Is working retail a disappointment after receving a college degree?

[Gwinnett]

I know there are a lot of factors in play here but would you say getting a job in retail whether it's Dillards, JCPenny or Target (for example) after receiving your college degree a disappointment?

[gatorknights]

These days, with this sucky job market that probably won't get better anytime soon, you do what you gotta do. While it may be a disappointment personally, I don't think many folks would look down on it. Any job is a good job.

[toon66]

I know there are a lot of factors in play here but would you say getting a job in retail whether it's Dillards, JCPenny or Target (for example) after receiving your college degree a disappointment?

You do what you have you to do until you earn that shot. I threw sod, worked retail, delivered flowers and sold copiers until I landed my career choice. Did all of that for a total of 14 months until I landed in my current career. That was 18 yrs ago.

[supagator]

If you graduated from Med or Law school, maybe. But Buisness major or Education no.

[gatorman_07732]

I know there are a lot of factors in play here but would you say getting a job in retail whether it's Dillards, JCPenny or Target (for example) after receiving your college degree a disappointment?

No, but I can understand how you might feel that way. Many people come out of college with a degree and don't exactly get the job they envisioned. You need to set your mind to do the best job you can and keep your eyes and ears open.

[Gwinnett]

Thanks for the replies-- this isn't for me-- just was wondering what you all thought.
Perhaps it could be a stepping stone to a inside/outside sales job. I think most people looked at retail as the lowest run on the sales ladder but it could provide valuable experience in the sales arena.

[vanders]

as Flip always says.... It is easier to find a job when you have a job.

[MMCaneOL]

I thought the same thing for awhile. Out of grad school I landed a job in retail thinking it was temporary. 4 years later I'm still in retail, but worked my way up to Assistant Store Manager and now an much happier and am earning a higher salary than most if my friends with "real" jobs.

It's sucks not having weekends and your schedule changing constantly, but that's the price we pay in this industry.

[gatorman_07732]

as Flip always says.... It is easier to find a job when you have a job.

Very true because it makes you more marketable. The longer you are unemployed the harder it will be to land a job.

[toon66]

Thanks for the replies-- this isn't for me-- just was wondering what you all thought.
Perhaps it could be a stepping stone to a inside/outside sales job. I think most people looked at retail as the lowest run on the sales ladder but it could provide valuable experience in the sales arena.

Maybe, maybe not but I don't really consider that when I am recruiting. If considering a recent college grad with no experience, I consider the whole body of experience. I look tor someone who is a grinder. I'll teach them how to sell.

[vaxcardinal]

Thanks for the replies-- this isn't for me-- just was wondering what you all thought.
Perhaps it could be a stepping stone to a inside/outside sales job. I think most people looked at retail as the lowest run on the sales ladder but it could provide valuable experience in the sales arena.

Even lower than "counter sales" at McDonalds?

[Gwinnett]

Even lower than "counter sales" at McDonalds?

Oh no-- LOL. I didn't take into account the fast food profession.

[Gwinnett]

Maybe, maybe not but I don't really consider that when I am recruiting. If considering a recent college grad with no experience, I consider the whole body of experience. I look tor someone who is a grinder. I'll teach them how to sell.

Interesting...I think I was a little harsh on my comments about the retail job. Just out of curoisty-- if someone was to get a job at a department store are they on any commission or is it a flat amount?

On another note, I've never done sales but have always thought about crossing over. I've been in IT since my days in college. I'll never do it-- too much of a chicken (& family responsibilities) but how do you go about teaching one to sell?

[MichiGator2002]

I have worked in retail with a bachelor's, I have worked in a restaurant with a JD. The economy is what it is. And, yeah, there have been times of disappointment, or rye, dry amusement at how much effort went into the credentials. But it also is a nice reminder that a set of letters doesn't make you "too good" for any sort of honest work someone is willing to pay you for. Every job you ever do in your life is a serious thing that matters a whole lot to someone that it gets done. Approach it with that sort of dignity and you will never feel bad about doing it.

[manigordo]

I waited tables after finishing graduate school at YALE and still retired at 47. Things do not always go as expected, but doing a great job mostly yields great things.

[Gator515151]

Oh no-- LOL. I didn't take into account the fast food profession.

Don't laugh, I know a guy who graduated from Alabama and could not find a job anywhere so he hired on flipin burgers at McDonalds just to get by until he found a "real" job. He moved up the ranks to assistant manager, to manager to regional manager and now he is pretty high up in their corporate structure.

The funny thing is I used to tease him about what kind of a job his Alabama education got him.

[myamiG8R]

no shame in good honest hard work... if you are not where you want to be, keep striving, but hold what ya got til ya get what ya want...

