KIM SMITH
Division director for Robert Half Finance & Accounting
What was your first job?
It was during my senior high school year back in the States. I worked in a shop, customising T-shirts with logos and lettering. This was the disco era so I did lots of
glittery logos of American muscle cars, Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders and that famous Charlie's Angels Farah Fawcett photo, not to mention the odd cannabis leaf. I was 17 and got paid about $3.65. How did you get your first job?I was trying to escape the summer by going to the air-conditioned mall. I was dressed in shorts and a midriff top and saw a "help wanted" sign. The manager almost threw me out because of how I was dressed but she saw something in me and hired me.
Did you enjoy it?
I LOVED the job! This was in Nashville so I met country music stars and even talked to Gene Simmons on the phone.
What did you learn?
I learnt how to work at a fast pace ... I also learnt to juggle priorities and a bit about running a business. The cash in my till had to balance every day, I was responsible for stocktakes once a month. The most important lesson was the value of providing good customer service.
What was your boss like?
She trusted me and let me get on with the job.
Why did you leave?
I moved to Florida to start university.
Advice for someone starting out?
Never underestimate the importance of your first job and what you can learn.
