Students get real-world experiences in business

As the line of customers grew, he chewed his gum faster.

After a few tries, he punched the correct combination of keys and handed a man a pack of Marlboro reds. A woman carrying a baby was next. He had to figure out how to process her check.

Four customers later, when the Safeway gas station store was empty, Shane Brandon, 18, turned to regular employee Celia Sommer, who had leaned in a couple of times to help.

He admitted: “It’s a little harder than I thought.”

His marketing teacher would have been proud to hear those words.

Brandon was one of 23 seniors from Shadle Park High School’s DECA, an association of marketing students, who worked at various departments at the Shadle Safeway on Thursday.

The experience, said teacher Erin Ruehl, “is a relevant, real opportunity to test their skills.” Throughout the year, students have been learning about customer service, sales, inventory, profits and communication skills, Ruehl said. “It’s a nice cumulative project.”

Ruehl will ask her students today to document what they did and explore what skills they learned that can be transferred to their goals in life.

For Brandon, keeping cool and focused is key. He said instead of worrying what customers might be thinking, in the future he would concentrate on what they’re saying and try to do the best he can.

The real-world stint is also a reality check for students, Ruehl said, forcing them to think: “As a senior, am I ready to go?” – to take the next step, whether in higher education or the job market.

Those deeper thoughts would come later. While at the store, the high schoolers were enjoying a change of pace.

“I was kind of excited to come,” said Chris Stevens, 18, during his delicatessen shift. “It’d be a new experience. Better than psychology class.”

Students also had the chance to network. A couple asked about job applications.

Others had something different in mind: After putting in an hour at the floral department, Kody Anderson, 18, gave the manager a high-five. She’s going to hook Anderson up when the time comes to buy corsages for prom.