By TR Robertson
The popular Vista High School Culinary Arts Program Culinary I students took part in the California Restaurant Foundation’s Force in Training Day, presented by Wells Fargo, on Tuesday. This Training Day featured more than 3,500 high schoolers across California participating in learning a variety of important techniques they would be able to use when interviewing for jobs, managing their paychecks and a variety of other things to assure them of being successful when seeking employment. Vista High was one of the California schools involved. The Vista High Culinary Arts Program is one of 18 high schools in San Diego County that has a Culinary Arts Program.
The California Restaurant Foundation assists programs at 150 public high schools in the state. Todays Force in Training Day at Vista High featured presentations by Drew Michealson and June Margiotta from Urban Plates, Cheryl Thompson from Habit Burger & Grill and Senior Branch Premier Banker Chafic Rouhana from Wells Fargo. Each presenter covered different areas such as mock interviews, “elevator pitches”, how to present yourself at an interview, interview techniques, and how to handle your first paycheck.
Vista High Chef Instructor James Arens told the thirty Culinary 1 students what the days program would consist of before introducing the guest speakers. Arens has taught a variety of culinary programs at Grossmont and San Diego College, the Chef Ann Foundation and ran the Kitchens for Good non-profit program in Kearny Mesa, before finding on Google an opening at Vista High School for a new Culinary Arts Instructor after the retirement of Chef Kim, who began the program.
Each speaker told a little about themselves, especially relating what it was like to interview for jobs when they entered the world of work. Cheryl Thompson, with Habit Burger & Grill for eight years and now in their Corporate Office, related her story of first entering the culinary world in a small restaurant in Arizona, working in every aspect of the restaurant. Cheryl spoke about the importance of being prepared for an interview. Each of the speakers also related important details to remember. Drew Michealson, 10 years with Urban Plates, began in the culinary world working at Olive Gardens. June Margiotta, with Urban Plates for 23 years, began her experience in the culinary world by working in a small sandwich shop.
Drew discussed what is called the “elevator pitch”, establishing prior to an interview for any position the who are you, what you do, what excites you about working for that company and how you think you will add value to that company. Along with June and Cheryl, Drew had groups of students establish their “elevator pitch” and try it out on their group. They reminded the students that a first impression is very important at any interview. Being on time is extremely important, as is being positive about yourself.
Cheryl, Drew and June also pointed out a number of key reminders that are important in the interview process. These are important whether this is your first interview or one of many interviews you have been involved in. They said the key skills most employers in the hospitality industry are looking for are Being hospitable, Having culinary experience, Teamwork and Your personality. The group also discussed the interview process. They told the students to try and interview at a place they genuinely want to work at, Liking the environment is important. They also reminded the group that sometimes they might simply not be the right fit for the job they are interviewing for. They reminded them they were going to be nervous so being prepared for the interview is important. Each speaker talked about a time they “bombed” an interview and doing that is not the worst thing that can happen to them. They should consider it a learning experience.
They next discussed “dressing for success”. They asked the students what they thought was appropriate to wear to an interview. They reminded them that dressing professionally helps, depending on where they are interviewing. Looking nice helps, as does being well groomed. They also told the students that it is not too early to begin starting a resume and adding to it as they get more experiences. Each of the presenters passed out handouts from Urban Plate and Habit that their interviewers use when giving interviews. They reminded the group that they are interviewing the business as well as the business is interviewing them. They completed their portion of the presentation by going over the handshake and making eye contact then had the group practice handshaking as the speakers walked abound and tested the student’s handshake.
The final speaker was Chafic Rouhana, from Wells Fargo. Chafic discussed getting your first paycheck, the various deductions that would be made, setting up a savings account, establishing credit and setting goals (establishing a financial roadmap). He told the group one of the first mistakes many make when they start working is over drafts. He told them this can hurt their credit scores, which they will use later for larger purchases. Chafic said, if at all possible, they should set aside 20% of every paycheck and establish a savings account. Having a goal for this saved money also helps. He said it is very easy to spend the money they make. He discussed what establishing credit means, managing a checking account or debit account, getting a loan, direct deposit of their paycheck and some of the deductions they may have. He briefly mentioned what a 401K is that some companies offer their employees.
The material covered in today’s presentation to these freshman and sophomore students was extremely information and many adults would have benefited from hearing the advice that was given. Only a few of the thirty students actually had a job, but the majority of them said they wanted to get a job when they could. Hopefully these students will remember what they heard today and will apply what they heard as they go out for interviews for their first jobs.
