Summer jobs are a quintessential part of many young people’s lives. While at the time those jobs are about making money, they also help build important foundational skills essential to later professional roles. So, to kick off August, we thought we would share some insights from our team and what they learned from their childhood summer jobs.  

Eileen: One of my earliest summer jobs was working the counter at the neighborhood Dairy Queen®. Lines went up the block on hot summer nights with families, rowdy kids and classmates eager to get their cones and Blizzards® I had to learn to approach a stressful situation with an I-can-do-this attitude. I wasn’t providing life-saving services, but these people wanted their DQ fix and they didn’t want to spend the whole night waiting in line. I learned to face the long line with a smile and good humor (not the other ice cream brand). I learned to embrace a sense of urgency, to listen (sprinkles or no sprinkles was critical), navigate difficult people and deliver results in a timely manner (a soft serve on a steamy day). 

Rod: I spent eight years working behind the counter at McDonald’s. It was something of a family business; my Dad was director of operations for a franchisee, and my siblings and I worked in the stores he oversaw. What nearly a decade of working at McDonald’s taught me was how to navigate personalities and bring people together for a purpose, even if it was simply about serving food quickly. Finding common purpose and getting everyone working together is a skill that–developed properly–will take you far in any profession. I also learned customer-facing work can be challenging. You have to have fun in any job you do or that job can quickly burn you out. Looking back on that long, long summer job, I find you almost only remember the good times. Another thing I learned was after the age of 12, you should not pose for pictures with anyone in a costume. Those photos will surface later in life. 

Cassidy: Here are the things I learned from my summer jobs in retail and foodservice: You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Sometimes the best way to deal with an overtly nasty or mean customer/client is a smile and a kind word. It often takes the wind out of their sails and defuses the situation. Second, find a way to stay busy. There is often more to the job than what is outlined in the description. If you have downtime, it can be better filled with something simple like cleaning or reorganizing. Not only will this help the business thrive, but it will also showcase your value to your employer. Finally, every role is important. From answering the phones, to properly seating guests or ensuring there is enough silverware for dinner service. Each member of the team plays an important role in keeping things running smoothly and should be treated as such with an equitable balance of respect and responsibility. 

Kate: My first consistent job was at Jimmy John’s throughout high school. It was the first time I worked on a team and saw the value of a strong one. A great team can turn even the most chaotic days into something that feels fun or at least fulfilling and builds a culture that is both productive and motivating. I also saw the impact of being set up for success, and what happens when you’re not. From a fully stocked station to a thorough and feasible to-do list, doing a job unprepared can bring on unnecessary stress, cause missed deadlines and leave clients and customers frustrated. Finally, the customer service skills I learned at Jimmy John’s planted the seed for client interactions in my career. Whether a routine interaction, or managing challenges, those early experiences taught me professionalism, patience and how to think on the fly. 

Hari: When I was younger, I worked at a local hospital helping cancer patients sign up for electronic medical records. Many of the patients were older and hesitant to have their information online. The experience taught me the value of compassionate communications and patience as I worked to explain how electronic medical records could make their lives easier and walked them through how to use their medical portal. 

Alex: I worked at a hardware store in high school, specifically in the cabinets and appliances department. Believe it or not, there’s quite a bit of crossover between that retail hardware job and my professional career. My hardware store job taught me how to manage difficult or demanding customers/people. Not everyone will be respectful, and sometimes you feel the brunt of whatever is happening in that person’s day. I learned how to stay calm under pressure, ask the right questions and keep conversations on track—even if a customer was frustrated, confused or indecisive. Encountering these interactions taught me how to respond and guide someone toward solutions without overpromising. I learned the value of smart communication. Part of my job was to design kitchens, not designer with custom drawers, etc., but pre-fab cabinets and countertops, very rudimentary. Most people who came in for design consultation had a basic idea of what they wanted, but it was our job to help bring their ideas into sharper focus. This included understanding how to communicate clearly and with conviction. 

Bianca: When I was in high school and college, I worked at my family’s seafood restaurant. In food service, you interact with people from all backgrounds, and I think it sets up those who survive the more difficult customer interactions for success later on in their professional lives. As a result of many holiday weekends, I learned how to maintain patience and focus so I could still deliver in stressful situations.  

Liz: When I was younger, I agreed to babysit two very young children, and I had no previous experience. My summer job taught me patience and listening are valuable skills in everyday life. I learned about being present and following through with questions as ways to keep everyone happy and staying on track with what needed to be done.  

John: At 15 or 16, I was a summer camp counselor where kids roamed from room to room to sculpt Play-Doh, draw, read, make cards for parents and play or watch kickball. It’s a reminder that leaving room for the brain to “play” is critical. In work settings on multiple occasions, I’ve bonded with colleagues more during 20 minutes of laser tag than sharing an office for years. The interpersonal connections that form in those moments can be priceless.