Bartending Graduate Testimonials
A very small sample, of the thousands of testimonials and letters we have received, are included for your reference below. The original letters are on file in our administrative offices and may be viewed by potential students.
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Learning to make the drinks we've all had, at one time or another is fun, who wouldn't like it Right!! At American Professional Bartending School you will gain knowledge in the history of alcohol, why some drinks have the names they do, and proper measuring, including "free pouring" which is critical to the job I have now, ( I get pour tested weekly) I'm glad I know what I'm doing!!!! The class is awesome and interesting. What really makes the class great is the instructor. Kim at Schaumburg went out of her way to accommodate the schooling schedule with my work schedule. She is a Professional at what she does and is full of knowledge, but most importantly she created a fun learning experience!!!!!!!! Thank you to everyone at the American Professional Bartending School!
Will S. |
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I felt like I knew a lot about Bartending before enrolling, but after I finished with the program I felt more confident in everything I did behind the bar. Jay was such a great help. Thank you Jay!
Luis Reyna |
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Not only do I have a new Profession that I can use for money, I had so much fun learning it! Classes were great and placement service was very helpful sending me information on many Mixologist position openings.
Judie M. |
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It was both a privilege and a pleasure to attend the Professional Bartending School. I was able to start a new career at the age of 53. The classroom setting is exactly like a working environment. The Job Placement Department is very friendly and helpful. After a few interviews I was working.
Jeff B. |
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I had a great experience at The Professional Bartenders School in Schaumburg, with the instructor. He was a really great teacher and if you had questions about how to do things, he was always there to help you think through it. Professional Bartenders School is definitely a great route to go if you want to learn how to bartend. Having the class be hands on not only makes you comfortable behind the bar, but it is a practical way to learn. The Job Placement Department was also great about getting you places near you that were hiring and helping you get your foot in the door. They worked very timely with you to get you a password for the job placement site, and were always effective in getting you a new one should you need it. I would definitely recommend Professional Bartenders School to anyone interested in learning how to mix drinks well and make a living out of it.
Kelly P. |
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I'm a freelance illustrator, and the market simply blows right now. I'm accustomed to learning a new skill in order to expand my employment possibilities when things are tough. What to do... oh yes, get people drunk. Responsibly.
I attended the three week course with my roommate. The instructor provided us a no bullshit attitude about what to expect. And it was all common sense of course (and he knows it), but reaffirmation coming from someone with decades of experience.
The testing is rigorous, as the end of each week, you are required to take a practical. 1st week, 5 drinks in 5 minutes. 2nd week, 10 drinks in 10 minutes. 3rd week, 15 drinks in 10 minutes, followed by a lengthy written exam. All the drinks of course, requested in random for every individual student. Also included in the examinations are what will give you an essential B.A.S.S.E.T. certification which is more than just some frilly certificate. If any of you know how important it is to have that Sanitation certificate for a food and beverage job, this is the equivalent as it covers the importance of alcohol awareness, and is approved by the Liquor Commisson of Illinois.
Yes, you don't actually mix drinks with real liquor. But honestly, have some common sense. Wanna throw away 1500-2000 drinks in the course of three weeks, or better, drink them? All in the meanwhile trying to remember the recipes and how to serve them? It sounds fun, but you wouldn't remember half the stuff they taught you.
The premise behind mixology is knowing the proper amount to add to a drink, and in a timely and effective manner. Know how to properly pour different ingredients to make a drink, and you've got yourself a rather indispensable skill. Bar owners don't want to hire individuals who over-pour, because liquor is expensive, and if that's your habit over an 8 hour shift - that's a lot of money lost.
You learn that if you know your proportions right, and make it your second nature to be on the ball - the quality of the drink then falls on the quality of liquor. So what does it matter then if real liquor isn't used? Go to a bar, and then another, and then another. Same drink in all three. From three different bartenders. Chances are, all will be different. The fundamental truth to mixed drinks is whether you're using colored water, or a single malt of Glenlivet, it's all about proportions. And you will learn that in this school. They will push you to the grindstone with it.
Behind the curriculum, you also learn a vast amount of rather useful information. Alternatives to your call brands, history behind how different types of spirits manifested to what we drink now. It's quite a load, but always intriguing.
