Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, 2024 is full of new opportunities to advance your career in the coffee industry. Here are some strategies to upgrade your coffee career.

1. Become a Dedicated Learner

The key to growth in the coffee industry is continuous learning. The world of coffee is constantly evolving, with new discoveries and techniques emerging regularly. Utilize various learning methods, from watching YouTube content on coffee trends and preparation methodology to participating in apprenticeships or attending coffee workshops and courses. Dedicating time to learning is an investment in your professional development and a cornerstone of career growth in the coffee industry.

2. Make Lots of Friends in the Coffee Community

Networking is crucial in the coffee business. Reflecting on my own career growth, I’ve realized that building relationships with others has been instrumental in my professional advancement as a judge and business owner.

Engage with your local barista, connect with coffee professionals and hobbyists on social media, and join supportive networks of coffee people like the Happy Coffee Network which was started in 2023 by World Aeropress Champion Wendelien Van Bunnik. If you're in Calgary, consider attending our new Monthly Palate Development Meet-Ups organized by Johanna Montalvo and myself, where you can connect with fellow coffee enthusiasts while developing your palate.

3. Say Yes to Scary Opportunities

Growth in the coffee industry only happens when we step out of our comfort zone and try new and scary things. It doesn’t feel often feel fun in the moment, but afterwards, you’ll proudly look back at the fact that you took steps forward in spite of the fear. Remember, if you’re feeling scared, there are probably others that feel the same as you.

One of my goals in 2024 is to complete my World Coffee Championships Rep-in-Development process. This process includes helping to oversee championships in a few different countries. To be honest, I feel nervous about this process, especially because I will be evaluated at each step along the way. But in the end, I know it will be worth it.

4. Fail Fast, and Carry On

Failure is a universal and unavoidable part of growth and development in any professional field, and the coffee industry is no exception. It is absolutely essential to not only anticipate and accept failure but to normalize it and embrace it as a vital opportunity for learning, growth, and the refinement of your craft. Rather than viewing failure as a setback, see it as a necessary stepping stone on the path towards success.

It's important to surround yourself with a supportive, understanding, and encouraging community of coffee friends who value failure as a part of the growth process. These are the individuals who will cheer you on, offering encouragement and support as you navigate the ups and downs, and make necessary pivots and adjustments after experiencing setbacks.

5. Be Generous

An incredibly effective strategy for enhancing and advancing your career in the coffee industry is to adopt a generous and open-handed approach. This approach entails generously sharing your knowledge, resources, and time without expecting anything in return. By doing so, you demonstrate a genuine concern for the success of others, a quality that is highly valued in the coffee world and one that will significantly contribute to your own success. By prioritizing the success of the people around you, you establish yourself as a team player and a leader, qualities that will undoubtedly help you reach new heights in your coffee career.

Moreover, this open-handed approach does not only contribute to the success of others. It also often leads to reciprocal benefits, as people tend to return kindness and help when they themselves have been helped. Therefore, by generously investing in others, you are indirectly investing in your own career development, enhancing your professional growth in the process.

These strategies aren’t a guarantee of success but will no doubt aid in the growth of your coffee career in 2024. Remember, the coffee world is interconnected and thrives on shared knowledge, support, and community. Embrace these principles, and you'll find yourself advancing in this exciting and ever-evolving field.