We all have bills to pay. In college it can be difficult finding a job in your field that isn’t nine to five and is willing to work around your class schedule. The majority of college students find part-time jobs working in either the retail or food industry.
I worked at an American Eagle for two days. I couldn’t take refolding the same shirts and jeans a hundred times a day. Thus, I’ve been working in the food service industry for the past three years. It isn’t always easy and it certainly isn’t always fun. Many students think that since their bill-paying job isn’t in their desired field that it becomes irrevelant in an interview.
FALSE. These slightly higher then minimum wage jobs teach the following skills that are actually essential in the office:
Patience. It’s a virtue that doesn’t come easy to most people. Wikipedia defines it as,“the state of endurance under difficult circumstances, which can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without acting on annoyance/anger in a negative way”. Dealing with customers and restaurant guests is the ultimate test of one’s patience. You learn to bite your tongue, grin and smile. This comes in handy when dealing with a pushy or nosy coworker or waiting for your very busy boss’ feedback on a project.
Multi-tasking. The capability to do many things at once. The key to really making this skill useful is to not only complete tasks, but do them above and beyond expectations. While you won’t be memorizing orders and refilling drinks in the office, the ability to take on more than one project at a time is priceless.
Organization. As Ben Franklin wisely said, “A place for everything, and everything in its place.” Most (good) restaurants or retail stores have a specific place for things. Dirty dishes go in the back, personal belongings go in a closet etc. Take this same idea to your cubicle and you’ll save a lot of time looking through papers/notes/business cards.
Customer Service. Last but most certainly not least. Knowing how to treat people in a kind manner, no matter the circumstances is not only vital in the work environment, I’d argue, it’s vital for life in general. The ability to calm someone down, make small talk, rub their egos and knowing when to do all that is invaluable.
Don’t think that your work experience can’t carry over into another field.
In a recent interview I was asked, “What skills can you bring to this company?” I talked about the basic knowledge I have of my field through school courses and extracurriculars. I also mentioned that I’d been working in a restaurant for over three years. I know how to deal with people and have exceptional customer service skills.
She was very impressed by this second point and remarked that customer service can make or break any company. Working retail/restaurant is the best job college students can have because it teaches them that very vital skill, she said.
In case you were wondering, I got the job. 😉