Your first job is about more than just earning money. It’s where you start building confidence, gain real-world experience, and pick up valuable skills that will help you no matter where your career leads.
Whether you’re after a casual job at school, studying at university or just figuring out your next step, Coles is a great place to build the kind of transferable skills employers value in every industry.
Here are some of the top career skills Coles team members say they’ve developed on the job.
1. Customer Service & Communication
Every customer is different, which means every shift is an opportunity to build your communication skills.
Working at Coles teaches you how to listen, stay patient and adapt your approach to different situations. These are valuable skills whether you’re working in retail, technology, healthcare or any other industry.
Maneesh, a Grocery Team Member who recently graduated, says customer service has been the most valuable skill he’s learned.
“The most important thing I’ve learned is customer service. I’ve learned how to deal with customers, be patient, and understand that every customer is different, so you have to handle each situation differently.”
Elior, a Bakery Team Member, has also learned how to work with customers, communicate professionally, and deal with all kinds of people.
“Those interpersonal and communication skills are really valuable and something I’ll take with me,” he said.
Learning how to connect with people is a skill you’ll use throughout your career.
2. Time Management
Balancing school, study, work, and life isn’t always easy, but learning how to manage your time makes it much easier.
Working in a fast-paced environment helps team members learn how to prioritise tasks, stay organised and work efficiently. These are skills just as useful for meeting assignment deadlines as they are in the workplace.
“You learn how to use your time effectively and get your tasks done within the time you’ve got. Once you get into the flow of things, everything becomes much easier,” said Elior.
Maneesh echoes this sentiment, saying time management is another skill he’ll take with him into every future role.
“I’ve also learned time management, like how to prioritise tasks and work efficiently. They’re skills I can carry forward throughout my career, and Coles has really helped me build them.”
Whether you’re balancing exams, university or your first full-time job, good time management is a skill that will always give you an advantage.
3. Confidence
Confidence isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build through experience.
Every shift gives you the opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, work with different people and grow your confidence little by little.
Alistair, a Dairy Manager, says working at Coles completely changed how he saw himself.
“When I first started, I was very shy and kept to myself. This job really helped me come out of my shell, open up more, and become much more confident. Learning those people skills has probably been one of the best things I’ve gained from working here.”
The confidence you build at work doesn’t stop when your shift ends. It helps in job interviews, presentations, group projects and every new opportunity that comes your way.
Pictured: Maneesh, Team Member helping customers find a product.
4. Problem Solving
No two days in retail are ever the same, which means you’re constantly learning how to think on your feet.
Whether you’re helping a customer, responding to an unexpected situation or working as a team to find a solution, problem-solving becomes part of your everyday routine.
Jessica, a Deli Team Member, says it’s one of the biggest transferable skills she’s gained.
“You’re working with different customers every day, and every situation is different, so you learn how to solve different issues and adapt to people’s needs.”
The ability to stay calm, think critically and adapt is something employers look for in every industry.
5. Adaptability
Whether you’re balancing school or university, or planning your next career move, working in a busy retail environment teaches you to stay organised, deal with changing priorities, and make the most of your time.
Elior, who recently graduated from university, says the flexibility at Coles has helped him balance work while working out what life looks like after uni.
“The flexibility at Coles has been really good because it gives me a steady income while I figure out my next steps.”
He says working at Coles has also taught her valuable skills that go beyond the job itself, skills she knows will stay with him.
Being adaptable means learning how to manage change, stay productive and confidently juggle different priorities. These are skills that will benefit you wherever your career takes you.
Skills That Stay With You
The skills you build at Coles don’t stay at Coles.
From customer service and communication to time management, confidence, problem solving and adaptability, these are the skills you’ll take with you into every future job, interview and opportunity.
Your first job isn’t just about gaining work experience! It’s about building the foundations for your future career.
Looking for your first job? Learn more and apply here: My First Job | Coles Careers
Whether you’re in high school, uni, or simply ready to kick off your career, Coles Group offers opportunities to gain experience and build skills, alongside a supportive team.
