Giovanni Riad Assignment 2: Job Description Final Draft

Barista at a Local Coffee Shop

People often tell me they’d love to own a coffee shop one day. I always ask the same question: Do you want to be a barista? If you do, be prepared to step into the shoes of someone who’s been doing this since they could barely see over the counter. 

It’s not just about brewing coffee; it’s about fostering human connection. A barista is a cafe’s heartbeat, transforming coffee beans into moments of comfort or bursts of energy. While most people know what a barista does—making coffee drinks, especially espresso—the reality is far more layered.

What a Barista Actually Does

A barista's role starts with the coffee but doesn’t end there. Pulling a perfect espresso shot is essential, but so is creating an environment where people feel welcomed and cared for. From steaming milk to the ideal temperature, pouring a smooth shot of espresso, or helping a customer figure out what they like to drink, a barista’s job is equal parts craft and connection.

Making espresso isn’t as simple as pushing a button; You must ensure the grind is just right, the tamp precise, and the extraction full. Then there’s the milk, which you must steam to a specific temperature and consistency. A commitment to quality is a commitment to every customer.

A big part of the job is making people feel like they belong. You’ll memorize names, favorite orders, and even life stories. That guy who made the switch to oat milk last year? One day, you’ll learn about his story of moving from his small town to the city. The teenager who you encouraged to try a mocha? One day, they’ll ask you for advice about their college applications. You’ll see children grow up. You’ll see people fall in love. You’ll attend the funeral of one of your favorite customers. 

The Daily Grind

If you’re considering becoming a barista, here’s the truth: it’s not all cozy vibes and cool latte art. Being a barista often means early mornings, long shifts on your feet, and endless orders coming at you. You must stay focused to supply a steady stream of customized orders. If you don’t, people will be upset. 

Then there’s the physical side. You’re constantly moving—grinding coffee, pulling shots, steaming milk, and cleaning equipment. You’ll burn your hands on hot steam wands and splashes of boiling water; you’ll spill coffee on your pants or your shoes, but eventually, you’ll become more careful, grow a high pain tolerance in your hands, and wear clothes you don’t mind staining. 

Perhaps the most challenging part of the job is the emotional drain of talking to hundreds of people every day, especially when you’re going through something in your personal life. You’ll get upset and lose focus, slowing you down. Then, a picky and disgruntled customer will tell you you’re bad at your job. You’ll remember this interaction forever.

And yet, there’s a rhythm to it that’s oddly satisfying. You'll learn to thrive on the hustle, find your flow in the chaos, and be emotionally resilient. And, when you hand someone a drink that turns a frown into a smile, it’s all worth it.


Readability score: 70

Grade level: 7th-grade

No passive sentences

Comments

  1. Nikita Mei WRIT340February 2, 2025 at 10:07 PM

    Hi Giovanni, I love your perspective on this, reading about the emotional draining part about being a barista is super interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Cooper DavisFebruary 2, 2025 at 10:28 PM

    I too have thought about opening a coffee shop one day. I sometimes get discouraged by the fact that there's 10 every square mile in LA. I loved your quote about a barista being the cafe's heartbeat because I couldn't agree more. A baristas personality can make all the difference in how I feel about the shop. Really great writing overall, I could feel what it's like to be in your shoes behind the counter.

    ReplyDelete
  3. johnwrit340@gmail.comFebruary 2, 2025 at 11:32 PM

    I really appreciate your perspective on the role of a barista, especially the phrase 'fostering human connection.' When you take a step back, it's clear that many careers revolve around building authentic bonds with others. If you can excel as a barista, I have no doubt you’ll thrive in any field that emphasizes strong human relationships.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jaclyn MehringFebruary 3, 2025 at 1:32 PM

    Hi Giovanni - this was such an interesting job memo. I haven't really thought about the aspects of being a barista that aren't just making drinks. I also was so intrigued when you mentioned attending the funeral of a loyal customer. It makes sense that you would become friends with people who visit your shop regularly, but I didn't realize how strong of connections you are actually able to make.

    ReplyDelete

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