Spark

In a team

Wherever you are, the conversation rarely stalls: you bring people together easily, and your good mood makes even a tiring shift feel lighter. In a team, you're often the one who talks to customers and guests. Just make sure quieter teammates get a word in too, and that you see your tasks through, not just start them.

Studying and exam season

You learn best by talking and explaining: a study group or a friend you can walk through the material with helps a lot. In exam season, long stretches of studying alone can be the hard part, so work in short timed blocks and reward yourself with a quick chat during breaks. Put your phone in another room while you study.

Under stress

Long hours of working alone in silence, or focusing on tiny details for ages, can drain you. Slipping a little chat or movement into monotonous work helps, and so does planning something social for the end of the day. If you've overcommitted, say so early: it's better to sort it out now than at the last minute.

Growth tips

• Before saying yes to another plan, check what you've already committed to.
• Practise ending conversations with a quick summary of who's doing what, and by when.
• Leave room for quieter people: a simple 'what do you think?' can mean a lot to them.

For your first student job

• If you can, look for work where you meet lots of people, like promotions, welcoming guests or retail.
• Take notes in your first days, especially on details (prices, rules, codes): they're easy to forget in the rush.
• Put your shifts in your calendar with reminders, so no fun plan clashes with work.