Becoming a Barista: The Beginning of a Specialty Career

Many people who want to become baristas face a common dilemma. Barista jobs often require some experience.

So how does one get this experience without having a job?”

It's a common question. And a good one!

There is no right answer. Some baristas start in food service. Some have a background in bartending. Others have a background in hosting, serving, cooking, or even coffee roasting. Still, others learn “on the job.” All of these are possible, and all of these have been done before.

However, if you want to stand out, consider educating yourself in coffee. Explore every aspect of the coffee world. In other words, get the knowledge you need. For starters, consider reviewing our barista blog, which covers various topics centered on how to be a barista. There are also plenty of great books available (including ours!)

Being a Barista Opens Doors

One of the most popular ways to enter the coffee field is to take a barista training course. This allows you to develop a coffee service skill set. Attending a barista training course – either online or in-person – offers plenty of benefits. Often, the focus is on developing practical skills. These include working with an espresso machine. Steaming milk and manual coffee brewing.

Also, it’s worth visiting local coffee shops and talk to baristas or coffee professionals. This will help you get a basic understanding of coffee, duties, and responsibilities. By educating yourself and creating a professional network, you have a high chance of success with less investment.

Develop within a Vibrant Coffee Industry

Having a barista job is a wonderful opportunity to get behind the scenes of the coffee industry.   You will learn about coffee and its origins, farming and processing, as well as roasting and customer service.

The coffee industry involves thousands and thousands of people worldwide, all participating in the chain of growing, processing, selecting, roasting coffee, and much more.

When working in a coffee shop, you will meet various coffee professionals, all having different areas of expertise. Learn from them and choose your own path. You might as well stay a barista and pursue wider recognition on local and world barista championships.

From a Barista to Coffee Shop Owner

After getting enough expertise, money, and self-confidence, many baristas set out to open their own coffee shops or coffee stands. This is a very possible and profitable outcome of your investment into learning and being a barista.

Coffee Equipment Specialists

Coffee equipment is often expensive and should be properly maintained. Espresso machines require proper installation and care. While working in a coffee shop, you'll have a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with your coffee equipment. Get to know them. Proper training will help you avoid accidents, injury, or costly breakdowns.

Promote Coffee Products (You can be a Sales Rep)

The coffee sales representative job requires you to approach prospective clients and promote your company's coffee products. This might be roasted coffee, green coffee, coffee equipment, or coffee training. You will need to support and develop relationships with existing clients by providing them with friendly and accurate service regarding coffee shipments.

This might be an exciting job opportunity for those who prefer office work and interact with business customers.

You Can Be A Coffee Roaster

Being a coffee roaster is a great opportunity for those who want to delve into coffee chemistry and sensory evaluation. Roasters are very important in the coffee production chain. They are responsible for preserving unique coffee notes and highlighting their nuances. As a result, many coffee roasters select their coffee themselves, roast it, and then ship it to different coffee shops. Sometimes a coffee shop owns its own roaster and serves home-roasted coffees.

Working in coffee opens up a lot of exciting opportunities in coffee. Each can be very rewarding and profitable, whether you decide to become a coffee shop owner or a coffee roaster.

Due to this, you might consider investing in your coffee training today because this paves the way to your success. Fortunately, you have options here at Barista Training Academy! For starters, get our affordable beginning barista guide and get up to speed on the topics you need to be familiar with. 

The Beginning Barista, Your Ultimate Prep Guide to Getting Your First Job as a Barista, is a barista resource that is now available. It is affordable for anybody who is looking to start a career in the coffee industry. For more information, visit our blog.