During my years at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium I have loved the environment and people. I truly learned to become confident and develop my communication skills. The experiences with customers and coworkers have been something I wouldn’t trade for the world. I loved being challenged in the workplace and practicing my problem solving skills to find solutions to different occurrences everyday.
What I wish was different
I wish there would have been a little more support for employees, specifically the returning staff that would come back each year and work the hours of a full time job with no benefit at the end of the season(s).
Advice
A piece of advice I would share is that many of the situations you’ll be put in are uncomfortable and sometimes boring but keep an open mind to the impact the work you’re doing is having on customers experiences and the park staff as a whole. Your superiors wouldn’t put you into these positions if they didn’t believe you were capable of handing them.
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Lifeguard
June 2018 • Columbus, OH
What I liked
Easy going and always enjoyed going in on the days that I was scheduled. The managers and supervisors were very friendly and it felt like a nice big family.
What I wish was different
Wish that we were able to properly train the new hires, but because of covid we kind of rushed into the season.
Advice
A great experience teaches you how to be responsible and being able to have a flexible schedule. They always make sure that you know the skills that come with being a lifeguard and testing people almost every day. Always be willing to pick up shifts and make friends with your coworkers because it makes it that much enjoyable.
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Pachyderm Intern
September - December 2019 • Columbus, OH
What I liked
Everything! Everyone was so nice and welcoming, I learned so much, and had so much fun! I would go back to that internship in a heartbeat!
What I wish was different
Literally nothing! I wish it could have been longer, however, I did all 16 weeks that were available.
Advice
Don't take a hard and heavy course load with this. I found myself stressed a lot as I was taking five other classes and swimming for my school as well.
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Ride Maintenance Technician
May - September 2019 • Powell, OH
What I liked
Great work environment, great supervisors and coworkers, and good benefits
What I wish was different
Pay could have been a bit higher for my position, but the pay for lifeguards is great
Advice
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Asia Quest Seasonal Regional Assistant
May - August 2019 • Columbus, OH
What I liked
I enjoyed continuing my work experience past my spring internship. I continued to help zookeepers in daily tasks as well as interacting and educating the public about ponies and horses.
What I wish was different
I wish I would've been paid more for doing a more strenuous job, as opposed to food and beverage workers who are paid $2.00 more an hour.
Advice
Be prepared for all weather conditions!
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Food and Beverage
June - August 2019 • Columbus, OH
What I liked
I liked the people I worked with and the community is very inviting
What I wish was different
The communication was not good. There were a lot of times I wasn't sure what was going on and I did not know who to contact to answer my questions
Advice
In order to get information and get your questions answered you have to be persistent and don't give up. It can be frustrating but eventually it works!
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Retail Team Lead
June 2017 • Powell, OH
What I liked
Very fun working at the zoo
What I wish was different
Communication between the different departments
Advice
Come prepared for every weather situation!
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Pachyderm Intern
September 2019 • Powell, OH
What I liked
Everything
What I wish was different
How often I could work and that it could be longer
Advice
Always be positive and work hard
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Zookeeper Intern
May - August 2019 • Powell, OH
What I liked
Working with the primates
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Learn everything that you can. Ask many questions.
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Membership and Season Pass Processing Lead
May 2017 • Powell, OH
What I liked
The Columbus Zoo is a fantastic place to work! It is fun interacting with others who are interested in conservation and the perks provided to employees is a plus.
What I wish was different
Sometimes it is difficult dealing with the direct public, but overall I would not change anything. This is my favorite position and plan to stay employed here as long as I can!
Advice
Be willing to go outside your comfort zone!
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Attractions Operator
June - August 2019 • Powell, OH
What I liked
The other operators were great to work with and the team leads all helped to make it a really great summer job. It was good to get some experience in a customer facing role.
What I wish was different
I wish breaks were done more consistently and a little better. It’d be nice to have an area closer to Sea Dragon to be able to go to during breaks. I also wish sea dragon would get updated a bit to not be as finicky to get restarted when stopped on the breaks.
Advice
Make sure you listen at the beginning of the season to learn how to operate and spiel to guests properly. You want to keep everyone safe so make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep people safe.
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Grounds Maintenance Worker
June - August 2019 • Columbus, OH
What I liked
Management, people
What I wish was different
Too hot
Advice
Work at the zoo it's great
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Grounds Maintenance Worker
May - August 2019 • Powell, OH
What I liked
I liked being around the animals everyday.
What I wish was different
I had a great experience no complaints.
Advice
Be ready to do hands on work throughout your day in any weather conditions
