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 Message 6512 of 39187 in General Discussion
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Subject: Re: Class or no class....
From: Kent Garber
Posted: Fri Sep 21. 2001, 13:52 UTC
Followup to: "Class or no class...."  by Rick  (Fri Sep 21. 2001, 13:11 UTC)
The question has been asked repeatedly, with contradictory answers.

I went to a bartending school, and graduated last July 27.  It was 5 days - 40 
hours.  Cost 400.00.  It was an excellent school with a good reputation.  And 
I learned a lot.  They even let you sit in class for a day for free to see if 
you thought it was for you.  And after you finished the course a free 
refresher course if you thought it was needed.  I do not regret taking the 
course.  In fact I am thinking of taking a refresher course.
Other schools are get-you-in-and-out-as-quick-as-possible and you learn 
nothing, fine, bottom line did they get you a job?  The school has sent me to 
a number of places and I've only had three interviews.  I know for a fact last 
Monday, when I went for a job, just filling out the application I was getting 
negative feedback from the bartender, he was friendly, but said you have no 
experience, you know nothing about wine, it is hard work and we finish at two 
to four O'clock in the morning.  It was not because of anything I said, or the 
way I was dressed, "but my age."  When I handed the hostess my application and 
resume, I received the exact same speech that the bartender gave me.  The 
thing that got me upset is they had no add in the paper and asked for the 
school to send down students.  Students have no experience.

As far as big crowds, that takes experience and learning the drinks, no school 
prepares you for big crowds.

My first place I went for a bartending job through the school turned out they 
really wanted a bar back.  I should have taken it.
If you can take it the job, than take it, but keep looking for a bartending 
job.  You will learn something as a bar back, but not much.

If the money you will pay for the school will hurt if they don't get you a 
job, than that is something you MUST talk to the school about.  Try to find 
out how others that have graduated are getting jobs.  If you do take the class 
get phone numbers if possible of class mates and keep in touch with them.


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