Maryland Bartending Academy grad lands a steady gig
In lighter news, Susan Watkins, a graduate of the Maryland Bartending Academy I interviewed two months ago, writes that she's found a job.
As a bartender no less.
The 57-year-old took the bartending class after her marriage of 30 years ended. She hoped for a new, late-in-life career.She had worked a few private parties since graduating in November, but hadn't landed a job until early last month, when looking at usajobs.gov, of all places, she saw an opening at a bar.
She offered to mix a margarita, and has been bartending at The Lanes of Fort Meade's lounge since Friday. The next day, she was running the bar by herself.
The bartending school didn't help her find a gig, but Watkins says it gave her a crash course on mixing. She beams in her e-mail, "I guess you never get too old for something new."
Related to the controversial bartending school: the Midnight Sun Mixer, inspired by my story, is coming up January 20.
Photo: Susan Watkins in November (Jed Kirschbaum/Baltimore Sun)
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
"I guess you never get too hold for something new."
HOLD?!
that said congrats to landing a bartending gig at a bowling alley.
Posted by: foo | January 10, 2011 3:15 PM
@foo- you would be surprised where you can and cannot make money as a bartender. Bartenders at small local bars generally make a lot more more than high volume clubs.
Posted by: anon;) | January 10, 2011 3:23 PM
Maza:
Why are you deleting my posts? Really cultivates a welcoming atmosphere here.
Posted by: Rock Strongo | January 11, 2011 8:45 AM
I thought MBA had a database of bars and helped graduates get jobs. Was her age the issue or do they really have that database?
Posted by: Gina | January 11, 2011 1:01 PM
@Gina I was thinking the same thing.
Posted by: alchemist | January 13, 2011 11:20 AM
I went to the school last year. I'm from Bethesda. I didn't get any help at all. I'm 23. I ended up getting a bartending job by my own efforts.
I learned recipes. I learned some things about customer service. I practiced there, but it wasn't worth the $540.
Posted by: Mike | January 15, 2011 10:46 AM