Bob Harvey
Mayor of Waitakere City
What was your first job?
Selling ice cream at the Cameo Theatre, Grey Lynn. It was 1950 and I was 10 years old. I also worked at the Western Springs speedway on Saturday nights, so I learnt the skills of work
and being on time and these are things which are still a part of my life.
How did you get that job?
By asking the manager of the theatre. I lived at Western Springs at the Transit Camp.
Did you enjoy it?
Very much. It gave me a taste of films and the movie business which I have never lost. Seeing films and being amazed at the relationship between the audience and the screen that only cinema can do. Being appreciated for being on time and enjoying working.
What did you learn?
I was good at my job, learning a new skill which was rolling ice creams. In the 1950s bosses were hard and fired you if you didn't turn up. So I learned life skills and dealing with situations. I learned also how to earn money.
Why did you leave?
I stayed for two years. Selling ice creams was not great for my self-esteem as I became a teenager but I learned how to work and that's what I think a lot of young people today don't know.
Any advice for someone starting out?
Get to know the culture of the organisation, understand the politics of the job and dedicate yourself to succeed. Read extensively and use the internet to lift your awareness of everything associated with the business or the industry. Amaze people with your knowledge, skill and style. Find a mentor. Act older than you are and never apologise or make excuses.
Is it harder for people entering the job market now?
Understand that you will probably have five jobs in your life and three have not been created yet. It's never been harder and it's never been easier - it just is.
