How to Become a Butler

Becoming a butler is a challenging and rewarding experience that requires a lot of though before deciding to pursue it as a career. Offering variety and challenge, the career of a butler is quite distinguishable in terms of training, and requires a lot of dedication.

Formally referred to as household managers, butlers supervise the household staff in wealthy properties. Their responsibilities typically include, but are not limited to, the management of the household staff; the smooth running of the household; the organization of formal dinners or banquets; the reception and taking care of guests; the provision of valet services; the maintenance of the wine cellar; the driving and taking care of the luxury cars.

If you consider a career as a butler, you have to take butling courses from an accredited institution. With no previous experience as a service professional, you will be typically required to attend an intensive 8-week programme. Highly qualified industry experts from the hotel industry, but also wealthy homeowners and private service professionals offer a comprehensive syllabus aiming to equip you with a thorough understanding of the butler etiquette and skills. Upon graduation you will have acquired skills on housekeeping standards, household management, home security; how to run a household and many others.

Some of the most prominent schools in the US to follow butling education are the Starkey International (www.starkeyintl.com/) in Denver, Colorado and the Professional Domestic Institute (www.housestaff.net/) in Ohio. In Canada, the Charles MacPherson Academy (www.charlesmacpherson.com/web/guest/home) offers professional courses that can help you forge a prominent career as a butler. Besides, the International Institute of Modern Butlers (www.modernbutlers.com/default.aspx) offers distant learning courses to help you familiarize yourself with the superior service standards of the classic British butler. Upon graduation you will be able to offer professional services in any industry and market around the globe.

However, education alone is not enough. If you want to be a successful butler you have to really like the profession to be able to understand proper business etiquette applicable in each situation. For instance, service etiquette in a dinner party on a yacht is different than service etiquette in a dinner party at a household. You have to be willing to learn all the differences and assemble your own resources as well to cover any gaps the courses may not cover. Also, make sure you keep a clean record. It is certain that your prospective employer will run a thorough background check on you.

Finally, depending on your experience and level of responsibility, you can make up to $120,000 per annum as a butler, while receiving full benefits.

Sources:

http://www.fabjob.com/Butler.asp

http://www.ehow.com/how_2077058_become-butler.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_4851765_become-professional-butler.html

http://www.modernbutlers.com/employee-solutions/butler-schools.aspx

http://www.fabjob.com/Butler.asp