A degree in psychology helps more than a certificate from a bartending school I started out waiting tables at a mom and pop bar (OK, a mom and jackass son bar), and moved into bartending when the day shift tender walked off the job midshift. I learned on the job, built up my clientele, and learned some great skills. Then I lucked into a similar situation whilst on holiday in the Bahamas (a friend's uncle owned the resort). I REALLY learned a lot there. Now I have a catering biz and find that there are times I miss being behind the bar. I think that the important thing is that you take the time to LEARN from those with more experience. Listen to them. Don't just assume you have all the answers. My best "teacher" was a man named Cliff, the resort mainstay. He taught me more than I have forgotten about tropical libations, and how to make them in a flash.
