My most recent experience was working as a sales consultant for Chevrolet products. My duties included meeting with customers, listening to their wants and needs, applying my product knowledge to find them the right vehicle, doing my part to make it affordable for them, negotiating, anticipating their needs, etc. I have worked in the customer service industry my whole life and this was very similar. This role enabled me to use my outgoing personality and people skills to help all of those who sought my expertise.

This was another restaurant I worked at in a very familiar environment for me as it was family owned and run. I exceled working in an environment that was early morning to mid-afternoon. I was able to continue improving my customer service skills with a new customer base.

During this time, I was an assistant manager at IHOP in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. I was responsible for leading a team of staff, learning and working in all of the positions in the restaurant, handling cash and balancing drawers, solving any issues between co-workers or customers, leading the front of the house during corporate inspections, etc. I am thankful that this position allowed me to learn each position in the restaurant to have a better understanding of communication between the different jobs. I was a server throughout my life up until this position and was finally able to see the cook's side of things. I enjoyed being able to help my co-workers in any position they needed and to keep busy during the slower times. I am beyond grateful for the experience to work in this position and loved leading a team that trusted me.

This was one of my favorite places that I have worked at thus far as I still go back and regularly visit the owner and staff. I was the third employee to join this team on their second day of opening. I was asked in for an interview and they were out the door with customers while having a very limited staff at the time. Instead of waiting for my interview, I decided to jump up and start clearing tables to help the staff that would later become my friends. The owner was so impressed with this action that he decided not to move forward with the interview but to instead ask me to come in the next morning for my first shift. I would most likely still be working here if I had not moved away for school!

This was my first real job (aside from the seasonal Ski Instructor position beforehand) and it taught me so many valuable skills. Due to the amazing staff and management that I worked with, I learned so many of my customer service skills that I still use to this day. I worked my way from a hostess to serving nights by myself in a matter of a few months and am so grateful the owners saw my potential and let me flourish.