Grok Magazine sits down with Jennifer Tubic and Susan Myers, two employees who have recently retired after twenty years of working at the Student Guild outlets, as we begin to learn more about their experiences with working alongside their fellow co-workers, serving their customers, as well as their overall perspectives regarding their roles. 

It should be noted that this interview was conducted entirely online due to the interviewer and interviewees being unable to meet-up in person.

Jennifer had previously worked for the Basement Café for ten years. Throughout subsequent years, she would drift between working at the Bookmark Café and the Main Café before eventually settling on her final role at the Central Café. 

“I started working at the Central Café on the 1st of April 2022 – for seven months.” Jennifer says. “I applied for the role since it was in my field of study.” 

As for Susan, she had worked for the Vegi Patch for eighteen years before working at the Basement Café for some time, prior to landing her final role at the Main Café.

“After my last child started to attend school, it was nice for me to get back to work. Location-wise, it was just fifteen minutes from home.” Susan explains. “Going from before children and working at the Deli, as well as a shoe shop, I was more than happy to work at the Student Guild outlets, especially after having three kids.”

Intending to learn more about their personal experiences with working at the Student Guild outlets, we ask Jennifer and Susan how their interactions with customers were. 

“My experience with customers has always been very positive. I have made some good friends through my role, and have had lots of laughs.” Jennifer responds, while Susan proceeds to share a similar experience. 

“My work with customers has been positive.” Susan conveys. “I love my work, loved chatting to customers, and would always find something for them to eat and drink.”

Remaining on the topic, we question Jennifer and Susan about what it was like working alongside their fellow co-workers.

“I have seen a lot of staff come and go, and stayed friends with a lot of them through Facebook.” Jennifer recounts. “I would have to say that I’ve had no problems, and tried to treat my co-workers the way I like to be treated. I like to be treated with respect.” 

Regarding Susan’s experience, she once again provides us with a comparable answer. “With staff, I like to treat them the way that I like to be treated. If there are problems, I prefer to deal with them and move on.”

Moving on, we ask Jennifer and Susan if there’s anything in particular that they enjoyed or disliked about their position. “I liked every part of my job, but I won’t miss wiping tables and changing the bins.” Jennifer answers, while Susan continues to describe everything she loved about her job.

“I loved my twenty years at work – from serving food, being on the till and making coffee or fresh juice.” Susan illustrates. “I enjoyed finding things that needed to be cleaned.”

Since both Jennifer and Susan worked at a variety of Student Guild outlets for the past two decades, we inquire them on how manageable the workload was, and whether they would recommend the job to others.

“Over the past twenty years that I’ve been with the Student Guild, I found the workload to be very hard work – which I personally loved, but there are definitely others who couldn’t cope with it.” Jennifer states. “I would still recommend working at the Student Guild outlets. You really become a family, and I loved every bit of it.” 

“In the past twenty years, things were much busier when I used to work at Vegi Patch, so there were some staff who couldn’t cope with the workload back then.” Susan acknowledges. “But yes, I would still recommend working for the Student Guild outlets. The pay is good, especially at 61 years of age. It’s truly a great place, and everyone’s family. I will definitely miss them all.” 

Nearing the end of our conversation, we ask Jennifer and Susan what they plan on doing once they retire. “Lots of overseas travel.” Jennifer responds. “I also want to start walking groups and play golf. I honestly can’t wait!” 

“I plan on travelling with our caravan and boat, as well as walk the Bibbulmun Track from Perth to Albany.” Susan replies. “My husband is really looking forward to us doing things together, as life’s too short.” 

As we reach the conclusion of our interview, Grok Magazine asks Jennifer and Susan if they have any advice for Curtin University students who may be interested in applying to work for the Student Guild outlets. “Just do it.” Jennifer recommends. “It’s really handy to do shifts in between studies.”

“I feel students should come to work at the Student Guild cafés, as it’s truly a good start for them in terms of gaining work experience.” Susan advises.

If you’re interested in working for any of the Student Guild outlets at Curtin University, keep an eye out for potential job advertisements on the Student Guild’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

You can also find more information about the outlets on the Student Guild website.