Last week, I had an enjoyable conversation with clients over dinner, where we shared stories about early jobs and how they shaped our careers. It made me reflect on my own journey and the lessons I learned during my time in the service industry.
Before I ventured into the business side of building and construction, I spent my teens and early twenties working in fine dining. I started in the dish tank and quickly moved to working on desserts, and then Pantry station, Sauté and Grill. At 21, I was somehow trusted enough to take on the role of Sous Chef and lead my first professional staff. It was an incredible experience filled with a thousand hilarious and sometimes harrowing stories that I still enjoy sharing.
Here's the gist of what I believe I've carried with me since those days in the kitchen:
Sense of Urgency: In the fast-paced environment of a kitchen, every second counts. The dinner rush taught me to work quickly and efficiently without compromising on quality.
Attention to Detail: From perfecting a dish to ensuring consistency and properly managing food costs, attention to detail was paramount. This skill has been crucial in my career, ensuring precision and excellence in everything I do.
Perseverance and Quality Control: The relentless pursuit of perfection and the commitment to delivering high-quality results have been ingrained in me since my culinary days.
Team Building: Collaborating with a diverse team in a high-pressure environment taught me the importance of communication, trust, and teamwork.
Customer Service: Ensuring guest satisfaction and handling feedback gracefully helped me develop a customer-first mindset that I carry into all my professional interactions.
There was no rush quite like the dinner rush – the adrenaline, the chaos, and the sheer determination to serve every guest with excellence. And then came the denouement, the calm after the storm, where you and your team put the pieces of the kitchen back together, ready to do it all over again the next day.
These early roles can be far from glamorous, but they build the foundation upon which great careers are built. No beginning, no matter how humble, is inconsequential.
So, I'm curious...What was the most influential job you had early in your career, and how does it impact the work you do today?
I invite you to share your experiences and reflect on the lessons learned from those starting positions. Let’s celebrate the value of hard work and the incredible journeys that shape who we are.
#CareerJourney #ServiceIndustry #LifeSkills #ProfessionalGrowth #EarlyCareer #LessonsLearned
Communication Student at Loyola Marymount University Graduating Fall 2024 | Califia Farms Public Relations Intern | Marketing | Talent Management | Digital Media
1 个月Just submitted my application—such an amazing opportunity! I’m excited about the chance to be considered for the position and to hopefully contribute to the team.