How to become A Barista

• Bartender
• Barkeeper
• Coffee Sommeliers
• Coffee Shop Assistant
• Roasters

What do Baristas do?

A Barista would typically need to:

• Operate automatic, semi-automatic, and manual espresso machines to create the perfectly brewed hot or cold coffee that will bring back the customers
• Prepare the shop for opening; greet customers, assist them with queries regarding the beverages on the menu, and take orders
• Follow prescribed recipes and preparation techniques for a range of coffee beverages; memorise drink ingredients and specifications
• Make customer-requested drinks; develop customer-centric relationships and remember favourite beverages of regular customers
• Serve appropriate food and snacks; ensure customers have access to napkins, sugar, water and cutlery; receive payments and give out receipts
• Clear and clean counters, tables, and seats; make sure the premises are in a neat and hygienic condition
• Check that the coffee machines function perfectly; clean equipment; check inventory, and restock shelves and coolers 
• Train new employees; study and review procedures to boost quality results; notify the manager of any concerns
• Grow sales by introducing consumers to goods and services of superior quality; enhance the shop’s image by responding to new and unusual requests

Baristas work indoors and spend most of their time standing or walking to serve customers. They have regular face-to-face communication with customers and co-workers and communicate by telephone when taking orders.

Most Baristas work part-time. The flexible schedules appeal to many teens looking for work experience. Early morning, late evening, weekend, and holiday work are typical.

Those employed in school cafeterias have more consistent hours and work for nine to ten months during the school year. Shift work may be ideal for a job that helps you maintain a balanced work-life scenario.

Research suggests that flexible hours appeal more than salary to the younger generation. There has been an incremental increase in employers willing to give promising employees the chance to adjust their schedules per the job demands.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Baristas can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Baristas are generally employed by:

• Bars
• Big Chain Coffee Shops
• Hotels
• Independent Coffee shops
• Restaurants
• School Cafeterias
• Specialist Coffee Bars
• University Cafeterias

Professional associations and organisations like the International Coffee Organization (ICO) are crucial for Baristas interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Subject to one of the highest rates of accidents and illnesses in any profession; slips, cuts, and burns caused by potential safety hazards in food preparation and serving areas
• Consistent pressure to serve customers quickly and efficiently with the beverages of their choice
• Ability to carry heavy trays filled with delicate crockery
• The need to remain polite and courteous under all circumstances

Most food and beverage service employees undergo on-the-job training. That said, on-the-job training may not be suitable for fast-paced or specialised jobs; applicants with significant relevant experience may have the edge over their peers.

Most employers seek Baristas with a pleasant attitude and a willingness to work in various settings. Candidates who demonstrate basic knowledge of food handling and safety procedures stand a better chance in a highly competitive job market. Experience in waiting tables or related hospitality careers is also valued.

As in any career, reading as much as possible about Baristas and interviewing those working in the hospitality industry are other important ways to explore your interest.

Most employers look for Baristas with a high school diploma and working knowledge of multiple languages. There are no standardised requirements in terms of academic qualifications. Nevertheless, Baristas who wish to advance into management or corporate roles should invest in business or hospitality management courses. 

Employers value food preparation and presentation taught in consumer science classes. Since the job involves dealing with money, a basic understanding of addition, subtraction, and division is beneficial.

Online classes are also an option, although they cannot offer on-site practical examinations, which may be more authentic proof of your customer service skills, cupping, and coffee brewing & extraction abilities.

Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee your entry into the profession. Be that as it may, professional qualifications and transferable skills gained may open up more than one door.

Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field.

While certification is not mandatory, the coursework leading to it can help you acquire more knowledge of coffee beans and beverages. Voluntary certification as a Barista from an objective and reputed organisation can help you gain professional credibility, validate your knowledge, and increase your work confidence.

A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Baristas may progress to Assistant Manager and then Manager in chains and larger coffee shops. 

As small coffee shops may not have similar advancement opportunities, you may choose to change employers to progress in the profession. Baristas with significant experience may open their coffee shop or partner with a franchisee. 

Baristas learn diverse transferable skills, including communication, teamwork, organisation, problem-solving, efficiency, and attention to detail, much sought after in various other industries that they may consider for future employment.

The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation, and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.

Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and interesting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable, transferable skills along the way.

You can have a long, rewarding career as a Barista and in other positions in the catering and hospitality industry if you are passionate about self-development and enrich your skills and knowledge whenever possible. Those who stay on the job for a long time have more chances for advancement.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

Baristas learn by observing and assisting colleagues or supervisors. Usually, those employed by larger chains have access to customised training and career development programmes carried out in-house or by an external agency. 

Baristas must constantly research and practice to enhance their skills in producing artisan goods like coffee and increasing customer satisfaction.

A Barista must understand the coffee bean's journey from the plantation to the cup, focusing on botany, agronomy, chemistry, physics, and the dynamic development process leading to the perfect coffee.

On-The-Job

Make sure your hair looks clean and neat and stays away from the drinks and food you serve your customers. In most workplaces, Baristas must wear their shop’s uniform. Semi-formal slacks and shirts should also serve the purpose. Baristas often wear gloves, aprons, and non-slip shoes to minimise the risk of injuries on the job. 

More than Making Coffee

Latte art in the coffee industry is gaining momentum. It is a process that involves pouring microfoam into a shot of espresso, resulting in a design on the latte’s surface such as hearts, tulips, and rosettas. Baristas cannot master latte art overnight - it requires continuous practice.

As the last link in the supply chain, Baristas act as a link between producers and customers. Their strongest suit, besides their coffee-making skills, is their ability to communicate. Customers must leave with a wealth of experience and emotions.

Coffee industry statistics from 2018 show that there are over 125 million workers in this industry worldwide.

Being a Barista is as much about making a good cup of coffee as it is about encouraging product sustainability and an active force of diversity in the industry. Every sip of coffee you create has the remarkable potential to bring a smile to your customer’s face.

If you wish to develop yourself in this industry, your best bet is to project a friendly personality, a passion for coffee, and a willingness to learn. At first, coffee can be intimidating. Nevertheless, the more interest you show, and the more time you spend practising your knowledge, the more you will enhance your skills.