3rd year OLS students recently completed job shadows as part of the Individual Studies course. The assignment was to explore positions based on the career pathway they’ve been curating during the OLS program, and get an idea of what they will want to do for their internships next year.
We got a chance to sit down with Chelsea and hear about her job shadow experiences.
Where did you complete your job shadows?
I did three total job shadows. I job shadowed as a hostess at two restaurants: The Hardware Store on Vashon Island and Casa Ricardo’s in Kirkland. I also job shadowed at PinkaBella Cupcakes in Kirkland.
How do these positions tie into your career pathway?
I want to be a hostess someday, so it was perfect for that. The research I’d done preparing for the job shadows was helpful because everything seemed familiar to me. The whole experience was really fun and helpful for getting an idea of what I need to expect if I want to work as a hostess.
What tasks did you get to participate in?
At Casa Ricardo’s I got to be there during a slow time, which was great for my first experience. I stood behind the counter and greeted people as they came in, and I also showed people to their tables. I learned a lot about the whole position talking to the people that worked there. There’s a specific way you seat people (such as 2 people are seated near the front of the restaurant, larger groups toward the back, and you try to space people apart). When it’s really busy they have people standing outside waiting to get in, and in the summer they offer outside seating as well.
At PinkaBella I got to greet people and assist with their order, including helping at the register, which I have done before so that part was easy. There was upbeat music playing and the store was so cute and fun.
During my job shadow at the Hardware Store, I observed more behind the scenes activities like food preparation and cooking, clean up and supplies storage, and employee areas. I was impressed by a lot of vocal interaction especially when carrying and delivering foods to tables, which is something that I did there and not at the other restaurant.
What was your takeaway from the experience?
I think I’d enjoy working at a cupcake store, especially if there was one that sold espresso and coffee as well since I’ve done that in the past. That would be a great job. But I’ve always wanted to be a hostess, and I think that would be a job I’d really like.
Individual Studies is one of the many courses OLS Students take to obtain their associate degree from OLS. More information about our curriculum is available on our website. To learn more about our program register for an Information Session.
Last Updated April 13, 2019