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First Job?
I am curious what and how was everyone's first job was like and what field they were in to explore new career paths
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12 answers
Updated
Melanie’s Answer
Hello Anson!
I started my professional journey at a department store, a place where I found joy in interacting with customers and assisting them in their search for the perfect item. I particularly loved operating the cash register, punching in my employee code, and sometimes manually calculating discounts. The thrill of balancing the register after a busy day was something I looked forward to.
Fast forward to today, I'm now a part of the Verizon team. Even though it seems like a world away from my first job, there are striking similarities. I continue to engage with customers, not for pajamas this time, but for essential services. This makes my role of helping them even more crucial.
Instead of a cash register, I now handle the budget of my department, which is an equally important responsibility. While it's tempting to think that my career path has taken a completely different turn, in reality, my first and what I believe will be my last job, share a lot of common ground.
I started my professional journey at a department store, a place where I found joy in interacting with customers and assisting them in their search for the perfect item. I particularly loved operating the cash register, punching in my employee code, and sometimes manually calculating discounts. The thrill of balancing the register after a busy day was something I looked forward to.
Fast forward to today, I'm now a part of the Verizon team. Even though it seems like a world away from my first job, there are striking similarities. I continue to engage with customers, not for pajamas this time, but for essential services. This makes my role of helping them even more crucial.
Instead of a cash register, I now handle the budget of my department, which is an equally important responsibility. While it's tempting to think that my career path has taken a completely different turn, in reality, my first and what I believe will be my last job, share a lot of common ground.
Updated
Aseleni’s Answer
I will be answering how you carry yourself in your first job, and also what carry you'll be in to explore new path.
So, my name is Aseleni as you know, and I am a graduate of Geography and Environmental Management in Nigerian University of Portharcourt, I am seeking to kick start my masters in Environmental Management.
Carrying yourself confidently and professionally in your first job can set the tone for future success. Here are some valuable tips:
*Professionalism*
1. *Dress Code*: Follow the company's dress code and dress professionally, even if it's a casual work environment.
2. *Punctuality*: Arrive on time, or even a little early, to show respect for your colleagues and the work environment.
3. *Communication*: Practice clear, concise, and respectful communication with colleagues, supervisors, and clients.
*Confidence and Positive Attitude*
1. *Be Open-Minded*: Show willingness to learn, take on new tasks, and adapt to new situations.
2. *Ask Questions*: Don't be afraid to ask questions when you're unsure about something. It shows that you're interested in learning and improving.
3. *Take Initiative*: Volunteer for tasks, offer to help colleagues, and look for opportunities to contribute to the team.
*Time Management and Organization*
1. *Prioritize Tasks*: Focus on the most important tasks and manage your time effectively to meet deadlines.
2. *Stay Organized*: Keep your workspace organized, and use tools like to-do lists or calendars to stay on top of tasks and appointments.
*Continuous Learning and Improvement*
1. *Seek Feedback*: Ask for feedback from supervisors, colleagues, or mentors to identify areas for improvement.
2. *Learn from Mistakes*: Don't be discouraged by mistakes. Instead, use them as opportunities to learn and grow.
3. *Develop New Skills*: Take advantage of training opportunities, workshops, or online courses to develop new skills and enhance your performance.
*Building Relationships*
1. *Be Respectful*: Treat colleagues, supervisors, and clients with respect and professionalism.
2. *Be a Team Player*: Collaborate with colleagues, offer help when needed, and contribute to a positive team dynamic.
3. *Network*: Build relationships with colleagues, industry professionals, and mentors to expand your network and opportunities.
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to making a positive impression, building a strong foundation for your career, and setting yourself up for future success!
As a conversation between us gets interesting, Perhaps, I can suggest some in-demand and exciting careers across various fields that you might find interesting:
*Emerging Careers*
1. *Data Scientist*: Extract insights from data to inform business decisions.
2. *Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineer*: Develop intelligent systems that can learn and adapt.
3. *Cybersecurity Specialist*: Protect computer systems and networks from cyber threats.
4. *Health Informatics Specialist*: Design and implement healthcare information systems.
5. *Sustainability Consultant*: Help organizations develop environmentally friendly practices.
