KEY POINTS:
Vito Anzelmi
Regional Manager, NZ, for Tourism Australia
What was your first job?
It was in retail sales (menswear). My mum asked (without me knowing) and then told me. I was 15 and earned $5 an hour cash.
Did you enjoy it?
I didn't enjoy it at the start but grew to love the people. This job taught me that it is important to have a good relationship with the people you work with. I also took the view that I was getting free business coaching.
What parts of the job didn't you like?
I wasn't so keen on breaking down cardboard boxes and stocktaking.
What did you learn?
Different techniques and how to deal with difficult and demanding people.
How long did you stay?
About eight years. I starting working Friday night/Saturday morning then moved on to managing weekends, thanks to the introduction of Sunday trading.
What was your boss like?
Awesome. He started there when he was 15 and eventually owned it. He looked like Tom Hanks and thought he had the sense of humour to match. We became more like brothers towards the end.
Why did you leave?
Uni started to dominate my life to the point where it was no longer practical.
Any advice for someone starting out?
Even if you don't enjoy something, or it is not your "dream job", you can always find a positive if you want to succeed.
Is it harder now to start work?
No, just different. More technology and increased flexibility but that seems to suit the next generation.