[wygator]

I thought the same thing for awhile. Out of grad school I landed a job in retail thinking it was temporary. 4 years later I'm still in retail, but worked my way up to Assistant Store Manager and now an much happier and am earning a higher salary than most if my friends with "real" jobs.

It's sucks not having weekends and your schedule changing constantly, but that's the price we pay in this industry.

I followed your exact path.

I started in retail sales and moved up. After 4 years, I took my experience and traded it in for a non-retail sales management job and went on from there. Have had a great career in sales management and management consulting.

[brainstorm]

You do what you have you to do until you earn that shot. I threw sod, worked retail, delivered flowers and sold copiers until I landed my career choice. Did all of that for a total of 14 months until I landed in my current career. That was 18 yrs ago.

This. In spades.

Working a "lower" job while looking for one in your field is a good thing. It will serve you well down the road.

I worked at a slaughter house (research) in college and for my father in the fields in HS. I took my first job out of college as a delivery person for a medical company. I finally go my shot in IT.

Today, years later, I run an IT shop in New York. The work ethic really served me well and I look for it when interviewing people.

[wygator]

In addition, it is good for your character and soul not to think of yourself above any kind of work. Much better to be digging trenches for a sprinkler installer (one of mine) than sitting around on your duff.

If found my high school and college fast food jobs to be motivators while studying, knowing that I was helping myself to greater opportunities and potential down the road.

[northgagator]

I thought the same thing for awhile. Out of grad school I landed a job in retail thinking it was temporary. 4 years later I'm still in retail, but worked my way up to Assistant Store Manager and now an much happier and am earning a higher salary than most if my friends with "real" jobs.

It's sucks not having weekends and your schedule changing constantly, but that's the price we pay in this industry.

Good post!
A lot of people think that being a sales associate is a thankless dead end job. I have know a lot of people who started at entry level jobs on the sales floor or behind a register. Those who approached it as a job and an opportunity were able to get into management and buyer positions. Some end up in IT departments working as product people (bridging technology to the sales floor). A lot if these entry level jobs can lead to incomes of $50k, $100k, $200k and higher.

[AzCatFan]

Worked a data entry job out of school for five years. Paid well, relatively speaking. Learned everything I could and got a marketing job at another company. Turned out to be the start of a lucrative career.

[gator1986]

Too many people's with bachelor degrees now... It's too much competition, everyone has one its like having a high school diploma doesn't mean jack squat you need to go the next level up... I got friends with who have their engineering degrees, and business, and finance... And they're making like 38,000... That's horrible..... Like 20$ nowadays...... All that money, debt, time and you make less than a cop who didn't go to school... Lol sorry but have to laugh, and I know I'm going to catch heat for this....

[toon66]

Too many people's with bachelor degrees now... It's too much competition, everyone has one its like having a high school diploma doesn't mean jack squat you need to go the next level up... I got friends with who have their engineering degrees, and business, and finance... And they're making like 38,000... That's horrible..... Like 20$ nowadays...... All that money, debt, time and you make less than a cop who didn't go to school... Lol sorry but have to laugh, and I know I'm going to catch heat for this....

There are plenty cops with college degrees. Your friends with business degrees are not risking their lives on a daily basis. Frankly, cops deserve a lot more than what they get and they certainly don't deserve your condescending attitude.

[northgagator]

There are plenty cops with college degrees. Your friends with business degrees are not risking their lives on a daily basis. Frankly, cops deserve a lot more than what they get and they certainly don't deserve your condescending attitude.

Most people entering law enforcement are not of the mind to stay at entry level positions. Almost all promotions to the next level require at least an AA or an AS degree. The next levels can require a four year degree.

You may think that this is over kill but the mid to high level jobs require skills that are taught in college. I am referring to skills that are related to the psychology, criminology, chemistry, IT, and business fields.

[thedyc09]

I scraped my way through college running stock rooms at Goody's and Old Navy, moved out of clothing and into shoes at a large sporting goods chain, which came with a promotion. Do I want to do this for the rest of my life? No. Am I happy enough for now? Does it support my current lifestyle? Am I learning things I can use in other occupations and/or general life skills? Absolutely.

[toon66]

Most people entering law enforcement are not of the mind to stay at entry level positions. Almost all promotions to the next level require at least an AA or an AS degree. The next levels can require a four year degree.

You may think that this is over kill but the mid to high level jobs require skills that are taught in college. I am referring to skills that are related to the psychology, criminology, chemistry, IT, and business fields.

An old friend falls into this category. He got accepted into law school and passed on that in favor of becoming a cop. He is now 2nd in command and oversees SWAT and K9. He's done some high level narco stuff with the feds. Loves his career, makes 6 figures and is eligible for full retirement next year.

