The coffee industry has become much more of a speciality industry than it once was, creating a number of new jobs. Everyone is familiar with baristas, but there are many other careers in coffee that you could also consider.
But as with baristas, the one thing they all count on is you being enthusiastic and knowledgeable about coffee. How you go about getting a job in the coffee industry depends on where your interests lie, and the type of role you want.
Hospitality Jobs in the Coffee Industry
Hospitality jobs are what most people are familiar with when it comes to working in the coffee industry. And spending some time working as a barista is a good place to start, even if what you really want is a completely different role in the world of coffee. Being a barista gives you exposure to–and an opportunity to master–customer service, time management, and problem-solving skills. But it will also give you a greater understanding of how other jobs in the coffee industry influence the product you sell. From sourcing green coffee beans, through to roasting, packaging, and more.
It is possible to work your way up to being a Senior Barista or Barista Supervisor by learning on the job. However, taking an accredited barista course can shorten the path and make it easier for you to find employment if you are just getting started in the hospitality industry. And from there, your career path could lead you to being Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager of a coffee bar or café. Relevant accredited courses can also give you greater exposure to essential skills and knowledge in the hospitality industry. And you’ll find you can take these courses even while working.
Production Jobs in the Coffee Industry
Some production jobs, such as Production Assistant or Production Manager–are less involved with coffee production before it is ready for packaging. Instead, they focus on production lines, packaging, and order fulfilment. Though a Production Manager could also work with or support the Coffee Roaster, particularly with managing blends. The Coffee Roaster, however, is the person who heavily influences the quality of a freshly brewed espresso. There is a science to roasting coffee beans, and knowledge of this–and technical skill–are essential for anyone working or training as a Coffee Roaster. And while there are courses offering in-depth roasting training, the best path is still to start off as an apprentice working under a Master Roaster. Having some knowledge of the roasting process and techniques will definitely count in your favour.
The person sourcing the raw coffee beans is at the top of the chain, and something you can work your way towards rather than starting out here. The Coffee Buyer doesn’t simply buy green coffee beans, but instead build relationships with farmers and suppliers throughout the world. Naturally, this also means knowing shipping, storing, and other quality control measures and processes. Professional business, supply chain, and inventory management courses can give you some of the knowledge needed, but it isn’t a job you can expect to walk into straight out of graduation.
Finally, for any job in the coffee industry, your knowledge and appreciation of coffee can be greatly supported by regularly attending coffee cupping events. And these are also great opportunities for networking with other coffee lovers and coffee professionals.
