Empowering Baristas: Investing in Self-Development for a Successful Career

By: Samson Kibunja

It’s been an interesting week, filled with interviews, and I’ve noticed a common trend among many baristas: they often don’t invest in themselves. While it’s true that money can be tight, I believe there’s a wealth of knowledge available online for free. All it takes is a bit of effort to seek it out, learn, and practice. If a particular method doesn’t work, you can always move on to the next.

There are countless resources on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, podcasts, and books that cover various aspects of coffee. Instead of constantly complaining about financial constraints, baristas can take advantage of these free resources. It’s understandable that not every employer is willing to support their staff due to past experiences or budget limitations. However, as a barista, you can sacrifice some of your time to learn and improve.

To build confidence in your role, you need knowledge. Seek it out, attend events to network and learn from others, and volunteer to gain experience. In this digital age, there are no excuses for not knowing.

If you’re not proficient in English, start reading books and articles daily. Over time, your language skills will improve.

Tips for Job Interviews:
Punctuality: Be on time. If you’re going to be late, communicate with the interviewer.

Preparation: Always carry your CV with you.

Honesty: If you don’t know something, admit it rather than making up an answer.

Professionalism: Even if you know the interviewer, maintain professionalism. Remember, it’s a business setting, so avoid any inappropriate behavior.

Listening Skills: Listen carefully before responding.

CV Quality: Polish your CV. It’s worth investing in a professional service to ensure it’s well-written and stands out. Many people miss out on job opportunities due to poorly constructed CVs.

Start with your CV and build from there. Investing in yourself is the first step toward a successful career.