[malscott]

Think and Grow Rich...read it. Napoleon Hill. A bible for success. Written back in the 30's still true today. Do more than what you are getting paid for, eventually you'll get paid more than what you are doing. Interact, be friendly, be a sponge. Ya never know... someone could come into your store and love how you show up. Then comes your second opportunity...Let's face it, good people aren't hired, they're stolen from somewhere else! Best of luck...

[toon66]

Think and Grow Rich...read it. Napoleon Hill. A bible for success. Written back in the 30's still true today. Do more than what you are getting paid for, eventually you'll get paid more than what you are doing. Interact, be friendly, be a sponge. Ya never know... someone could come into your store and love how you show up. Then comes your second opportunity...Let's face it, good people aren't hired, they're stolen from somewhere else! Best of luck...

Great advice right there. Nothing is given and nothing is guaranteed no matter how many degrees you possess.

[G8RBrave]

Heck, there's some great corporate jobs in retail that you can get by busting your ass at the store level. Having a degree and a great work ethic in the store can set you up for some great things down the line.

[Swampmaster]

it depends on the degree. Some degrees have no market value and job prospects are slim.

[sneakygator]

no shame in good honest hard work... if you are not where you want to be, keep striving, but hold what ya got til ya get what ya want...

Excellent advise. Work hard and excell at whatever you are currently doing and you will reach you future goals.

[FrankGator627]

My dad has always told me to strive to be the best at your job, even if its flipping burgers at McDonalds.

[CDG8tor]

I thought the same thing for awhile. Out of grad school I landed a job in retail thinking it was temporary. 4 years later I'm still in retail, but worked my way up to Assistant Store Manager and now an much happier and am earning a higher salary than most if my friends with "real" jobs.

It's sucks not having weekends and your schedule changing constantly, but that's the price we pay in this industry.

Back in HS (1968) I had a really good buddy that got a job at McDonalds after school. A lot of my other friends would make fun of him in his cute uniform. To top it off, his name was Kim. (not kidding) Imagine the kidding/razzing he got.

We stayed friends through school and a while after. I eventually became a fire inspector. One fine day back in about 1984, I inspected a McDonalds that had a major remodel. Guess who shows up? My boy Kim (no kidding again)

We agreed to meet at his office so I could give him the final inspection report. When I arrived and asked to see Kim. The nice lady at the front desk says "You must want to speak with Mr. -----------, he's in a meeting that should be over soon, please have a seat. As I sat down I looked down the hall and saw Kim sitting at a big long table with a lot of fancy dressed people. He was at the head of the table, running the show.

Soon, the meeting ended and he came down the hall and invited me into his office. I have to admit I was very shocked and pleasantly suprised to learn that he was the "top dog" of a corporation that owned numerous McDonalds restaurants.

Soooooooooooooooooo

Just because you start at the bottom, doesn't mean you have to stay there.

CD

[northgagator]

Let's see which university do I choose if I only have two options, that clown school (FSU) or Hamburger University?
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamburger_University

[Tebowism0823]

Interesting...I think I was a little harsh on my comments about the retail job. Just out of curoisty-- if someone was to get a job at a department store are they on any commission or is it a flat amount?

On another note, I've never done sales but have always thought about crossing over. I've been in IT since my days in college. I'll never do it-- too much of a chicken (& family responsibilities) but how do you go about teaching one to sell?

Teaching one to sell isn't as easy as it sounds. You have to have the right personality to begin with or it won't matter. When I'm looking for regionals, managers, and sales staff, I'm taking their personality into play just as much as I am their sales experience. No matter what type of sales you are in, the consumer will know within the first 10-15 seconds if they are buying from you; most of the time that is. Perception means everything.

[viningsgator]

Think and Grow Rich...read it. Napoleon Hill. A bible for success. Written back in the 30's still true today. Do more than what you are getting paid for, eventually you'll get paid more than what you are doing. Interact, be friendly, be a sponge. Ya never know... someone could come into your store and love how you show up. Then comes your second opportunity...Let's face it, good people aren't hired, they're stolen from somewhere else! Best of luck...

One of my favorite reads. Great advice. Most of us on this board probably started at jobs we felt were beneath us but took advantage of the opportunity. I have a friend who started with Target 23 years ago in an entry level management training program and is a regional sales manager earning over 200k. He absolutely hated the job for the first few years but seized on an opportunity.

[panamacitygator]

My first job out of college (another bad economy in 1980) was a stock clerk at Winn Dixie. I busted my butt and worked up to store manager in 6 years making 50k a year in 1986. Stayed with them until 1993 (making 60k then) sold my company stock and paid off my brand new house. Started construction business then (what my degree is in) and have been happy ever since.

