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HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER By: Nicole Daniel '08 What did you do this past summer? The hours are unfortunate, I sacrificed my social life and I got home smelling like a pizza, but hey for a college student to make $15-$20 an hour, how could I pass it up?? Face it, we all have to own up to those student loans when we graduate and get a real job, so last summer I worked at the Olive Garden in Framingham, a popular Italian restaurant where I had always enjoyed dining. How did you find the job? The summer after my freshman year, I applied for a waitressing position and was offered an initial interview with the general manager who had been there since the restaurant opened thirteen years ago. I made sure I was polished and professional, with key questions I wanted to ask at the end of the interview. After I was hired, I went through the extensive training class for new servers to learn product knowledge, and the steps to provide exceptional service. The training classes were held at the restaurant and required wearing the full uniform (a white button-up, tie, dress pants and apron). All training classes were paid lasting up to six hours for 5 sessions including three tests at the conclusion of the week. I was tested on both the bar and dinner menu as well as health and safety procedures and had to score a 90% or above to start serving. What attracted you to this job? See #1 for answer to this How many hours each week did you work? During the summer time, I worked as many hours as they would give me, so I could have more free-time once school started up. I also made sure I requested my time off well in advance!! If you let the employer know as soon as you can that you need time off they're more than likely to honor your request. What did you enjoy most about this work? Least? Waitressing is hard work! You run back and forth with large heavy trays and sometimes you feel like a servant rather than a waiter. Although this can be tiring, the part about being on your feet was what I preferred over any other job. Olive Garden employs over 55 servers 15 cooks and preps, and 4 managers. The staff that I worked with also made me feel like I was with family rather than work. What advice would you like to share with students about your summer work or about finding internships and jobs? Way before summer begins, be sure to keep your goals in mind. Whether they are financial gain, scoring the best internship or traveling abroad. If you are looking for an internship for the summer start looking when the spring semester begins (or even sooner) rather than 2 weeks before. The business environment is saturated with competitiveness so you can't wait around. Posting your resume online may be the most hassle free way to obtain what you're looking for because employers have the chance to contact you during your busy schedule. College is the best time to network and position yourself within your major's goals. Be sure to take advantage of talking with your advisor about different employment opportunities within your major. You want your resume to dazzle that company you've been dreaming about working for so don't hesitate to get involved with clubs, sports and activities on campus…. Was your summer job related to your major or future career plans? The skills you acquire from any job can be a lesson for the future. Being punctual, prepared, and organized all help you develop a positive work ethic for when you graduate college. Just because you are a waiter doesn't mean you want to work in the culinary field or even in a restaurant at all, but you have to start somewhere. What are your plans for next summer - would you do anything differently? Being a junior this year, I feel I am ready to begin the look for an internship pertaining to my career goals. I only have about two years left at Framingham and so many possibilities when it comes to internships. I am working towards a polished resume to make available to potential employers in my field. By working at the Olive Garden I have developed a great standing with the management who could provide a future employer with a great reference. Plus when you have worked for a company for over a year it shows dedication and longevity to other management teams who could look at that as an admirable trait. The summer before your senior year is time to make bigger strides toward your goals, because you will be graduating in less than a year. Next summer I will take on an internship in either broadcast journalism or marketing. Both are very broad fields which will require a lot of research about possible positions. Now is always the best time to start looking! By: Ashlee Winston '07 What did you do this past summer? I worked for the Worcester Tornadoes, a professional baseball team in Worcester, MA. How did you find the job/internship? I found the job listing on their website, and applied for the internship opportunity. I was in contact with one of the assistant General Managers of the team and we emailed back and forth a few times to set up an interview. I met with him, gave him my resume, and began chatting about what the internship would entail and if I would be able to handle such an intense non-paying summer job. What attracted you to this job/internship? I wanted to see if I would be interested in the sports media field and thought an internship not only close to home, but in the field, would be perfect. It was a great opportunity to get hands-on experience and see first hand what work in minor league baseball is all about. How many hours each week did you work? I worked M-F in the office 9am-3pm then worked at the field when we had games 3:30pm-11pm or whenever the game was done. Saturday and Sunday I worked at the field all day 9am-11pm or whenever the game was complete. I worked on average 85-90 hrs a week…so basically this team was my life. What did you enjoy most about this work? Least? I loved being at the field during the games because I was in charge of all the on-field promotions. So I got to sign up kids and adults to participate in various games on the field to win prizes in between innings and pitching changes. It was a LOT of hours which kind of got in the way of my social life, but it was worth it from all the experience I got as well as the friends I made. What advice would you like to share with students about your summer work or about finding internships and jobs? Search, network, and be persistent. I called every single day until finally I got my interview, and they told me that was one of the main reasons they hired me because they could see how driven I was and persistent! They chose me as a person who CLEARLY wanted this job very badly and showed that I would work hard over a person who just submits her resume and waits around for people to come knocking at her door. Also, use your resources! Ask parents, friends, coworkers, etc - they might be useful in getting you into a job that isn't even hiring! Was your summer job related to your major or future career plans? Yes. Because of the amazing experience I had with the Tornadoes, I have decided that I definitely want to stay in the sports field and hopefully stick with baseball. What are your plans for next summer-would you do anything differently? Well, I am graduating in May, so hopefully I will have a full time job. If not then I will be looking for one! The only thing different would be a job that pays!

CONNECT WITH FSC ALUMNI! Be sure to check out this new feature on our website to connect with alumni for career information and advice: » CareerLink EMPLOYER SHOWCASE Interested in jobs or internships with local employers? Meet informally with company representatives each Wednesday, learn about their companies and submit resumes. Fall schedule of employers on campus: » What's Happening Top 10 List The top ten reasons to visit the Career Services & Employer Relations office are... » Full Article HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER Q&A with FSC Students. » Nicole Daniel '08 » Ashlee Winston '07 GRADUATE SCHOOL Thinking About Graduate School? Career Services and Employer Relations can help you determine whether graduate school is right for you and help you with the application process. » Full Article CHOOSING A MAJOR DO NOT PANIC! Career Services and Employer Relations can suggest ways to help you focus your future, choose a major, and start building your career. » Making a Major Decision » Taking the Mystery Out of Majors » Top 10 Tips for Choosing a Major » Full Article

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