working as a bartender to make some extra cash. My first thought was to just go to a bartending school since most of them say they have a job placement service for you after you complete the course. But I have also heard that bars think of those schools as jokes, and that the smaller bars would rather train you instead.

I'd rather work at a bar or club instead of a bar/grill type of place like Applebees. Has anyone ever gone to bartending school or is a bartender? Any advice would be helpful.

[Kristin AGD]

Bartending schools are a lot of money. Especially when you can get the training and get paid if you were to get a job at a place like TGI Friday's. I know at some restaurants you have to pay your dues as a w/w (for non-restaurant folk, that is waiter/waitress... pronounced dub-dub). But restaurants that are short staffed might send you directly there, or with an arranged short stint as a w/w. I would apply at some restaurant with good bar training and check out your options before spending money on bartending school. Chances are even out of bartending school you will still encounter the same problems.

Bartending schools do cost money. The one that I almost attended here cost at least $500 for the course. That's $500 I could be spending elsewhere.

A friend of mine went through the course and granted, they did help hook her up with a restaurant where she could put her skills to use, but in the end she says it wasn't worth it.

Right now I'm working as a server at a small bar/grill where I am also learning how to bartend. The experience I am getting there is so much worth my time because I'm saving my money and learning on the job. On the slow nights I'm reading and studying the stuff I've printed on the Internet....what drinks/shots are made of, etc.

I just got my degree too...but I have a feeling I'll be stuck here in the service industry for a while. The money's just too good to pass up.

[PiKA2001]

We have a guy at my work who went to bartending school and everyone makes fun of him for it.

[cuaphi]

I've heard it's not worth it too. I think you're best off getting a job as a waitress at a cool place then being assertive. Ask the bartenders how to make everything, make sure the managers know you'd love to move behind the bar someday... then sit around and wait for an opening. I've seen some restaurants even have a seniority system in place for moving up to the bar.

[sigmagrrl]

I attended bartending school and it was the most fun I ever had. I did it for fun and to add to my resume (I went to a hospitality college, and wanted something to add zing to my credentials). I recommend it for the social aspect as well. I'd love to do it again...I graduated at the top of my class.

Just thinking about it made me feel all giddy!!LOL