[toon66]

Teaching one to sell isn't as easy as it sounds. You have to have the right personality to begin with or it won't matter. When I'm looking for regionals, managers, and sales staff, I'm taking their personality into play just as much as I am their sales experience. No matter what type of sales you are in, the consumer will know within the first 10-15 seconds if they are buying from you; most of the time that is. Perception means everything.
Personality is huge as well as drive, discipline and heart. Sales is hard work and rejection is a constant, thick skin is a must. Rudness and disrespect can be, too. For some, the light turns on quickly, for others it may take a little while. I have hired those with experience and those without. I seem to have greater success with those have little to no experience for some reason.

Either way, not everyone is cut out for sales as it can be a 24/7 job in many ways.

[northgagator]

Teaching one to sell isn't as easy as it sounds. You have to have the right personality to begin with or it won't matter. When I'm looking for regionals, managers, and sales staff, I'm taking their personality into play just as much as I am their sales experience. No matter what type of sales you are in, the consumer will know within the first 10-15 seconds if they are buying from you; most of the time that is. Perception means everything.

I agree with this post. In a former career I sold electrical switch gear and other elec supplies. That type of selling is very hard because that type of market has the factors of politics, collusion between the manufactures, distributors, and unethical customers makes it real dirty. Also the ups and downs of the economy makes for periods of feast and famines.

After a eight years I got out of that game and earned a computer science degree from UNF. In the three years I was there I tended bar 30 to 40 hours a week and went to school full time. Some of you may laugh, but bar tending is a retail sales job. I was able to use my seven years of wholesale experience and my ability to accurately and quickly crank out hundreds of drinks in a night.

This bar was part of a four star hotel/restaurant/nightclub. I just did not take orders and serve drinks/food. I worked hard on providing fast and high quality service. I also provided good conversation and amusement for the customers. Another thing I did was sell up on the transaction. When a customer requested a beer or a drink, I always recommended a premium brand. When I provided service I did it with professionalism and class.

Frequently i worked the Sunday night shift in the bar (nightclub was closed on Sundays) and it is usually slow. it was a nice change of pace from the craziness of the nightclub. It was about a half hour before closing and a guy wearing a nice tuxedo entered the bar. The guy apologized for showing up right at closing time. I interrupted by saying that the apology is not needed and that I was here for his convenience. He smiled and said that he got married earlier that day in Palm Beach and that he and his bride were in route to New York. He went on saying that they just checked in for the night and they would like to have a bottle of champagne. I had feeling that this was going to be a good sale so I recommend Dom Perignon (this was in 1986 and it was over $100 a bottle). The guy did not even blink an eye and gladly accepted the recommendation. I went to the walk-in cooler and discovered that I did not have any Dom chilled. I advised my customer that the Dom was not chilled but I had another brand already chilled. i also offered to chill the Dom if he could wait thirty minutes He asked me to chill the Dom and that he would be back in 30 minutes. I then said said that coming down would not be necessary that I will get room service to deliver it and that there will not be a room service charge. This guy was real happy with the suggestion an again apologize for being a pain. I told him that he was not a pain but an opportunity to do what I do, which is to make the customer happy. Especially a customer on his first day of marriage. He smiled and asked me to ring up the sale. I offered to put it on his room number. He said that was ok but he wanted to take care of this transaction now. I rung up the sale, ran his Amex Card, he signed it, shook my hand, thanked me, and went up to his room. After he was out of sight I looked at the tip amount. I was floored when I saw the amount of $100. This was my first C-note tip (there were more to follow). I chilled the Dom, got out best champaign bucket/stand, our best champaign fluted glasses, and nabbed the room service guy (a buddy of mine). I told him do not blow this run that this call was special run (I did not tell him about my tip). He took off with the order and was back in twenty minutes grinning from ear to ear. He said that he entered the room and the bride was a knockout 10+. I asked how the delivery go. He told me how he did the presentation, opened the bottle and poured two glasses. As he left the room the guy shock his hand and slipped him a twenty.

Sorry for the long story but this is how you sell up by hitting the customer's hit spots and doing it with professionalism and class. I was not the only one to profit that night. My buddy made an easy $20 and the hotel got a satisfied customer. By the way a day later the hotel management showed me the comment card from the newly weds. They gushed about me, made nice comments about the room service guy , and the rest of the hotel staff. They even said that they will plan for a repeat stay on there way back from New York.

My three years (in the 80's) as a bartender were very profitable. I average about $25K a year, paid for three years of college, got a degree, got married, and started an great IT career. Like Brain I have done very well and now entering the management level of the business.

[romeg8r]

Working at all is an accomplishment these days.

[Gatormb]

In addition, it is good for your character and soul not to think of yourself above any kind of work. Much better to be digging trenches for a sprinkler installer (one of mine) than sitting around on your duff.

If found my high school and college fast food jobs to be motivators while studying, knowing that I was helping myself to greater opportunities and potential down the road.

Exactly. All jobs are important. Let the garbage man skip you for a couple of weeks!

