As I studied business in school, my part time job in McDonald's helped me to understand the application of all the theory learned in class. Being employed by such a huge and successful company, I got interested in how it all works.

So I am now in my second year of a Business and French course in TCD. To help in my studies McDonald's awarded me with €1500 scholarship.

My mom encouraged me to apply for a job in McDonald's because of their reputation for being a very secure workplace where neither full time, nor part time staff is afraid of being let go. We liked their understanding of students' need of flexible hours as well as the possibility of developing a career within McDonald's.

I saw the job vacancy notice on the restaurant's window and decided to apply. That was simple enough to do - I just filled out the application form and left my CV. A few weeks later I got invited for an interview, which was actually very enjoyable as I liked my interviewer a lot as well as the format of questions - none of them were tricky, many of them were aimed to discover the applicant's personality. Shortly after they called me and informed of the successful outcome of my interview.

I was then introduced to what the job entails, passed the food safety test and was ready to start.

The day in Mcdonalds always begins with a smile, because as soon as you arrive everyone greets you and you feel motivated to work.

First of all I check my responsibilities for the day and at what station will I be working. If we have new crew members I prepare everything to train the newcomer on the specific station. I demonstrate and explain to the new worker all the tasks and give the necessary information about the procedures that has to be followed. It can be fun to teach someone, show all the particularities of the work and help them to settle in the new environment.

If there are no new employees, I check what COS forms should be completed. These forms were especially designed for the apprenticeship program of the National Vocational Qualification by City&Guilds for McDonalds. I use them for continuous assessment of the crew performance to ensure that the high standards are delivered all the time. As a training squad, I always try to lead others by example and motivate them to do their best.

My main responsibilities are training the new crew members, assessing their performance, helping them to follow all the necessary procedures. Also serving customers in a fast and friendly manner.

Keeping up the speed of service and smiling can be particularly challenging when you are having a rainy day!

The fun we have all together when we work. There are truly good people working in McDonalds and it is a pleasure to know them.

Some particularly messy or difficult customers do not particularly inspire you to work. Fortunately, most of the other kind clients make up for that.

My interpersonal skills are probably the most valuable ones I have. They help me to connect with people and be enjoyable company for everyone. I think work ethics also mean a lot.

Studying business for my Leaving Certificate, looking into different practices within other organisations, helped me to appreciate the high level of standards within McDonalds and their respect for workers.

After getting my Leaving Certificate I entered Trinity College to study Business and French. Last year thanks to McDonalds I gained the National Vocational Qualification from City&Guilds which is a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Multi-Skilled Hospitality Services.

Studying business in both secondary and third level helped me to understand the importance of communication and valuing customers, so I am even more attentive to our customers.

The award of €1500 McDonalds scholarship was very helpful and satisfying.

Since McDonalds is involved in many community initiatives, I was really happy to get a chance to help out in organising a day of outdoors activities for McDonald's Little Athletics Club.

Achieving the City & Guilds Level 2 National Vocational Qualification in Multi-Skilled Hospitality Services has also been a great experience.

I am friendly, tolerant, responsible and optimistic. It is essential to be a people's person when you work in McDonald's, to be understanding of everyone's moods and peculiarities.

What also helps me, is that I sincerely enjoy smiling and serving customers, keeping the atmosphere light and friendly.

Working as a team requires everyone has to put in an effort, so understanding this responsibility and giving my best benefits us all.

After the active work in McDonald's, I realized that I want a job that would involve some sort of action, so I can move around, visit different places and meet different people.

I would like to work as a travel tour agent, arranging new holiday destinations or become a PR manager for young music bands.

Yes, very much so. Thanks to my job in McDonald's I can cover my living expenses while in college and also make my dreams come true by travelling around Europe for holidays. It is never a problem to get time off for study, or for exam periods. And when I work it helps me to switch my mind to something different and enjoy the company of my co-workers.

This is a perfect job for any student - you get flexible hours and your mind switches from the college problems in the friendly atmosphere. This is an opportunity to meet people from different countries, get an insight into their worlds, about their ways. Your work is always well rewarded and appreciated by the management.

Communication skills, as you will be working with people

Willingness to work hard and well - it is about the team effort

Patience and tolerance - with customers and crew

Live instrumental music is the best - whether it is jazz, rock, twist or classical, as long as it is performed passionately.

There are many good movies, but "Forest Gump" remains the winner.

I have passed the tests to become a training squad. I also received Level 2 National Vocational Qualification in Multi-Skilled Hospitality Services from City&Guilds. If any other opportunities present themselves in McDonalds I will be happy to take them.

If you have worked in any restaurant before it might make things easier, but really McDonalds will give you all the skills and knowledge you will need.