*Creative Careers*
1. *UX/UI Designer*: Craft user-centered design experiences for digital products.
2. *Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality Developer*: Create immersive experiences for entertainment, education, or training.
3. *Digital Marketing Specialist*: Develop online marketing campaigns to reach target audiences.
4. *Graphic Designer*: Create visual content to communicate messages and express ideas.
5. *Game Developer*: Design and build engaging games for PCs, consoles, or mobile devices.
*Social Impact Careers*
1. *Environmental Scientist*: Work on solutions to environmental challenges like climate change.
2. *Social Worker*: Support vulnerable populations and advocate for social justice.
3. *Public Health Specialist*: Develop programs to promote health and prevent disease.
4. *Non-Profit Professional*: Work for organizations focused on causes like education, human rights, or conservation.
5. *Community Organizer*: Bring people together to drive positive change in communities.
These are just a few examples of the many career paths available. Remember to consider your passions, skills, and values when exploring new career paths!
Thank you.
So, my name is Aseleni as you know, and I am a graduate of Geography and Environmental Management in Nigerian University of Portharcourt, I am seeking to kick start my masters in Environmental Management.
Carrying yourself confidently and professionally in your first job can set the tone for future success. Here are some valuable tips:
*Professionalism*
1. *Dress Code*: Follow the company's dress code and dress professionally, even if it's a casual work environment.
2. *Punctuality*: Arrive on time, or even a little early, to show respect for your colleagues and the work environment.
3. *Communication*: Practice clear, concise, and respectful communication with colleagues, supervisors, and clients.
*Confidence and Positive Attitude*
1. *Be Open-Minded*: Show willingness to learn, take on new tasks, and adapt to new situations.
2. *Ask Questions*: Don't be afraid to ask questions when you're unsure about something. It shows that you're interested in learning and improving.
3. *Take Initiative*: Volunteer for tasks, offer to help colleagues, and look for opportunities to contribute to the team.
*Time Management and Organization*
1. *Prioritize Tasks*: Focus on the most important tasks and manage your time effectively to meet deadlines.
2. *Stay Organized*: Keep your workspace organized, and use tools like to-do lists or calendars to stay on top of tasks and appointments.
*Continuous Learning and Improvement*
1. *Seek Feedback*: Ask for feedback from supervisors, colleagues, or mentors to identify areas for improvement.
2. *Learn from Mistakes*: Don't be discouraged by mistakes. Instead, use them as opportunities to learn and grow.
3. *Develop New Skills*: Take advantage of training opportunities, workshops, or online courses to develop new skills and enhance your performance.
*Building Relationships*
1. *Be Respectful*: Treat colleagues, supervisors, and clients with respect and professionalism.
2. *Be a Team Player*: Collaborate with colleagues, offer help when needed, and contribute to a positive team dynamic.
3. *Network*: Build relationships with colleagues, industry professionals, and mentors to expand your network and opportunities.
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to making a positive impression, building a strong foundation for your career, and setting yourself up for future success!
As a conversation between us gets interesting, Perhaps, I can suggest some in-demand and exciting careers across various fields that you might find interesting:
*Emerging Careers*
1. *Data Scientist*: Extract insights from data to inform business decisions.
2. *Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineer*: Develop intelligent systems that can learn and adapt.
3. *Cybersecurity Specialist*: Protect computer systems and networks from cyber threats.
4. *Health Informatics Specialist*: Design and implement healthcare information systems.
5. *Sustainability Consultant*: Help organizations develop environmentally friendly practices.
*Creative Careers*
1. *UX/UI Designer*: Craft user-centered design experiences for digital products.
2. *Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality Developer*: Create immersive experiences for entertainment, education, or training.
3. *Digital Marketing Specialist*: Develop online marketing campaigns to reach target audiences.
4. *Graphic Designer*: Create visual content to communicate messages and express ideas.
5. *Game Developer*: Design and build engaging games for PCs, consoles, or mobile devices.
*Social Impact Careers*
1. *Environmental Scientist*: Work on solutions to environmental challenges like climate change.
2. *Social Worker*: Support vulnerable populations and advocate for social justice.
