Career Advice

March 12, 2006

My First Job: Karen Jones, managing principal

Karen Jones

Current position: Managing principal at Riddell Williams, representing businesses in labor and employment matters. Riddell Williams is a longtime Seattle law firm that serves regional and national businesses.

First job: Waitress at the Ponderosa Steakhouse (complete with a cowgirl uniform) in Columbus, Ohio.

What I learned: Three things stand out: first, the importance of customer service, both how to deliver it and how to appreciate it. I learned to listen to customers and to put their interests first. Second, I learned how much fun it can be to work as part of a team and how the work environment affects a business's ability to attract and retain the kind of people who contribute to its success. Finally, the value of education. I knew that if I wanted to do something other than waitressing, the key was working hard in school.

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