Barnes and Noble

Bookseller

August 2020 • Fort Lauderdale, FL

What I liked

I enjoyed working in the on campus bookstore and learning how textbooks are managed, stored, bought, transferred, etc. I never knew it would be so important especially as a college student and I know what to look for when someone or myself asks about a book for a class. It was interesting seeing how the shipping and networking system works at the company. As someone who doesn't enjoy economics and business management I found it very educational and changed my attitude towards the managing businesses. My managers are always so helpful, respectful, and amazing individuals who help me whenever I have doubts.

What I wish was different

I honestly liked everything and would not change anything.

Advice

Advice I would share about this experience is to be open to new things. I never in a million years thought I would work for a store that the managers would ask me to help them place orders and rely on me for accurate information in other areas. I realized that the reason I despised anything to do with businesses as a career was because I was not accurately informed enough about what it entails. Now I have a new respect for those who run businesses or stores and enjoy the field. So always try out new things and get out of your comfort zone. It may be difficult at first, but you will gain so many new skills and experience that not only benefit your professional resume, but most importantly help you become a better individual.

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Café Server

April 2016 - August 2019 • Eagan, MN

What I liked

The work environment was really nice. Everyone who works there has each others backs.

What I wish was different

I wish I would have been paid more for my time, considering that I have worked there for a long time.

Advice

If you help others, others will help you.

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Bookseller

April - September 2018 • Detroit, MI

What I liked

The people were great; your fellow coworkers would help you figure things out and help you deal with your customer. Barnes & Noble I work that was part of its college division so some things such as payments were little more complex as some students had financial aid. And my co-workers always willing to help to make sure I did things correctly.

What I wish was different

I wish I had a little bit more training, BNcollege ( I'm not sure about other divisions) has a bad tendency of throwing employees into their duties with little to no training of how to correctly perform the responsibilities. If you are a brand new employee you may receive a little bit more training however if you're returning employee like me or someone being moved to a manager position you may be expected to learn most of the system changes on your own or ask questions when they come up. This can be difficult when you are in the middle of a rush, which is in my experience, when most of these problems arise.

Advice

Understand that even though your job title says one thing your responsibilities are anything your manager needs you to do.

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Bookseller

May - August 2021 • Falls Church, VA

What I liked

I liked interacting with the customers and talking about common interests with my coworkers

What I wish was different

Nothing

Advice

Be a bookworm!

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Cashier

July - September 2018 • Denton, TX

What I liked

Co-workers are amazing and fun! Made the job a cool breeze.

What I wish was different

One of the managers was pretty judgemental.

Advice

Work with people and speak up.

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Barista

May - August 2023 • Hackensack, NJ

What I liked

My coworkers and managers were very friendly and approachable. There were never conflicts among staff and everyone got a long very well. My coworkers were very dependable and trustworthy which made for an enjoyable and welcoming work environment.

What I wish was different

I wish that my hours were more consistent, but it did help that the schedule was released two weeks in advance. I also wish that inventory was kept up more, we ran out of ingredients very regularly, it was almost unheard of for an entire week to go by without us being out of something.

Advice

Be ready and open to make any drink combination people ask for. Be patient and helpful, and always offer suggestions or substitutes if you're out of something. Remember regular's orders (which will be easy the more you see them) since it makes their day when you know exactly what they want and how they like it.

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