If you are a ditch digger be the best digger in the trench. It will work out. Attitude is everything.

[gator1986]

There are plenty cops with college degrees. Your friends with business degrees are not risking their lives on a daily basis. Frankly, cops deserve a lot more than what they get and they certainly don't deserve your condescending attitude.

Please my dads a cop, they don't deal with that much.... Lol most of them sit around and don't do anything, if you want people who deserve more look to military, they deal with more on a daily basis... Don't get me wrong I respect what they so but don't sit here and preach to the choir boss man...

[oxymoron]

My cousin worked for Target and worked his way up to VP in Minneapolis. He made big time money and has had a great career. Nothing wrong with retail.

[CAGator93]

I have a college degree (from UF), worked 15 years in my career in the front office of a Major League Baseball team, and after everyone has now decided to go with interns and employees with no experience, I've just been working a much lower position job until I can find even a decent spot somewhere else.

Gotta do what you can these days. Not really ideal anymore for a lot of people.

[toon66]

Please my dads a cop, they don't deal with that much.... Lol most of them sit around and don't do anything, if you want people who deserve more look to military, they deal with more on a daily basis... Don't get me wrong I respect what they so but don't sit here and preach to the choir boss man...

Your father must be beaming with pride that his son has such deep appreciation for him. Next.

[LeafUF]

Please my dads a cop, they don't deal with that much.... Lol most of them sit around and don't do anything, if you want people who deserve more look to military, they deal with more on a daily basis... Don't get me wrong I respect what they so but don't sit here and preach to the choir boss man...

Do you see a lot of military on a daily basis? I have tons of respect for the military and have worked closely with them since I left UF on installations all over the country and abroad. The day to day for many soldiers is pretty mundane.

[rpmGator]

You can work your way into a retail manager. One of my nephews worked his way into management and when he was tired of that, he put his resume online and got hired to be a bank manager.

He told them he had no clue on banking, they told him he already knew how to manage, and they could teach him the rest and hired him anyhow.

An open door will open others for you later.

[gator1986]

Your father must be beaming with pride that his son has such deep appreciation for him. Next.

My dad was in the military and lost his leg in while in the military. And now works for the sheriffs office, yea I would say I got a lot of pride in my dad. Sorry I don't sit here and swing on all cops nuts like their heroes or something lol. Next

[gator1986]

Your father must be beaming with pride that his son has such deep appreciation for him. Next.

Half of them eat donuts, and sit around. I respect them I do not go get in trouble, it's just their job is not that high risk, especially if your a cop in a low crime rated town... Give me a break

[g8orbill]

in this day and time you have to take whatever you can find to put food on the table and pay your rent

[gator1986]

in this day and time you have to take whatever you can find to put food on the table and pay your rent

Agreed.... Working in retail in a corporate office isn't that bad, I know Publix corporate offices they bank there. It's all what you take from it, you can either be negative or positive about your situation. Just be happy there's a roof over your head and food on the table.

[toon66]

My dad was in the military and lost his leg in while in the military. And now works for the sheriffs office, yea I would say I got a lot of pride in my dad. Sorry I don't sit here and swing on all cops nuts like their heroes or something lol. Next

I see. Well, I am sorry for your father's loss and grateful for his service to our country and continued service to his community.

Glad to hear that you don't swing off anybody's nuts . That sounds like it could be dangerous.

[toon66]

Half of them eat donuts, and sit around. I respect them I do not go get in trouble, it's just their job is not that high risk, especially if your a cop in a low crime rated town... Give me a break

You can imagine my relief that you are law abiding.

You can go back to watching reruns of Jersey Shore now.

[gator1986]

You can imagine my relief that you are law abiding.

You can go back to watching reruns of Jersey Shore now.

Lol? I hate people from jersey shore, is this comment suppose to be intelligent or funny?? I am just giving my opinion much like you. I didn't get on you about things you say, because I don't care. I mean do you really need to show your male dominance by trying to negate everyone's else's opinions? People like you usually have a horrid past, were you touched as a little boy?

[toon66]

Lol? I hate people from jersey shore, is this comment suppose to be intelligent or funny?? I am just giving my opinion much like you. I didn't get on you about things you say, because I don't care. I mean do you really need to show your male dominance by trying to negate everyone's else's opinions? People like you usually have a horrid past, were you touched as a little boy?

Ha! Twice now you have made references to homosexuality, not me. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Let's just call it a day, junior. This isn't going anywhere.

[gator1986]

Ha! Twice now you have made references to homosexuality, not me. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Let's just call it a day, junior. This isn't going anywhere.

I didn't refer to it at all, it is subliminally in your messages...

[gator1986]

But I'm done we agree to disagree...

[kkg8r]

Brian Dunn (ex CEO of Best Buy) began his career in the store. It's only disappointing if you don't try to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.

