How to Craft Your Career in the Brewing Industry
Advice from UC Davis Master Brewers Alumni
Do you dream of crafting beers that bring people together? Have you imagined turning your love for brewing into a fulfilling career? The Master Brewers Certificate Program at UC Davis has helped countless enthusiasts like you make that leap—from passionate hobbyist to professional brewer.
Beer is one of the most beloved drinks around the world, and that’s not likely to change any time soon. From its long, rich history to its embrace of emerging technologies, automations and innovative brewing techniques, beer has continued to evolve and open new possibilities for brewers.
While craft beer has seen its share of ups and downs, its resiliency remains steadfast. According to Bart Watson of the Brewers Association, “Breweries have reacted to these changes by focusing on distribution, continuing to innovate in their taprooms and brewpubs, creating groups and partnerships, and offering a wider range of beverages in their portfolios.” The economic impact craft beer has on the U.S. economy—an impressive 460,000 jobs and $77.1 billion—demonstrates its vital role in the beverage market.
How can you make a name for yourself in this dynamic industry? Hear from some of our brewing alumni who did just that. See how they translated their love for brewing beer into a successful career.
Discover Your Path
Not everyone’s path into brewing is the same. Graduates like 2015 alumnus Alan Windhausen always knew he wanted to become a brewer.
“I was always planning on applying my science background to brewing,” said Alan, who earned his B.S. in chemistry before applying to the Master Brewers Certificate Program. “In undergrad, I focused on biochemistry, which is the foundation of most flavors and aromas in beer.” But with little practical experience outside of some home brews with friends, Alan knew a formal brewing education would allow him to enter the brewing industry at a higher level. “The UC Davis program was best aligned with my focus on the scientific side of brewing.”
Others, like 2023 graduate Ava Kemper who currently works as a brewer at Lagunitas Brewing Company, spent years in another field before entering brewing. After earning a B.S. in environmental studies and working as a GIS analyst, Ava realized that her heart was somewhere else. “Exposure to the brewery culture and the art of brewing ignited my love for the craft, inspiring me to delve further into this field,” said Ava, who embraced her longstanding interest in craft beer and changed course to pursue a brewing career.
Like Ava, 2024 grad Shae Vaughn didn’t start in brewing. After years of becoming more interested in all things beer, he made a career change from beverage sales. “With each step of my beer odyssey, I grew more invested in beer and wanted to become a brewer,” said Shae, who was hired as a brewhouse assistant at Storm Peak Brewing Company shortly after completing the Master Brewers Certificate Program.
For some, like 2023 grads Alex Kandel and Greg Dedicke, brewing is a passion they choose to pursue upon retirement. A chemistry professor at the University of Notre Dame, Alex dreams of opening a brewpub when he retires. Similarly, Greg is applying his military aviation background and the knowledge he gained in the Master Brewers Program to launch his own brewery. “The online Master Brewers Certificate Program opened a door for me that otherwise would have remained closed,” said Alex.
Your journey into brewing may not be linear, and that’s OK. What matters is starting.
Learn from the Pros
No matter how they got started, all our alumni recognized the importance of investing in a brewing education.
“I can’t stress enough the importance of a formal brewing education,” said 2015 grad Amanda Koeller, who earned her hospitality and management degree before applying to the Master Brewers Certificate Program. Now the head brewer at Las Vegas Brewing Company, she said that earning the certificate was her way into the industry. “The knowledge I gained from the program is how I have succeeded. This is a well-known program, and industry professionals know that great brewers are created here.”
“If I want to be the best, I have to learn from the best,” said Shae. “If I was going to do this, I would go big, go to the best school and be trained by the best instructors.”
The Master Brewers Certificate Program plays a major role in shaping students’ understanding of the brewing process and how to run a brewhouse, from the engineering aspects of setting up a brewing system, to QA/QC and packaging.
“The program opens your mind, allowing you to understand every detail within a brewery,” says 2024 graduate Giuliana Ciccarino, who works for AleSmith Brewing Company.
“I knew I would learn a considerable amount about brewing science, but what I didn’t expect to learn was everything else that is involved with brewing,” said Shae.
“The Master Brewers Program was the best way to differentiate myself from the crowd of people also looking to get into the beer industry,” said 2016 graduate Samantha Olson, head brewer at Mujeres Brew House. “It really took my brewing skills and knowledge to another level.”
A big part of the program’s success are the instructors. “The program has some of the greatest minds in brewing teaching the future brewers of the world,” said Greg.
Faculty include the “Pope of Foam” Charlie Bamforth and Anheuser-Busch Endowed Professor of Malting & Brewing Science Glen Fox, as well as industry experts in supply chain management, brewery engineering, sensory science and more. “There are numerous brewing programs available, but they are not taught by the same instructors,” said Giuliana.
“The instructors are actual authorities,” said Alex. “I got an appreciation for what the issues are and a willingness to think critically to achieve my goals in the brewery.”
Whether online or in person, students have one-on-one access to industry pros who make themselves available to answer questions, troubleshoot and mentor students in the program. Those who participate in the in-person program or bootcamp also get the benefit of hands-on training alongside these experts.
“The Master Brewers Certificate Program accelerated my early career and positioned me for better future opportunities,” said Alan, whose long tenure in the industry has included lead brewer at Pikes Peak Brewing Company and head brewer at Holidaily Brewing Company.
Make Connections
Many graduates agree that the connections you make during the program are one of the most valuable takeaways. Whether it’s fellow classmates who represent various backgrounds and experiences in the industry, or the instructors, guest speakers and other industry professionals who are more than willing to answer questions and share their expertise, the network you build in the program helps you succeed in the classroom and beyond.
“I was able to establish a network of contacts both within the U.S. and internationally,” said Giuliana. “The mutual support we offered each other created a collaborative learning environment.”
“I'm still in regular touch with a few classmates and reach out for advice (or sometimes just commiseration) about brewing,” added Alex.
“The networking opportunities and connections I made will undoubtedly contribute to my growth and success in the brewing industry,” said Ava.
“I received verbal job offers around California while still at Davis, based on the strength of the program's reputation and the connections it afforded me,” said Alan. “Within two weeks of arriving back home, I had been on more than five interviews and received two written job offers thanks to my recent Master Brewers Certificate Program completion!”
“With this program, you become a part of a large network of industry professionals who have graduated from the program and are looking to hire specifically from it,” said Amanda.
These connections provide invaluable resources for career advancement and ongoing support as you navigate your brewing career. They can even lead to collaboration brews, like Invito Italian Pilsner and Back of the Class.
Advice for Aspiring Brewers
If you’re ready to turn your passion for brewing into a fulfilling career, our seasoned Master Brewers alumni have some invaluable advice to help you navigate the journey from enthusiast to professional.
Are you ready to brew your future?
The journey to becoming a professional brewer starts with a single step. The Master Brewers Certificate Program can help you turn your passion into a career you love. Reach out to an enrollment coach to get started today.
“There is not one path you need to take to be successful in brewing and having a curious nature will open more avenues for growth!” said Alan.
“Be willing to get your hands dirty, be in the front row, ask questions and live without fear,” said Shae. “This is a moment for you to learn and soak up all the information you can get.”
“My best advice is to create a support network. This industry is challenging and tough, but also really fun. Having a good group of people around you to celebrate your highs and weather the storms is really important,” shared Samantha.
“Take every opportunity to learn and don’t be afraid to show off your knowledge,” said Amanda.