Page 56 - Thirst Magazine Issue 1 (Feb 2017)

Osmund Bernard
from IKKI, World
Class Malaysia
2016 winner

WANT TO BE A BARTENDER?

It’s important to understand exactly what you’re getting into

before applying for a job in the F&B service industry.

f you've been thinking about to happen if you're working as a clean stations or wash glassware
pursuing a new career, maybe bartender. If you have a family or you before you’re allowed to serve drinks.
you've considered becoming a are in a serious relationship, consider THIRDLY, you will meet people
bartender. Bartending can be an whether or not you're willing to see from all walks and life. There may be
Iincredibly rewarding job. It also them during daylight hours only since those who become friends and some
gives you opportunities to advance working nights could require you to you don’t quite like, but to become
your career into becoming a brand miss evening parties. a popular bartender, you have to be
ambassador, travel for your job and SECONDLY, although bartending the reason the customers return. For
meet interesting people. A bartender doesn’t require a mixology certificate, a bar to make profit, your customers
with a lot of experience can be a you have to develop your taste palate have to like you. Sometimes you will
consultant to bars or open their own. and learn about the flavours of spirits, be put into a tight corner by difficult
The possibilities are infinite. fresh ingredients and other beverages customers and you have to cope with
However, it's important to in order to know how to mix them negative people. You will learn the
understand exactly what you're together. The most important part skills as you go along and from more
getting into before applying for a is remembering the recipes! If you experienced bartenders. But staying
job in the F&B (food and beverage) haven’t started from studying in open minded is a good start.
service industry. Bartending is hospitality schools then there are still If you love to meet new people,
a growing career field and good options of learning the craft in bar interact with and serve clients,
bartenders are in high demand, but do schools, through reading, or with the and experiment with drink recipes,
you have what it takes to succeed? abundance of information that is also chances are that you're going to make
FIRST OFF, realise that bartenders available online. Any bar will provide a fine bartender. If you enjoy trying
work long hours, and that they also basic training to start you off if you new things and helping the people
work nights. If you like to hang out get a job there. But remember, you around you relax and have a good
with your friends or loved ones in the will always start from the ground as a time, F&B service might be the perfect
evenings, this probably isn't going bar back and learn how to cut fruits, career field for you.

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