Career & Growth

The coffee world is full of freelancers—people who take on short-term gigs, part-time shifts, or occasional consulting roles in cafés, events, competitions, or training sessions. While freelancing offers flexibility, independence, and variety, many coffee professionals eventually ask themselves: “Is it time to go full-time?” Whether you’re a barista-for-hire, a pop-up specialist, or a freelance educator … Read more

Landing a barista job—especially in a competitive, specialty-focused café—is about more than just submitting a resume and showing up. Whether you’re an experienced barista or applying for your first café role, how you prepare for the interview can make or break your chances. Café owners and managers look for more than just technical skills. They … Read more

In the coffee world, talent and passion can take you far—but relationships can take you further. Whether you’re a barista looking for your next opportunity, an aspiring roaster, or someone building a career in coffee education or management, one truth remains: who you know matters. But networking in the coffee industry isn’t about handing out … Read more

In the world of specialty coffee, technical knowledge is essential—but it’s often the soft skills that separate a good barista from a truly great one. While anyone can be trained to steam milk or dial in espresso, mastering the human side of hospitality is what makes a barista irreplaceable to café owners, managers, and regular … Read more

Every barista has a starting point—but not everyone begins behind the espresso machine. For many, the first job in the coffee world is as a bar back: restocking milks, cleaning up stations, running dishes, and watching the magic happen from just a step away. While this role may seem like a behind-the-scenes job, it can … Read more

Being a barista today is about much more than knowing how to steam milk or pull espresso shots. For café owners, hiring the right barista means bringing in someone who adds value to the business, enhances customer experience, and fits the team dynamic. In a competitive market, standing out as a candidate requires more than … Read more

In a competitive coffee industry, being a skilled barista isn’t always enough. Whether you’re applying to your first café job or aiming for a prestigious role in a specialty coffee shop, having a professional portfolio can set you apart. A portfolio is no longer just for designers or photographers—baristas, too, can benefit from showcasing their … Read more