[PIMking]

a Bachelors degree is just an expensive high school deploma no a days. I'm doing history and only using it as a back up plan for teaching. I love my job at the hotel and was just promoted to Assistant General Manager while being a student at a very nice hotel that is ran by a very large managment firm that has properties all over the south east. They have a great training program and within a year or two will be ready to take on my own property.

By that time she should be ready to go to Pharmacy school and I can get a GM job at another property making good money and have a back up plan with a degree that only cost me $28k....

[northgagator]

Half of them eat donuts, and sit around. I respect them I do not go get in trouble, it's just their job is not that high risk, especially if your a cop in a low crime rated town... Give me a break

Where do you live? Mayberry RFD?

Actually it does not matter where you are a cop, Smallville or Metropolis. The job is not dangerous every minute or every hour or every day. However, almost every call can turn deadly in a split second.
Do have any idea how many cops are injured or killed on: Answering domestic disputes, neighbor disputes, pulling over a drunk driver or a traffic violator, serving a warrant, answering a call for a rescue, or just driving around on patrol?

None of the above scenarios include the often deadly hostage, chase/pursuit, or robbery situations that are portrayed on the TV and the movies.

Just a mont ago two cops here in the Atlanta area died in a copter crash while they were looking for a young boy who had run away from home. Just the other day a cop had to be cut out his patrol car and transported to the hospital. He and his car was rammed by a drunk driver. A mont or two ago another cop was killed while assisting a stranded motorist. He and the motorist were well off the road when a drunk driver plowed right into him. A year ago another cop was shot from a good distance by a sniper. The snippet was caught. His story was that he thought the cop was coming out to serve a warrant. The truth was that the copy was on his way home from work.

By the way I am going to be guilty of using facts to confuse you. In 2011 the USA had:
1, 72 law enforcement officers Feloniously Killed.
2, 53 law enforcement officers Accidentally Killed.
3,535,651 law enforcement officers Assaulted

Doesn't sound like a low risk cushy job to me!
He'll let have a doughnut or two. It maybe their last chance to do so.

http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/leoka/2011/officers-assaulted-1/officers-assaulted

[PIMking]

I agree with this post. In a former career I sold electrical switch gear and other elec supplies. That type of selling is very hard because that type of market has the factors of politics, collusion between the manufactures, distributors, and unethical customers makes it real dirty. Also the ups and downs of the economy makes for periods of feast and famines.

After a eight years I got out of that game and earned a computer science degree from UNF. In the three years I was there I tended bar 30 to 40 hours a week and went to school full time. Some of you may laugh, but bar tending is a retail sales job. I was able to use my seven years of wholesale experience and my ability to accurately and quickly crank out hundreds of drinks in a night.

This bar was part of a four star hotel/restaurant/nightclub. I just did not take orders and serve drinks/food. I worked hard on providing fast and high quality service. I also provided good conversation and amusement for the customers. Another thing I did was sell up on the transaction. When a customer requested a beer or a drink, I always recommended a premium brand. When I provided service I did it with professionalism and class.

Frequently i worked the Sunday night shift in the bar (nightclub was closed on Sundays) and it is usually slow. it was a nice change of pace from the craziness of the nightclub. It was about a half hour before closing and a guy wearing a nice tuxedo entered the bar. The guy apologized for showing up right at closing time. I interrupted by saying that the apology is not needed and that I was here for his convenience. He smiled and said that he got married earlier that day in Palm Beach and that he and his bride were in route to New York. He went on saying that they just checked in for the night and they would like to have a bottle of champagne. I had feeling that this was going to be a good sale so I recommend Dom Perignon (this was in 1986 and it was over $100 a bottle). The guy did not even blink an eye and gladly accepted the recommendation. I went to the walk-in cooler and discovered that I did not have any Dom chilled. I advised my customer that the Dom was not chilled but I had another brand already chilled. i also offered to chill the Dom if he could wait thirty minutes He asked me to chill the Dom and that he would be back in 30 minutes. I then said said that coming down would not be necessary that I will get room service to deliver it and that there will not be a room service charge. This guy was real happy with the suggestion an again apologize for being a pain. I told him that he was not a pain but an opportunity to do what I do, which is to make the customer happy. Especially a customer on his first day of marriage. He smiled and asked me to ring up the sale. I offered to put it on his room number. He said that was ok but he wanted to take care of this transaction now. I rung up the sale, ran his Amex Card, he signed it, shook my hand, thanked me, and went up to his room. After he was out of sight I looked at the tip amount. I was floored when I saw the amount of $100. This was my first C-note tip (there were more to follow). I chilled the Dom, got out best champaign bucket/stand, our best champaign fluted glasses, and nabbed the room service guy (a buddy of mine). I told him do not blow this run that this call was special run (I did not tell him about my tip). He took off with the order and was back in twenty minutes grinning from ear to ear. He said that he entered the room and the bride was a knockout 10+. I asked how the delivery go. He told me how he did the presentation, opened the bottle and poured two glasses. As he left the room the guy shock his hand and slipped him a twenty.

