Why First Jobs Still Matter – And What They’re Really Teaching Us

We’ve all had a first job. Whether it was manning a checkout, stacking shelves, or flipping burgers, that early dive into working life sticks with us. But beyond the payslip and part-time hours, what are these roles really teaching us—and how can organisations do a better job of supporting early talent?

In the latest episode of The Learning Reinvented Podcast, our own Katie Godden and James Poletyllo unpack the power (and pitfalls) of first jobs. It’s an eye-opener—and a timely reminder of just how much these early roles shape not only individuals, but entire workplace cultures.

The First Big Step Into Work

That initial job is more than just a time-filler or a teenage rite of passage. It’s the bridge between school and the professional world.

“For individuals, it's about learning how to operate in a workplace: talking to adults, taking responsibility, and learning new skills,” says Katie. “It helps build confidence in ways that education alone doesn’t.”

James agrees, highlighting how those first jobs can instil structure and work ethic. “You learn to show up, follow through, and often, work with people completely different from those you grew up with.”

Not Every First Job Hits the Mark

Of course, not all first jobs are created equal. Some teach you what you love; others show you exactly what to avoid. And both are valid learning moments.

James recalls a string of jobs in his late teens, from farm labour to warehouse shifts. One job made him feel like a number; another, part of a buzzing team. “Those experiences taught me where I thrived—and where I definitely didn’t.”

Culture Is Everything

It’s not enough to just “have a job.” The environment matters. James shared a recent experience at a children’s activity centre that perfectly demonstrated what can go wrong.

“There was no leadership, poor customer service, and staff who seemed disengaged. It made me realise how early bad habits can form when expectations aren’t set from the start.”

Without strong role models and a supportive structure, young people may assume that indifference is the norm—and carry that into future roles.

The Tech Shift: Convenience vs Connection

With self-checkouts, QR codes, and online ordering, many traditional “first jobs” now involve less face-to-face interaction. That’s convenient, yes—but it also limits soft skill development.

“Tech has changed how we work,” Katie notes. “But that shouldn’t mean we lose sight of the importance of communication, empathy and awareness. These are still vital skills—and probably more crucial now than ever.”

What Employers Should Be Doing

If you’re hiring entry-level staff, you’re not just filling roles—you’re setting the tone for someone’s entire working life.

Here’s what Katie and James suggest:

• Set clear expectations early on

• Provide mentoring or buddy systems

• Create learning opportunities, not just tasks

• Role model the right behaviours—every day

• Adapt training to the modern workplace, but don’t skip the basics

  
  

The Big Picture

First jobs aren’t just about tills and uniforms. They’re about growth, identity and potential. And while the nature of work is shifting, the need for human connection and good guidance hasn’t changed.

“We should all think about how we support people taking that first step,” says James. “Not just for their sake—but for the strength of our organisations and society as a whole.”

Share Your Story

What was your first job? What did it teach you? How are you supporting early careers in your organisation today?

We’d love to hear your experiences. Drop us a message, connect with us on LinkedIn, or get in touch if you’d like to share your story on a future episode of The Learning Reinvented Podcast.