Ah, the first job. We’ve all had them, and while we’re probably all glad those days are behind us, we all took something from them into building and bettering our current selves. Below, members of Soirée’s 2021 class of Women to Watch share the lessons that stuck.
My first job and what it taught me:
“Cashier at Kroger. It taught me that the work I do does not need to be glamorous to be rewarding and purposeful.”
“I was a server at Cotham’s in high school. I remember how customers made me feel more than the tip they left. Since then, I try to be cognizant of how my mood may impact others. (Note: Tip your server!)”
“A summer job working for my aunt’s embroidery company in North Carolina when I was 14. It taught me the importance of attention to detail and taking your time. No matter how good you are, mistakes can and will happen.”
“Growing up, I did competitive dance and taught classes at the studio. That job taught me discipline, hard work and talent are all required to succeed.”
“At 14, I started working for Bennett’s Nursery in Jonesboro. I learned the value of a work family, importance of customer relationships, how to cover up a farmer’s tan, how to work in Arkansas heat and how to tell when a watermelon is ripe!”
“My first job in my profession was a part-time, temporary position at a local public relations firm. I learned to always do more than the job asks and bring everything you have to the table. That gets you promoted. And it did.”
“My first job was working in a sandwich shop. It taught me that if you’re too big to serve, you’re too small to lead.”
“A hostess. It taught me about accountability – how to show up on time and perform tasks, even when I’d rather be doing something else. It taught me about service and how to be kind when others weren’t.”
“I started my first job as a summer staff member for the Boys & Girls Club at 15 years old. Club kids ranged from age 5-17, so I very quickly learned: 1) stand tall and 2) never share my age!”
“My first job with a paycheck was Chick-fil-A at Conway Commons. That job taught me the importance of leadership as opposed to management, working with your teammates’ strengths, gratitude and the difference going above and beyond can make!”
“My first job was chopping cotton in Blytheville, Arkansas. That experience taught me the importance of hard work, resilience and created an intensity to want more and dream big.”
“My first job was at my father’s real estate appraisal firm. That job taught me that there is nothing below your pay grade. I watched my father, the owner, fulfill every role from business decisions and payroll to cleaning the office.”
“I was an associate producer at Saatchi & Saatchi X working on Procter and Gamble business at Sam’s Club. I will never forget being so quiet in meetings and my manager, Christina, telling me to have confidence and speak up!”
“In high school I worked at a wedding shop. It taught me the importance of details, no matter how minor, and how to keep focused on the needs of your customer. Also celebrating happy occasions made it really fun.”
“My first job as a hostess for a restaurant in my hometown taught me how to present myself to others and how to listen to what people need. I still have that hostess greeting attitude, smile and eagerness to help.”
“Ambrosia Bakery in Hot Springs. It taught me the basic tenets of being a good employee: being punctual and accountable, being kind to customers and working hard. I’m also still really good at making chocolate covered strawberries!”
