How your first job prepares you for your future career

Trainees on our Steps to Work programme will have their first taste of work in a hospitality setting. More often than not, their first placement will be in the shop or cafe at Strawberry Field, before they move on to one of our employer partners. Whatever the role, it's a meaningful step toward independence, growth and self-discovery. At Strawberry Field, we believe that every opportunity matters. That’s why we encourage young people to embrace entry-level roles as powerful springboards into future careers.

Some trainees may wonder how working in a cafe is going to help them with their long-term goals of working in tech, for example. But ask any successful person, they likely started with an entry-level position. Whether it’s serving a coffee, greeting our visitors or restocking shelves, these early roles offer essential transferable skills that employers across every industry value.

Communication

Working in retail or hospitality puts young people face-to-face with customers every day. Learning to speak clearly, listen actively and adapt their tone to different audiences is invaluable. These are skills that carry into interviews, presentations, negotiations, and team collaboration, no matter the career path.

Problem Solving

Visitor attractions like Strawberry Field are dynamic environments. An order might go wrong, stock might run out or a customer might need extra support. Handling unexpected issues teaches young people to think quickly, stay calm, and find practical solutions, an essential trait in any workplace.

Teamwork

From baristas to stockroom staff, every team member plays a part in daily success. Young people learn how to collaborate, share responsibilities and support each other. Being able to work as part of a team is important in almost every industry.

Time management

Punctuality and reliability are desirable traits for any employer. Learning to balance your personal life with work and manage your time effectively will serve you well throughout your whole career.

Confidence and resilience

The early nerves of dealing with customers or learning new tasks will eventually result in lasting confidence. Mistakes become lessons. Challenges build resilience. With every shift, young people grow stronger in character and capability.

Customer Service

Understanding what makes a good customer experience (being friendly, helpful and solution-focused) is a huge asset in roles like sales, marketing, public relations, and beyond. These are human skills that technology can’t replace.

Adaptability

Retail and hospitality work often requires multitasking and picking things up quickly. Demonstrating adaptability shows future employers that a young person is ready to take on new challenges and learn continuously.

At Strawberry Field, we support young people on their journey toward meaningful employment. Roles in shops and cafés aren’t just stepping stones, they’re training grounds for lifelong skills.

If you are at the beginning of your career journey, remember, that first job matters! It's not just about serving coffee, it's about building confidence, learning resilience and unlocking your potential.

Ready to take the first step? Learn more about our Steps to Work programme and how Strawberry Field can help you build a brighter future. Find out more here.