3. *Public Health Specialist*: Develop programs to promote health and prevent disease.
4. *Non-Profit Professional*: Work for organizations focused on causes like education, human rights, or conservation.
5. *Community Organizer*: Bring people together to drive positive change in communities.
These are just a few examples of the many career paths available. Remember to consider your passions, skills, and values when exploring new career paths!
Thank you.
Thank you!
Anson
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
My high school offered small stipends to mentor elementary school kids. It was pretty amazing to help the next generation learn and grow.
I think it was maybe $100 a month, but it was a nice way to put a little money in my pocket and add to my resume.
I think it was maybe $100 a month, but it was a nice way to put a little money in my pocket and add to my resume.
Updated
Éverton’s Answer
Hey Anson! My journey began as a packer in a supermarket, followed by a stint at my mom's bookstore. However, I soon realized that it wasn't my calling. I chose to nurture my musical talents and was fortunate enough to be invited by my uncle to join his band. It's quite a tale, but along the way, I also took up jobs like distributing flyers on the streets to earn some extra cash. I believe you just need to give your all towards achieving your goal and stay on the right track!
Racheal Noble, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC, NCC
Mental health, education, research, care coordinator
105
Answers
Updated
Racheal’s Answer
Hello and thank you for the question. My first job after undergrad are was a child and adolescent case manager. It was good, until it wasn't which had nothing to do with the clients and more with administration issues (whistleblower)whistle-blower, so it's time to leave based on that effect. While in grad school I went back to being a beauty advisor which was fun, and I had so much respect from my managers about becoming a doctor, however I left because someone robbed the place while I was working...I'll leave the details abo8t that to your imagination. I still like some things in thos area fir person reasons more so ( knowing that it's makeup expires and those people who get free makeup are probably wearing expired makeup).
I then worked at the prison and Inpatient substance abuse which taught me alot about awareness. boundaries, and consistency.
All of my experiences were important, helpful and valuable to who I am today.
I then worked at the prison and Inpatient substance abuse which taught me alot about awareness. boundaries, and consistency.
All of my experiences were important, helpful and valuable to who I am today.
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Dean’s Answer
My first job was on an assembly line for a kids furniture company.
It was available and 2 of my friends worked there.
It was available and 2 of my friends worked there.
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Anthany’s Answer
My very first job was working the bakery at Publix (a grocery store in Florida). I would say It was actually an enjoyable experience but that only comes down to the people I was working with and the manager I had! I feel like the most important thing that determines if a job is good or not is the people. Bad people can ruin a good job and good people can make a bad job genuinely enjoyable.
Thank you!
Anson
Updated
Simona’s Answer
Hello Anson - my first job... is this job. Actually I have changed many roles throughout almost 30 years, but in the same company and I would not change at all. Why? because my principles and ethics are reflected where I work, I would not be able to work in a place which I would not feel like same as me. So there was no desire to look for other opportunities. Plus, I had the chances to travel, work abroad, and sometimes this is not exactly fun.. but it helped me grow as professional and as a person. When you work abroad, it's not just your professional role.. you plug in your laptop and that's it. It's the whole other part of ''you'' which needs to function across countries.. so you grow up & quickly.
At the start of my career I was working in a manufacturing plant and my job was to prepare the documentation for the trucks which were coming to pick up parts which would eventually be assembled in other parts of Europe. The truck drivers needed the papers to be able to transport goods and go cross-borders. It was my very first job; previously I had worked part time when I was studying at the University library or at its post office.. but these were random little jobs, this was my first real official job, I was employed. I felt I was doing something useful. Now I work in finance, I still think I am doing something useful and despite many years in between, it's the same ''me'', with the same passion and motivation to do well. What I particularly like is the skills that we build when we change roles and the attitude we display. I know that I don't know everything (who does?) but I know where I can find the information and who can help and I don't mind to educate myself, still after all these years.
Maybe one day someone will ask you the same question, and I am sure that you will look back with fond memories.
