is a certification necessary?
WSET, CSE, Court of Master Sommeliers, etc!
Hey friends,
It’s Sunday with just one day left in March, and I’m sitting in my living room, doing what most people do: planning for the week ahead. But today feels a little different. Lately, my Sundays have transformed into a blend of pilates, a 3 mile outdoor walks to clear my mind, and a sense of curiosity - which stems from taking a look at my professional goals and continuing to explore my passions linked to the beverage industry. And today, that curiosity has led me to share something exciting that I’ve been diving into...
Beverage Industry Certification!
I’ve recently started studying for my WSET certification in wine (Level 1) and spirits (Level 1), and I’m genuinely excited about diving deeper into the educational components behind tasty wines and well crafted cocktails. As many know, 2020 was the year where I really started to become passionate about the beverage industry and now it feels right to take this step that will allow me to refine my knowledge and really understand the craft behind it.
That said, when I say I’m "studying," I’m currently learning through a combination of online platforms, taking practice quizzes, and connecting with friends who work in field. These informal methods have been a great way to dip my toes into the industry and start to get a sense of what the certification process is all about but I’m still in the early stages and figuring out if obtaining certifications will be a valuable asset in the long term. Whew! But I can’t make up my mind and it’s time to make a decision.
I do know that one of the key advantages of the various certifications out there is that many are globally recognized, which in turn opens doors for opportunities anywhere in the world. Whether I’m traveling or eventually living abroad when my daughter leaves the nest (wink wink!), having as much knowledge and credentials could lead to some exciting opportunities, such as curating wine and cocktail menus for domestic and global events. While I’m still exploring my path, I’m now reaching out to my readers and network to ask:
Do you have any advice for me?
If applicable, what has been the most valuable resource or experience that helped you make the leap into the beverage industry?
xoxo,
Ty-Juana
Hi Ty-Juana. I have a level wset level 2. I do find that it is useful knowledge and respected among industry professionals, but my advice is see if someone else will pay for it! My job 5 years ago covered the course for me. (side note: I also got YTT trained for free through a volunteering role I had). Education is great, but it's so much sweeter on someone else's tab.