After graduation, you are entitled to their lifetime job placement program. Principally, it sounds great. They assist you with job leads, and you go do your thing with the information.....
Is it worth the money? ..... Sure you could go pick up a book at Borders and become a bartender yourself. I know some friends who have. But they know I've attended this school, and we've compared notes. Conclusion? They were amazed the amount of stuff I knew, and how I was conditioned making drinks hands on every day for three weeks, for 4 to five hours daily. If they had the money, they say they would've taken it.
Issah H.
Chicago, IL
Thanks so much for your help Liz! I truly enjoyed your staff and the bar classes! You guys were very informative and made the classes fun - as they SHOULD be! Thanks so much for going above and beyond!
Kristina Waller
St. Charles IL
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"I feel the need to comment on my experience with Professional Bartending School.
Jacqueline Z. |
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Natalie B. |
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Greg H. |
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Bill G. |
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Robyn E. |
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Pete C. |
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Jerra M. |
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"I graduated on a Friday and was hired by Wednesday of the following week."
"... I hit the Top Bars in the Suburbs and before I commited myself to any of them, and by the way, they were all ready to hire me due to my Degree from your school and my personality and readiness to begin working." "I've been working on Rush Street since May and I'm having a great time, and making tons of money... I'm well respected as one of the most professional and knowledgeable bartenders on Rush Street"
Nicholas L. |
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"Your expertise concerning the fine art of mixology has helped me to attain a great deal of knowledge. I've learned how to make more drinks than I ever knew possible under your guide....."
Jeremy T. |
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"The members of your staff went out of their way to ensure that I was properly trained as a professional bartender. But their work did not end once the diploma was in my hand and tuition spent."
"For two weeks after my graduation your staff supplied me with countless referrals of businesses seeking bartenders. I am pleased to say that one of the referrals resulted in me being hired by the Lakeshore Athletic Club as a full time bartender."
Mark L. |
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"May I say that without a doubt, Liz is the most informative, highly knowledgeable, honest, sincerest, and best teacher I have ever encountered"
Alexandra A. |
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"Now that I have been educated on Mixology and know more about presentation and etiquette, I am even more excited about working as a bartender. I am confident that my product knowledge and my Alcohol Awareness Certificate will provide me with the qualifications necessary to work effectively in this field."
Jessica L |
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"... I joined your class because it was required by my employer for my job as an Event Specialist. When I initially entered the class I struggled. It did not seem possible that in a few short weeks that "I" could become proficient at learning all the information that was necessary to graduate this class." "Because of your 'unique' style of teaching, variety of study, patience and persistence in motivating me to realize that I could do this. I now reap the benefits. My boss is very happy that I am now able to clearly oversee our bartenders, and train our staff to be more professional, and conscious of keeping our clients and their guests safe" Shirley C. Westmont |
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"Before graduating I applied at several places including my favorite, Prairie Rock Brewing Company in Schaumburg." ".... what a great place to work - 3 different types of bars, flexible schedule, and great people to work with. It also helped that the hiring supervisor knew and hired other Professional Bartending School graduates."
John L |
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"I came to the Professional Bartending School pretty much down on my luck. I hadn't had a job in over six months...."
Gregory P |
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"Just wanted to send you a little note Thanking your for all the leads + special attention. You really have made me feel welcome in Chicago, after moving from San Diego."
Nancy F |
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"My Success Story.... I work for Wyndham Hotels. I have been there 2 years. Thanks to my training from Professional Bartender Schools, in my first year there I was awarded employee of the year. I was the first bartender to acheive this." "For my accomplishment I won 5 extra vacation days, airfare for 3, free hotel for 5 days, and $500.00 spending money." "Thank you Professional Bartending Schools for giving me a successful career." Joseph P Montgomery |
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"I want to send my sincerest gratitude to the school and staff for both my training and placement."
".... that led to my employment at a wonderful establishment that I am thrilled to be working for.... Thanks again to the school and it's staff." |
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"School prepared me well for the bartending world....."
Graduate |
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"The experience of being a student at the Schaumburg facility of the Professional Bartending School was a super example of hands on learning. As a student who has recently retired from over thirty years in the high school classroom it was a little bit of a challenge being on the other side of the desk."
John C. |
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Charlie Boyington |
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Dominique Basette |
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Kevin Murillo |
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Eleazar Roselas |
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