At Huntington Bank, my role lies at the intersection between customers and their financial success. I initiate the customer experience by welcoming them, identifying their needs, completing transactions, and driving the process forward. I advise and guide customers through their next steps or refer them to a specialized colleague for their unique situations, all while maintaining accuracy and adhering to established procedures.
At the crossroads of graduation and professional career, I found an opportunity to work at a larger, high-end restaurant in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. My previous hosting experience allowed me to quickly step into a more influential role. Working alongside mostly younger colleagues naturally positions me as a mentor. This encourages me to lead by example, offer guidance, and serve as a source of knowledge when they look to me for advice in work and life.
Working at this trendy small-town restaurant, meant maintaining its reputable image. I upheld this standard by emphasizing the importance of first impressions on customers.
As a hostess, I was responsible for creating a welcoming atmosphere for a wide array of people, positively influencing their perception of the restaurant. This job helped me solidify my role as a reliable and consistent employee.
As a source of stability for coworkers and customers, I recognized the importance of being dependable as a key contribution to a business’s success.
Employment at Panera, at its core, strengthened my appreciation for hard work, and proved to myself I am resilient in any environment.
In the just-post-Covid timeframe, the Panera team faced numerous instances of gross understaffing. I constantly had to adapt to the changing staffing needs and rapidly fluctuating environment. While covering multiple, sometimes back-to-back or overlapping shifts, I strived to maintain a positive voice in the high-volume, stressful, chaotic environment.
I took initiative for what needed to be done, as being a contributing team member was of the upmost importance to me, and a task I did not shy away from.
My first job was at Walgreens, and it provided a quick introduction into the crucial elements of becoming a valuable employee.
Walgreens was an essential business during Covid. I worked throughout the entire pandemic. Providing excellent customer service while under stress due to shortages, fear, and uncertainty, was a challenge for me and my colleagues. This time taught me how to work with different types of people experiencing a complex range of emotions not normally found in a retail job. I gained skills I will always hold close and can draw upon throughout life. I also gained a full appreciation towards the vital roles not only of workers in health care, but workers everywhere.
While balancing school and sports, my mom and I were inspired to give back to our community. Volunteering at a food pantry taught me about humility, and deepened my passion for helping others. I found inspiration through knowing that my mom’s and my contributions were a small but significant part of the organization.