When I was looking for a job coming into college, I desperately wanted to avoid retail or food, I was hoping for something that would allow me to hide in the back of some place and not deal with people. Going home smelling like a deep fryer every day wasn’t a good time and dealing with customers who half the time had no idea what was going on was pretty much the worst kind of job for me. My parents suggested that I look for a job on campus, since I would be spending a lot of time here anyways, so I looked around, and heard that the bookstore was hiring. I went in at the end of Spring semester 2017 and talked with the bookstore manager who told me that she would love to have me and that I could start over the summer! I started working at the end of May and the bookstore turned out to be a job that not only helped me learn more about who I was, and what kind of work I enjoyed, but it also taught me how to sell in a way that I didn’t expect.
Most of the summer was spent putting stickers on books, unpacking boxes, and making signs and other odd and random little jobs, but I absolutely loved it. It allowed me to do work I valued, efficiently and quietly. I already knew I was a very high respsobility person (meaning that I place extremely high value on doing the job I am tasked with, in the most efficient way that works out the best in the long run.) so being able to do jobs that I was essentially in charge of, putting stickers on, quantity management, filling orders, etc. showed me that there are jobs that would allow me to use this high responsibility skill that I have. As time has gone on and I’ve now been working at the bookstore for over two years, I have learned so much about what actually goes into running a store. From ordering products, to filling out PO’s, stocking shelves, and my personal favorite pulling and putting stickers on books. All these experiences have shown me the back end of sales and what it takes to run a business that lives from sales.
The job also required me to work at a salesperson. Sometimes I would be at the register, checking people out and helping them find things in the store, but other time I was downstairs, getting books for people, or helping parents and their kids figure out what classes need what books. I have been able to use all the skills I have learned from all my previous jobs and experiences and they have helped me to help others.
This is the longest time I have stuck with a job and I have grown so much as a person, and a salesperson from it, and I’ve learned that when selling, one of the most important things you can do as a salesperson is to make it clear you understand and are here to help the customer. It sounds cheesy, but when the buyer understands that you genuinely want to help them get the most out of their time and money, they are so willing to talk and work through things with you, and you are able to bring them back the next time as well.
testacr22
On campus jobs are such a great gig. They are able to teach you a lot while being super accessible on campus. Although the pay isn’t great (minimum wage) it’s better than nothing, and they teach you really valuable skills.
It’s great that you were able to approach any tasks trying to do them efficiently and with care. It sounds like you were able to interact with a good amount of customers and serve their needs seamlessly in your position. On campus jobs really are the most convenient way to earn a buck while in school so that’s great that you’ve found a place to work long term through college!