http://www.darden.com

Darden Restaurants

Line Cook

March 2017 • Kansas City, KS

What I liked

I enjoyed learning how to cook. I also appreciate how to deal with a high stress environment. I also liked the opportunity to work in a team with people that have very different cultural backgrounds.

What I wish was different

I wish I was able to speak fluent Spanish. That would make the language barrier between me and my coworkers smaller.

Advice

The biggest thing I have learned is to don't be afraid to ask for help.
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Server

January 2018 • Moosic, PA

What I liked

Our restaurant employees are like a big family. We had a few tragedies in the lives of a few employees this past year and each time everyone pulled together to help that person out. The managerial staff genuinely cares about the well-being of their employees. We all help one another out on and off the job.

What I wish was different

I wish that upper management wouldn’t require so many servers to be scheduled on the weekends. We are high volume, but our servers alley isn’t small and it is hard to work in with 13 other people. We also have smaller sections and make less tips because of the amount of people scheduled.

Advice

Work as much as you can over the summer. During the school year it becomes increasingly difficult to work a lot. Especially when you are taking 300 & 400 level courses. Be smart about your spending.
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Restaurant Server

August 2007 • Vienna, WV

What I liked

The fast pace.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Server

May 2017 • Kennesaw, GA

What I liked

Making money

What I wish was different

More money

Advice

Being a server is a good college job
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Server

January 2018 • Hialeah, FL

What I liked

Flexible schedule

What I wish was different

Experience relating to my field of study

Advice

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Busser

July - August 2019 • Fayetteville, GA

What I liked

Flexibility so I could complete my classes.

What I wish was different

Nothing

Advice

Always arrive at work with a full stomach.
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Accountant Intern

May - August 2019 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

Nice people to work with and learn a lot.

What I wish was different

More supervision to make sure I was doing it correct

Advice

It will definitely give you a feel for what you are going for so worth it.
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Waiter

January 2018 • Bridgewater Township, NJ

What I liked

The skills I learned will be carried with me for the rest of my life. I learned how to interact with others and be extremely efficient with my time.

What I wish was different

I hope to gain more networking opportunities before I am finished.

Advice

This job is very stressful, but it is easy to see why many employers look at waiters as great workers that transition well in to their companies. The work ethic shines through very easily.
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Culinary manager

January 2015 • Bristol, VA

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

Stay open minded. Be observant. Listen to and value everyone. Take notes of what is asked of you and ideas you have.
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Chef

June 2019 • Gaithersburg, MD

What I liked

The pay and the hours

What I wish was different

Mire experience in my field

Advice

Work hard and it will pay off
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Server

July 2017 • Terre Haute, IN

What I liked

Serving guests

What I wish was different

That I had more time to make money

Advice

Time management is everything. If you need to take time off of work to rest or do homework, do it.
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server

June - August 2019 • Fremont, CA

What I liked

people were really nice and friendly

What I wish was different

wish i was skinner and better lokking bec i didnt make that much money

Advice

go into any job with a posituve attitude
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Restaurant Server

May 2019 • Austin, TX

What I liked

The flexibility and the coworkers I was able to work alongside with.

What I wish was different

More control and communication when it came to prime time.

Advice

Just prepare for anything mentally and pay attention to what is needed.
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serving

August 2018 • Victor, NY

What I liked

The staff and teamwork at that location was amazing. Everyone is friendly and eager to help you if you need it.

What I wish was different

Making tips can sometimes be inconsistent, but that is something the restaurant itself is out of control of.

Advice

Don't be over the top when serving, just be friendly and personable because people love that. Also when you have some down time see if other servers need some help and I promise they will do the same for you.
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Olive garden

June 2017 • Sterling Heights, MI

What I liked

People I work with

What I wish was different

Some of the managers are not great at their job

Advice

Learn to multitask and not to take rudeness some of the guests have to heart.
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Server

April 2019 • Houma, LA

What I liked

I met a variety of people and was able to learn parts of their stories.

What I wish was different

I wish the schedule was more consistent so I could plan other life events around it.

Advice

You have to have a strong mind or the guests will hurt your feelings.
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Server

May 2017 • Rapid City, SD

What I liked

Coworkers

What I wish was different

The guests tipping average

Advice

Stay positive
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Restaurant Server

September 2013 • Fort Lauderdale, FL

What I liked

Like working with people

What I wish was different

Need increased salary in summer to balance higher salary in winter. Need more accounting/budget balancing skills

Advice

It takes talent not to be impressed by all the money that walks through the doors
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