This was my first opportunity somewhat related to my interests and carrer. I am a sophomore. I grade the CS1430 (Python) class at UW-Platteville. I have been offered this job following the large amounts of connections I have established in the computer science/software engineering department. Throughout freshman year, I have been known to surprise professors with my final projects. With the noticed high proficiency in programming, I was trusted to grade homework for professors.

Target proved my expectations of this kind of job wrong, and I mean that in a good way. Retail is often known to be a nightmare to work, from the lack of benefits to dealing with the demanding customers. But Target strategically uses technology and research to simplify working retail, and most importantly prioritizes the wellbeing and compensation for employees (in comparison to the rest of the retail industry). I was recognized for the amount of energy and effort I put into my job, and my customer service skills. At this point, I knew that I was very close to the start of my career.

During my freshman year of college, I started working for the university as a camera operator. It was a stressful job requiring lots of coordination with the team members, and quick thinking. I often filmed live football games right before snowfall (it was very cold). I had to manually focus, iris, and zoom the camera all while trying to predict the actions of the players and catching the shots people would want to see. Other times it was relaxing and simple, like simply filming a concert. All I had to do was sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

Shortly after I received an IT Helpdesk Certificate at Madison Area Technical College, I got hired at CUNA as a helpdesk intern. This was quite the big accomplishment as they didn’t necessarily do internships in the first place, especially for someone who is in high school. This proved to be crucial in advancing organizational, professional, problem-solving, and work ethic values going forward.

I was offered a position called "tech hoppers" while I was in school. Unfortunately, this job wasn’t as I expected, so I quickly left after being hired, however, I am very appreciative for them being supportive of me and offering this opportunity.

This was a fun job where I often took too much junk home because of the heavy discounts donation collection workers got, which my parents didn’t really like. Kept me physically active, and learned a lot of warehouse-like skills.

This was my first job, starting when I was 14-15ish. I am 19 as I am writing this, which means I have worked for 4-5 years! I was a bagger/cart attendant. I was awarded for exceptional customer service skills, which is impressive for a first job!