Favorite Parts Of Working In The Retail And Higher Education Industries As A Senior Vice President
Michael, a Senior Vice President with experience at Starbucks and the University of Washington, enjoys the "energy level" of the retail coffee business and its positive atmosphere, contrasting it with the sometimes more cynical corporate world. The optimism and energy of University of Washington students, "very engaging, very smart," also provides a refreshing and hopeful perspective for Michael.
Retail, Higher Education, Leadership, Positive Work Environment, Intergenerational Interaction
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Michael Fink
Senior Vice President
Starbucks Corporation
University of California Berkeley
Harvard Law School JD
Economics
Food, Beverages & Alcohol, Law
Legal
International Student, Honors Student
Video Highlights
1. The energetic and positive atmosphere of the retail coffee industry, creating a happy environment for both customers and employees.
2. The inspiring energy, optimism, and hope for the future found among university students, which contrasts with the often more cynical corporate environment.
3. The rewarding experience of contributing to a large institution like the University of Washington, supporting its research and educational endeavors.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your industry?
I would say there are two main areas. I'll talk briefly about the retail, Starbucks job, and then the higher education, University of Washington job.
The Starbucks role, what I enjoyed the most was the energy level of the retail coffee business. By its nature, it's a third place where people gather. It's usually a happy place for both customers and employees.
This positive atmosphere flows into the workplace. It's not something like defense armaments; it's relatable and uplifting. This translated well into the work environment, and I really liked that.
At the university, I find it really interesting to be around that setting. It's not just about supporting a big institution like the University of Washington with its research and education.
When I walk around campus, I like being around the students and observing their energy, optimism, and hope. I don't work directly with the students, and my role doesn't necessarily touch them directly, other than perhaps in building new dorms.
So, I'm not interacting with students, but just walking around campus, seeing them out and about, there's an energy level that people in their late teens and early twenties possess. It's an optimism and energy about life, hope, and the future that is infectious.
In corporate America, you often lose sight of that because people are older, perhaps more cynical, and more focused solely on money. Being around students of that age is energizing.
It also gives me a lot of hope for the future of the world. I see them as very engaging and smart. I think they are more focused than people in my generation; I graduated in 1983.
I've really enjoyed that part of this job. I don't want to say it makes me feel young again, as that's trite and not entirely true, but it is a part of it.