where do I go from here?
It's one thing to learn the theory, but it's another to apply the skills. However, if the local coffee scene is way behind and I can't find a decent barista job, or more importantly a, apprenticeship programme, where can I go or what should I do? (there are cafe jobs here, but they pay just $5 an hour and I'm not sure how much I can really learn......it's not the hard work that matters, but I also believe in time well spent! $5 an hour for something meaningful and productive is fine......but just doing something that any kid looking for a vacation job can do....?! Am I being too idealistic and naive??)
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Marie Cullinan on
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Welcome to my world. Take what you can and learn something where ever you land. Keep looking for something more where you can learn all you can. Buy an espresso machine and practice at home. You can also buy other brewing systems to practice on at home.
Best of luck in your search and research.
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Permalink Reply by KayJay on
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I think there are more people out here like this than we know. Coffee culture isn't ubiquitous in many states.
I'm starting my own business. My son moved to the cities and networked for two months until he got an offer, so now he can learn. Is there a term for people like us -- head knowledge, passion, limited experience, a fair distance away from certification classes, and no serious cafes to learn from?
Maybe we need a guild!
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Permalink Reply by Florence Sook Ching Lee on
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Hi Marie,
Thank you for the encouragement! I have been doing all that you suggested, so am pressing on. But it will still be great to find a good apprenticeship program in a cafe :) Well, all the best to you too as you continue to make and seek out good coffee!! :)
Marie Cullinan said:Welcome to my world. Take what you can and learn something where ever you land. Keep looking for something more where you can learn all you can. Buy an espresso machine and practice at home. You can also buy other brewing systems to practice on at home.
Best of luck in your search and research.
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Yeah, that'll be super! If you start a guild for "start ups" , you can bet I'll be the 1st clamouring to join! All the best and ENJOY the coffee too!
KayJay said:
I think there are more people out here like this than we know. Coffee culture isn't ubiquitous in many states.
I'm starting my own business. My son moved to the cities and networked for two months until he got an offer, so now he can learn. Is there a term for people like us -- head knowledge, passion, limited experience, a fair distance away from certification classes, and no serious cafes to learn from?
Maybe we need a guild!
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Permalink Reply by Cedric on
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It can be tough when there isn't a coffee shop that you feel is up to your standards. But if you have a passion for coffee. Just keep reading about it and discussing with people. This site is awesome for that. No matter how much knowledge you have about coffee, there's always something new to learn or even re-learn. I used to live in a town where my barista skills were waaaaaaaay ahead of its time.
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Permalink Reply by Edward Hamrick on
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Coffee culture on my island (Guam) is about a decade or so behind the U.S. Mainland and the rest of the coffee world. Customers generally have under-developed palets and shop owners capitalize on that. If a barista here wants to hone his skills locally he would have to learn from transient baristas, former baristas who've learned abroad, use internet resources, books, and most importantly learn from the customers themselves. Minimum wage here is $7.25 per hour. One of the best things you can learn from working at a so-so coffee place is "Learning what not to do." And one of the most valuable traits of a professional barista is the ability to please the customer as best you can using what your shop has on hand (ingredients, equipment) and putting to use the "theory" you've learned and the skills you've acquired by understanding theory. I say you should give it a try and work for a raise. Learn as you go and switch shops later to gauge your progress. Be a mixed-coffee-theorist and learn different styles as you travel around. Good luck and have fun!
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Dear Edward,
Thanks for the advice! I don't mean to be rude, but it's good to know that there are others like me out there who face the same dilemma :) Of course I am not saying that it's a good thing, but at least, it's good to know that I'm not the only one! Haha! :) And yes, agree with you and everyone who has so kindly replied to this----keep reading, learning, experimenting, travelling, trying and enjoying the coffee. I like the idea of the "mixed coffee theorist" too. You have fun as well and if you are ever in this part of the world, drop me a line in advance!
Edward Hamrick said:Coffee culture on my island (Guam) is about a decade or so behind the U.S. Mainland and the rest of the coffee world. Customers generally have under-developed palets and shop owners capitalize on that. If a barista here wants to hone his skills locally he would have to learn from transient baristas, former baristas who've learned abroad, use internet resources, books, and most importantly learn from the customers themselves. Minimum wage here is $7.25 per hour. One of the best things you can learn from working at a so-so coffee place is "Learning what not to do." And one of the most valuable traits of a professional barista is the ability to please the customer as best you can using what your shop has on hand (ingredients, equipment) and putting to use the "theory" you've learned and the skills you've acquired by understanding theory. I say you should give it a try and work for a raise. Learn as you go and switch shops later to gauge your progress. Be a mixed-coffee-theorist and learn different styles as you travel around. Good luck and have fun!
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Dear Cedric,
Yes, this site has been an excellent find for me. Thank goodness for the internet, because iut allows me to meet with fellow coffee aficionados out there and to learn from others. Will do. I wish you many happy coffee days ahead too!
Cedric said:It can be tough when there isn't a coffee shop that you feel is up to your standards. But if you have a passion for coffee. Just keep reading about it and discussing with people. This site is awesome for that. No matter how much knowledge you have about coffee, there's always something new to learn or even re-learn. I used to live in a town where my barista skills were waaaaaaaay ahead of its time.
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Permalink Reply by Alexandra LittleJohn on
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Where are you located !?
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Permalink Reply by Jason Raz on
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If you are central or on the east, may I suggest Counter Culture. They had a satellite cafe open at the SCAA Event in Houston. They are really remarkable coffee people.
I am signed up for a few of their labs in NYC this coming June. Afterward I'll be hunting for a Barista position in Pittsburgh.
Counter Culture's Course Catalog.
Their prices are very reasonable imo.
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Permalink Reply by Brady on
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Yes, she's east... Singapore to be exact.
Totally agree with the quality of the Counter Culture educational programs, btw.
Jason Raz said:If you are central or on the east, may I suggest Counter Culture. They had a satellite cafe open at the SCAA Event in Houston. They are really remarkable coffee people.I am signed up for a few of their labs in NYC this coming June. Afterward I'll be hunting for a Barista position in Pittsburgh.
Counter Culture's Course Catalog.
Their prices are very reasonable imo.
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Thanks for the suggestion. Will check out their website, but the US is rather far (not to mention, expensive) to travel to......:)
Jason Raz said:If you are central or on the east, may I suggest Counter Culture. They had a satellite cafe open at the SCAA Event in Houston. They are really remarkable coffee people.I am signed up for a few of their labs in NYC this coming June. Afterward I'll be hunting for a Barista position in Pittsburgh.
Counter Culture's Course Catalog.
Their prices are very reasonable imo.
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