Sorry for the long story but this is how you sell up by hitting the customer's hit spots and doing it with professionalism and class. I was not the only one to profit that night. My buddy made an easy $20 and the hotel got a satisfied customer. By the way a day later the hotel management showed me the comment card from the newly weds. They gushed about me, made nice comments about the room service guy , and the rest of the hotel staff. They even said that they will plan for a repeat stay on there way back from New York.

My three years (in the 80's) as a bartender were very profitable. I average about $25K a year, paid for three years of college, got a degree, got married, and started an great IT career. Like Brain I have done very well and now entering the management level of the business.

I only work at a courtyard but get tips quite often, I love it too because I don't think that I'm doing anything special at all and most guests say that I go above and beyond what they'd expect and make them feel at home.

I spoke with a wife and husband where the wife was telling me during check in that they were military. I checked to see if the military rate was available (It's stupid that it's not all the time but I digress) and it was. I was able to get $70 off their rate for the night and when she told me that the husband has a plate in his head and two purple hearts from Iraq I was floored. I spoke with them for about an hour, basically just being a 'shoulder to cry on' type of thing, I told the family that I couldn't express the admiration that I have for the family for what they have sacrificed for my freedom and when I went to shake his hand he gave me a hug. They ended up tipping me $20 that I turned around and donated to the wounded project under their name for $40. I didn't care about the tip, I was heart broken to see what they had to go through and it made me feel so much better to know that they felt like they were treated as if they were royalty. About 3 days later I got a nice hand written letter at the hotel expressing how much they loved it here at the hotel and that they have never been treated so well and couldn't thank us enough for how we treated them. My new GM is former Air Force and he got choked up a little and something like that makes me proud.

I love doing things like that, makes you feel good as a person.

[PIMking]

My cousin worked for Target and worked his way up to VP in Minneapolis. He made big time money and has had a great career. Nothing wrong with retail.

I know they pay their techs in the Pharmacy decent (a lot better than everyone else) I also think they pay the pharmacist pretty well too. The fiance loves it there except the new pharmacist is lazy and they moved a dude from electronics to the pharmacy as a team lead and hes a douche. Well that was until I went in to pick up a Rx and his little skinny New York ass was scared of me and has treated her really well since then. lol

[gator1986]

Where do you live? Mayberry RFD?

Actually it does not matter where you are a cop, Smallville or Metropolis. The job is not dangerous every minute or every hour or every day. However, almost every call can turn deadly in a split second.
Do have any idea how many cops are injured or killed on: Answering domestic disputes, neighbor disputes, pulling over a drunk driver or a traffic violator, serving a warrant, answering a call for a rescue, or just driving around on patrol?

None of the above scenarios include the often deadly hostage, chase/pursuit, or robbery situations that are portrayed on the TV and the movies.

Just a mont ago two cops here in the Atlanta area died in a copter crash while they were looking for a young boy who had run away from home. Just the other day a cop had to be cut out his patrol car and transported to the hospital. He and his car was rammed by a drunk driver. A mont or two ago another cop was killed while assisting a stranded motorist. He and the motorist were well off the road when a drunk driver plowed right into him. A year ago another cop was shot from a good distance by a sniper. The snippet was caught. His story was that he thought the cop was coming out to serve a warrant. The truth was that the copy was on his way home from work.

By the way I am going to be guilty of using facts to confuse you. In 2011 the USA had:
1, 72 law enforcement officers Feloniously Killed.
2, 53 law enforcement officers Accidentally Killed.
3,535,651 law enforcement officers Assaulted

Doesn't sound like a low risk cushy job to me!
He'll let have a doughnut or two. It maybe their last chance to do so.

http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/leoka/2011/officers-assaulted-1/officers-assaulted

Their job is more high risk than others, but more civilian Americans die everyday trying to protect themselves, or prevent incidents, and they do not get a badge of honor. I respect them I said, and what they do I just personally think most of them aren't here to protect and serve, and a lot of them just harass people just to do it. I have family and friends in the business, it's different when you see it from a personal point of view. Yes there are a few who risk their lives a lot more and those who die trying to protect and serve and I greatly respect them for doing that. And 3 million cops are assaulted? That's weird FBI stat sheet shows there is only 708,569 total in America? Of course to normal civilians its a high risk job because they do not show you cops who just sit around all day on TV, of course they're going to show cops who are in dangerous predicaments because that's what sells in America...violence... There are definitely cops who risk a lot, but there are far more who don't, the high risk name just goes along with the job title, and it makes them a hero .. But it's all my opinion... Might as well mark a JC Penney mall security guard a hero too since he's in dangerous situations or at any time can be with thieves, robbers, and skateboarder kids!

