Can a Part-time Job Be as Beneficial as an Internship?
Although doing at least one internship before graduation is ideal, it’s true that there are skills to be gained by working part-time while in college. I asked our experts if they would consider hiring a recent college graduate who opted to work in a restaurant or clothing store instead of doing internships while in college.
Not surprisingly, they all agreed that a recent college graduate with work experience gained while working in a restaurant or clothing store could realistically be hired for one of their companies, and here are their reasons why:
“Yes, I would hire a grad who worked in a clothing store or restaurant while in college,” said Katie Layous, internship coordinator for the Art Institute of California-San Francisco. “A student who has had a part-time job while attending school will still build many marketable soft skills. A restaurant worker will build good communication skills, teamwork skills, and time management skills. A sales associate at a retail store learns about customer service, how to maintain neat and tidy surroundings, or cashier and register transitions. Proof of soft skills is very important to employers. The top ten qualities employers look for in new college graduates, according to Job Outlook 2007 from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) are all soft skills.
Elsa Morgan, HR director for JAKKS Pacific, said her company “would not be opposed” to hiring a recent college graduate who worked a part-time retail or restaurant job while in college; “however, if they did not gain the appropriate skills in one of those positions, and they are applying for a position that requires a certain criteria of skills, then they really would not be a good fit for our company.”
Because there are many sales jobs out in the workforce, it can’t hurt to have those kinds of skills, which can be learned more in retail than in the restaurant business, but then again, think back to a time when a waiter/waitress suggested the “daily special” or a certain dessert in such a way that enticed or intrigued you enough to make you want to give it a try. Wasn’t that a sales pitch? For David Kowalczyk, co-director of Career Services at Assumption College, “A good sales work experience can be very helpful. Students who can qualify and close a customer are valuable individuals.”
Alpaytac, said Junior Account Executive, Brian Saunders, considers “any and all experience when reviewing candidates for employment. Diversity among life and work experience shows that a person is not only educated, but also well-rounded. If the candidate can apply what he/she has learned in other experiences to their position at Alpaytac, then that has value to us. Industry, experience, however, remains invaluable and a high priority.”
“There are a collection of attributes that make up a desirable college graduate,” said Maureen Buehler, global manager, for Autodesk Global University Programs. “While a past internship at a high tech company or industry equivalent is preferred, a student’s extra-curricular activities, rigor of their academic coursework, participation in school projects/case studies and involvement in student clubs are also important in developing a well-rounded and uniquely qualified candidate.”
Rebecca Hall, APR, CEO, and president of IDEA HALL said, yes, she would hire a student who had gained experience working in a restaurant or clothing store while in college “because working in a restaurant or clothing store develops skills of adhering to a schedule, being on time, maintaining standards of excellence for their respective roles and responsibilities.”
Finally, Keyla Cabret, university relations supervisor for Aflac said, “Many career seekers often believe that the insurance industry primarily offers jobs in sales, often overlooking the many other professional level opportunities that can exist within the industry that allow for transferable skills. Customer service skills are high on the list of core competencies for Aflac.”
So, if you are a recent college graduate who chose not to do internships while in college, but instead to get a part-time job, don’t worry. Depending on your responsibilities, your part-time job may be just what you needed to be an asset to any or all of the companies to which you apply.