At the start of my career I was working in a manufacturing plant and my job was to prepare the documentation for the trucks which were coming to pick up parts which would eventually be assembled in other parts of Europe. The truck drivers needed the papers to be able to transport goods and go cross-borders. It was my very first job; previously I had worked part time when I was studying at the University library or at its post office.. but these were random little jobs, this was my first real official job, I was employed. I felt I was doing something useful. Now I work in finance, I still think I am doing something useful and despite many years in between, it's the same ''me'', with the same passion and motivation to do well. What I particularly like is the skills that we build when we change roles and the attitude we display. I know that I don't know everything (who does?) but I know where I can find the information and who can help and I don't mind to educate myself, still after all these years.
Maybe one day someone will ask you the same question, and I am sure that you will look back with fond memories.
Thank you that was really unique
Anson
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hello Anson,
My first teenage role was actually a voluntary one. For four days a week, I worked in a wholefood shop, serving customers, bagging up items and stocking the shelves. Every Friday I helped to man a food stall in a local market. This was my favourite aspect of the job- I loved the busy market atmosphere and the camaraderie of the traders. It was a lot of fun.
There was no till, so every purchase had to be written down and all calculations were done manually. On the market stall, I found I was doing more and more mental arithmetic. Mathematics had never my strongest subject and now I was becoming more confident.
I did the job for about 5 months and I really enjoyed it. It gave me routine, discipline, friendship and the benefits of teamwork.
It also led to paid work. A customer offered me paid work as a draughtproofer.
This was certaily not an obvious role for me, but one that I embraced. I worked for a home insulation project, helping to make the homes of people on welfare benefits warmer and more comfortable.
I learnt to use a hacksaw and hammer and would cut and fit insulating materials to doors and windows, while my colleagues lagged hot water tanks and laid loft insulation materials.
I found the work satisfying and I worked with a great team of people. Going into people's homes was fascinating, but also depressing at times. I saw extreme poverty up close and it made a huge impression on me.
The job was only funded for a year, and soon came to an end. I left with more skills and confidence and a lifelong interest in people-facing helping roles-the sort that I have pursued ever since. These include charity helplines, teaching and care work.
Every job has been valuable- even the ones I haven't enjoyed much! There has always been something positive to learn.
And that's the secret. To keep learning.
Good luck!
My first teenage role was actually a voluntary one. For four days a week, I worked in a wholefood shop, serving customers, bagging up items and stocking the shelves. Every Friday I helped to man a food stall in a local market. This was my favourite aspect of the job- I loved the busy market atmosphere and the camaraderie of the traders. It was a lot of fun.
There was no till, so every purchase had to be written down and all calculations were done manually. On the market stall, I found I was doing more and more mental arithmetic. Mathematics had never my strongest subject and now I was becoming more confident.
I did the job for about 5 months and I really enjoyed it. It gave me routine, discipline, friendship and the benefits of teamwork.
It also led to paid work. A customer offered me paid work as a draughtproofer.
This was certaily not an obvious role for me, but one that I embraced. I worked for a home insulation project, helping to make the homes of people on welfare benefits warmer and more comfortable.
I learnt to use a hacksaw and hammer and would cut and fit insulating materials to doors and windows, while my colleagues lagged hot water tanks and laid loft insulation materials.
I found the work satisfying and I worked with a great team of people. Going into people's homes was fascinating, but also depressing at times. I saw extreme poverty up close and it made a huge impression on me.
The job was only funded for a year, and soon came to an end. I left with more skills and confidence and a lifelong interest in people-facing helping roles-the sort that I have pursued ever since. These include charity helplines, teaching and care work.
Every job has been valuable- even the ones I haven't enjoyed much! There has always been something positive to learn.
And that's the secret. To keep learning.
Good luck!
Thank you!
Anson
Updated
John’s Answer
Hey Anson!
I started as a clerk at a doctor's office. That involved mostly filing patients folders. Later I worked with another office that was transferring all of their files to digital records, so I was able to help with that process. I learned to work quickly through mundane tasks and navigate the computer software to store and categorize all of the paperwork quickly.
Now I'm a UX designer, working to help solve problems for people while meeting company goals. I get to design all different ways that users interact with companies online. I really enjoy the work and enjoy that the field has a constant-growing demand.
