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I Didn’t Intern; I Was a Waitress Instead

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Sara Bordo

I’m a senior and I am confused about my resume and keep getting different opinions.  For the last 5 years I have worked as a waitress instead of interning but I really want a job in broadcasting.  Some people have said that I should leave off the restaurant work because it isn’t relevant but other than that I just have 6 months volunteer work at a local radio station.  Advice? 

You are not the only one to have this concern.  So many people have had jobs in college to help support themselves that will not be in the same field as their career.  When you’re starting out, all of your experience has been important- what makes it relevant, are the skills you have gained along the way!  The fact that you’ve worked your entire college career is a great testament to your work ethic and discipline and it will be noticed by hiring managers.   

The skills you learned at the restaurant- being detail-oriented, having a high sense of urgency and accuracy, interpersonal skills.  These translate across industry and it’s important to show your confidence in them.  Also, think about your experience in a way that you can show quantitative and qualitative context.  Stick with me on this: did you have regular guests who always asked to be in your section- more than other staff? What about the number of tables you started with and have now- has the number grown? Can you assign a percentage?   

The volunteer work at the local radio station is fantastic.  Have you thought about asking the radio station if they would be okay with you listing your experience as an Internship? I have a feeling if you did a great job for them and left them with a positive impression, they might be more than willing. Plus, you will likely have them as a recommendation down the road. 

My biggest advice is figuring out how to insert what makes You, You into the resume while still being professional.  What can you add that’s memorable from your experiences and sound like an individual, who someday might be the next Diane Sawyer. P.S. Did you know she used to be a waitress? Good luck.

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For more than a decade, Sara Bordo has mentored nearly one hundred women at various stages of their careers. Her belief, that women should champion other women in their careers, has guided her efforts to help young women in growing both professionally and personally. In Spring 2010, she founded Women Rising, a consultancy that reinforces the principle that other women’s successes help all women. Women Rising’s efforts include a series of workshops that help young women begin and manage their professional careers. On a very practical level, the workshops provide insight from hiring managers, steps to define and leverage each woman’s personal brand, and networking strategies for entering the workplace. Upcoming activities for Women Rising include Ms. Bordo featured as a career and mentor expert on several young female lifestyle sites, continued public speaking and career mentoring. Also planned is a publication of successful female leaders’ stories telling the most alarming and inspiring tales of women working for women.