Working at Starbucks during a gap year?

I'm thinking of taking a gap year before college and wondering if working at Starbucks could be a good option. Has anyone done this and found it beneficial in terms of skills or savings? What was your experience like?

Working at Starbucks during your gap year can be advantageous in multiple ways. Not only would you be able to develop valuable skills, but the financial savings may also be quite helpful.

Firstly, you must consider the skills you can develop. Retail and service industry jobs like Starbucks can greatly improve interpersonal skills. You'll interact with diverse groups of people, learn how to handle challenging customer situations, and hone your teamwork and communication abilities. These soft skills can be useful regardless of what career or major you pursue later.

Additionally, if you're interested in business or management, Starbucks can provide a unique perspective on customer service, supply chain, and sales. Many students often report growing more mature and independent due to their experience working there.

From a financial standpoint, working at Starbucks can be a great way to save. They offer competitive wages, benefits (known as the Starbucks College Achievement Plan), free Spotify Premium, and even free or discounted Starbucks products. Though the degree of savings will depend on your lifestyle and expenses, any revenue can be utilized to offset college costs or other future expenditures.

Keep in mind, though, that retail jobs can be physically demanding and sometimes stressful due to longer hours, particularly during peak times. However, the learning experience and development of resilience can make it worthwhile.