Any experiences with working at Starbucks during a gap year?

I'm considering working at Starbucks during my gap year before college. Does anyone have experience with this? How flexible are the hours and did you learn any valuable skills that helped later on?

Working at Starbucks can definitely be a useful and enriching experience during a gap year. Besides the obvious benefit of earning some income, working at such a customer-service oriented company can contribute to building invaluable interpersonal and communication skills. Many previous Starbucks employees have relayed that they have improved their problem-solving abilities, multitasking skills and time management — all transferable skills that could benefit you in college and beyond.

As for flexibility, Starbucks can often accommodate a variety of schedules. Depending on the location and business needs, you might find morning, afternoon, evening, weekday, and weekend shifts available, which could make it easier to balance your work with other obligations, interests, or travel plans during your gap year.

In terms of career preparation, Starbucks has a well-known commitment to employee development. They offer multiple programs, like their "Starbucks College Achievement Plan" in partnership with Arizona State University, that allow eligible U.S. partners to earn a bachelor’s degree with full-tuition coverage. Although this seems more geared towards continuing employees, it does highlight the training and advancement opportunities available within the company.

Finally, Starbucks' emphasis on community and creating a positive work environment can also provide a beneficial environment for young employees. It's a chance to work with a diverse group of people, which can foster cultural understanding and empathy—both skills that are increasingly important both in college and in the professional world.

Remember, everyone's Starbucks (or any job) experience will vary based on their specific store, manager, coworkers, and what they put into the job. Like with any job, your experience and the skills you gain from it will largely be determined by how you approach the work and seek to learn from it. Good luck!