Every day at 8 a.m., when the small Art Deco café on Tran Quang Khai Street, Rach Gia Ward, opens its doors, Danh Thi Yen Nhi is ready to welcome customers. With a gentle, polite voice, the first-year hotel management student at Kien Giang College quickly and carefully takes down orders, never forgetting to say "Thank you!" each time she hands over the bill and change at the counter.
When the cafe is busy, Nhi's feet are almost never at rest. She's constantly bringing coffee and juice, clearing tables to welcome the next group of customers. When customers have to wait a long time, the young woman sincerely apologizes. For Nhi, each shift is a practical learning experience in communication skills, observing customer psychology, and professional service. "I chose to work not only to earn extra money but also to get acquainted with the service environment. Later, when I do an internship or work at a hotel, I'll be more confident because I'll have experience from even the smallest things," Nhi said.
Danh Thi Yen Nhi handed the drink bill to the customer at the counter and didn't forget to say thank you. Photo: AN LAM
For Dang Truong Giang, a 12th-grade student at Nguyen Trung Truc High School, his part-time job at Blackdoor Cafe on Luong Nhu Hoc Street, Rach Gia Ward, not only helps him earn extra income to support his family but also hones his communication skills, service etiquette, and independence. “I try to balance studying and working. Although it’s a little harder than my friends’ jobs, I see this as an opportunity to grow, appreciate the value of money, and gain more motivation to study better,” Truong Giang said.
In the evening, at a hotpot and barbecue restaurant on 3 Tháng 2 Street, Rach Gia Ward, Tran Trong Ninh – a second-year business administration student at Kien Giang University – was just as busy. Standing by the glowing charcoal grill, he meticulously grilled each skewer of meat and squid, turning them evenly to ensure they were cooked perfectly. When the plate of shrimp was brought out, Ninh carefully peeled the shells, arranged them neatly on the plate, and gently placed it in front of the customer. Whenever a customer needed a change of grill or more vegetables, Ninh quickly responded with a cheerful and polite attitude.
What might seem like just waiting tables actually requires patience, skill, and perceptiveness. Every evening, Ninh learned teamwork, how to handle pressure when the restaurant was busy, and how to tactfully navigate various situations. These skills will stay with her not only in her current job but also throughout her future career.
Dang Truong Giang decorates the shop where he works. Photo: AN LAM
As the Giồng Riềng market lights up, Trần Đăng Khoa busies himself helping his aunt sell boiled snails and seafood. Having just finished his high school graduation exams, Khoa is waiting to start his language studies in preparation for vocational training in South Korea . Instead of resting, he chooses to stand at the stall every evening, quickly serving plates of hot snails, clearing tables, refilling drinks, and cheerfully greeting customers. Some days, when there are many customers, Khoa barely has time to sit down and rest. Sweat soaks his shirt, but he still maintains a friendly smile. “I think the time waiting to go abroad for studies shouldn’t be wasted. Helping my relatives sell goods helps me understand the value of money, learn how to communicate with people, and get used to the pace of work. Later, when I go to South Korea to study and work, I will feel less overwhelmed,” Khoa said.
In a job market that increasingly values practical skills, the proactive spirit of stepping outside one's comfort zone to gain real-world experience is a significant advantage for many young people. Lessons in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management are not only learned in the classroom but are also honed through practical work experience. And perhaps, those seemingly ordinary work shifts today will become the foundation for them to confidently enter a professional work environment in the future.
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/them-thu-nhap-tang-ky-nang-a491111.html