Between those jobs I have done lots of different things. I was a barista at a tea shop. I worked at a plant nursery. I cleaned dishes at a Mexican fast-food restaurant. I worked for the University as a student associate and research assistant. I worked for the US Forest Service as a cultural/community outreach interpreter. I worked for a start up doing support, then dev management, UX, and logistics. Then I worked as a recruiter, in the music industry, and as a teacher through the pandemic. All the while I was creating and redesigning websites as a freelancer.
I know all of these jobs sound very different, but all of them have given me different skills that I still use today. As a barista (retail) I got very comfortable talking with people and educating them. At the plant nursery I learned to find the flow with my work and to enjoy the moment. Cleaning dishes I learned about process optimization. Working for the university I got comfortable dealing with large, complex systems of people, navigating politics, and creating community. While working for the forest service, I was often doing ethnographic research / contextual inquiry, which is a great research skill to have with UX Design. At the start up I learned about how to have great customer service and how to measure impacts through data and user research. Recruiting is a great skill to have when conducting user research as well. With music I had to learn about all different things from recording to producing, to building instruments, marketing, etc. That helped me become more comfortable with jumping into vague or ambiguous projects and hone my creative vision. Teaching helped sharpen my presentation skills, and helped me understand how people have different communication and learning styles. All that to say, it's OK if you try different things along your career path. Having lots of different skills can come in handy and help you find what you love to do. I hope this helps!
~J
I started as a clerk at a doctor's office. That involved mostly filing patients folders. Later I worked with another office that was transferring all of their files to digital records, so I was able to help with that process. I learned to work quickly through mundane tasks and navigate the computer software to store and categorize all of the paperwork quickly.
Now I'm a UX designer, working to help solve problems for people while meeting company goals. I get to design all different ways that users interact with companies online. I really enjoy the work and enjoy that the field has a constant-growing demand.
Between those jobs I have done lots of different things. I was a barista at a tea shop. I worked at a plant nursery. I cleaned dishes at a Mexican fast-food restaurant. I worked for the University as a student associate and research assistant. I worked for the US Forest Service as a cultural/community outreach interpreter. I worked for a start up doing support, then dev management, UX, and logistics. Then I worked as a recruiter, in the music industry, and as a teacher through the pandemic. All the while I was creating and redesigning websites as a freelancer.
I know all of these jobs sound very different, but all of them have given me different skills that I still use today. As a barista (retail) I got very comfortable talking with people and educating them. At the plant nursery I learned to find the flow with my work and to enjoy the moment. Cleaning dishes I learned about process optimization. Working for the university I got comfortable dealing with large, complex systems of people, navigating politics, and creating community. While working for the forest service, I was often doing ethnographic research / contextual inquiry, which is a great research skill to have with UX Design. At the start up I learned about how to have great customer service and how to measure impacts through data and user research. Recruiting is a great skill to have when conducting user research as well. With music I had to learn about all different things from recording to producing, to building instruments, marketing, etc. That helped me become more comfortable with jumping into vague or ambiguous projects and hone my creative vision. Teaching helped sharpen my presentation skills, and helped me understand how people have different communication and learning styles. All that to say, it's OK if you try different things along your career path. Having lots of different skills can come in handy and help you find what you love to do. I hope this helps!
~J
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Hi Anson, many large corporations hire employees in to entry level positions right out of high school. For instance, telecommunications companies will hire front line employees with worlds of growth available with job experience.
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Chris’s Answer
Hi Anson!
My first job was working fast food in high school. It taught me a lot about considering who is on the other side of the counter and to always treat people with respect and gratitude as many times, these people are overworked and underpaid.
My first "real" job that was related to my now career in IT was working at the Apple Store through college. It really invigorated my passion for Technology and for helping and serving others. I was then able to leverage my experiences that I gained during my time there for a Client Services job at a Tech company.
My first job was working fast food in high school. It taught me a lot about considering who is on the other side of the counter and to always treat people with respect and gratitude as many times, these people are overworked and underpaid.
My first "real" job that was related to my now career in IT was working at the Apple Store through college. It really invigorated my passion for Technology and for helping and serving others. I was then able to leverage my experiences that I gained during my time there for a Client Services job at a Tech company.