If you want to become an exceptional mixologist, there is no better place to get your foundational training than at The Texas School of Bartenders! I recently graduated from a University with an arts degree, which as you might imagine did not "blossom" with instant opportunity like some degrees and with debts piling up I knew I wanted to get a job that would fit my schedule, make me a decent wage and be an outlet for my creative passion. I already had a love for liquor and beer and professional bartender seemed to be just the job I was looking for. I remembered hearing the radio adverts for the TSOB (1-800-BAR-TEND about a million times in 30 sec.!) and decided to check them out. I called up and the first thing Bryan did was to afford me the opportunity to observe a class session first-hand, no money down or personal info required, which was an excellent sign of a school confident in it's methods. I read the reviews online that you are reading now and got about a fifty-fifty standing on the school with particular emphasis placed on the "Job Placement" program and its successes or failures. After I observed the class and met Kevin, my instructor, I knew that this was the place to acquire the skills I wanted. The classes were 4 hour sessions, that usually consisted of self practice, a daily drink lesson and several hours of speed/memory drills. All in all, a 2 week course that was exceedingly easy when the material was studied and practiced. When a student didn't study, it was obvious.
After completing the training, I was given the job list and loosed onto the streets of Austin. Best thing I can say is don't rely on the list to get a job. The list gives you an idea of some places that are hiring, but you have to hit the pavement yourself to get the job. I found my current job 4 days after graduating because I thought of places with bars OTHER than 6th street and the warehouse district.
Bottom line: TSOB will give you invaluable training as a bartender. Getting the job is still up to you.
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