[PIMking]

oh jesus lets not get this shut down or sent to too hot

[northgagator]

I only work at a courtyard but get tips quite often, I love it too because I don't think that I'm doing anything special at all and most guests say that I go above and beyond what they'd expect and make them feel at home.

I spoke with a wife and husband where the wife was telling me during check in that they were military. I checked to see if the military rate was available (It's stupid that it's not all the time but I digress) and it was. I was able to get $70 off their rate for the night and when she told me that the husband has a plate in his head and two purple hearts from Iraq I was floored. I spoke with them for about an hour, basically just being a 'shoulder to cry on' type of thing, I told the family that I couldn't express the admiration that I have for the family for what they have sacrificed for my freedom and when I went to shake his hand he gave me a hug. They ended up tipping me $20 that I turned around and donated to the wounded project under their name for $40. I didn't care about the tip, I was heart broken to see what they had to go through and it made me feel so much better to know that they felt like they were treated as if they were royalty. About 3 days later I got a nice hand written letter at the hotel expressing how much they loved it here at the hotel and that they have never been treated so well and couldn't thank us enough for how we treated them. My new GM is former Air Force and he got choked up a little and something like that makes me proud.

I love doing things like that, makes you feel good as a person.

You did your job very well!

Most if all you made someone very happy.

[northgagator]

Their job is more high risk than others, but more civilian Americans die everyday trying to protect themselves, or prevent incidents, and they do not get a badge of honor. I respect them I said, and what they do I just personally think most of them aren't here to protect and serve, and a lot of them just harass people just to do it. I have family and friends in the business, it's different when you see it from a personal point of view. Yes there are a few who risk their lives a lot more and those who die trying to protect and serve and I greatly respect them for doing that. And 3 million cops are assaulted? That's weird FBI stat sheet shows there is only 708,569 total in America? Of course to normal civilians its a high risk job because they do not show you cops who just sit around all day on TV, of course they're going to show cops who are in dangerous predicaments because that's what sells in America...violence... There are definitely cops who risk a lot, but there are far more who don't, the high risk name just goes along with the job title, and it makes them a hero .. But it's all my opinion... Might as well mark a JC Penney mall security guard a hero too since he's in dangerous situations or at any time can be with thieves, robbers, and skateboarder kids!

Read my post again.
I did not say three million plus cops got injured,
What you saw was bullet item #3 with 535k injured. Improve your work ethic by improving your reading comprehension.

I see from that you use a few key words that show that you have some hostility toward police.

Did one of them reach into your pants when you were a little boy..,,(sound familiar?)

Anyway I have respect for most anyone who takes a security. Why? At any given moment they may have to do something very brave. Even if it is just one moment in their lives.

I am done with you because I violated one of my rules. That rule is to keep it fun here in the pub. Take your rant there.

[NJG8tor]

Its disappointing for sure, but you do what you have to do. I worked at a college bookstore for two months after grad school in my later twenties. And thats not the worst post-college job Ive had. A friend of mine makes a good living working as an assistant manager and waiter at Outback Steakhouse. The key is dont get down on yourself and keep looking.

[NJG8tor]

it depends on the degree. Some degrees have no market value and job prospects are slim.

With a generic bachelors degree you will meet the mininum qualifications for a many corporate and government jobs. That doesnt mean you will be the best candidate for those jobs, but should the door open; you will at least be eligible. I know people with history and sociology degrees doing very well in corporations. Unless you have a major directly applicable to a career it doesnt really matter that much. Ultimately the candidate is more important than the degree, and the cream rises to the top.

[northgagator]

With a generic bachelors degree you will meet the mininum qualifications for a many corporate and government jobs. That doesnt mean you will be the best candidate for those jobs, but should the door open; you will at least be eligible. I know people with history and sociology degrees doing very well in corporations. Unless you have a major directly applicable to a career it doesnt really matter that much. Ultimately the candidate is more important than the degree, and the cream rises to the top.

Goods words NJ!!

A lot of people are hung up on degrees and GPA.
In some cases those are valid factors.

What you are saying is that all you need is to get your foot into the door you are getting your chance shine. What you do with it is your option. Many employers will hire an over qualified employee or an employee whose background may not appear at first glance to be a good fit for the company. The reason these guys get hired is that the employer either sees a future opportunity to use these guys and is willing to take a chance on them. As is said earlier, that is the new employee's chance to shine and to take advantage of the opportunity.

[LeafUF]

I have a poli sci degree, spent 8 years as an IT consultant with IBM and now I am a fitness professional. So, in my experience degrees have meant very little especially when compared to skillset. But without my degree I never get that consulting gig.