Maria Contreras is almost 18 years of age and already has a lot to be proud of. Despite leaving high school before completion, she completed her GED and was the first in her family to attend college. Maria is on track to potentially become a Crew Trainer with McDonald’s.
“I can honestly say I love my job,” says Maria, who lives in Chicago. “It’s helped me grow a lot as a person and I plan to stay here for as long as I can.”
A journey of self discovery with McDonald’s
Maria’s journey with McDonald’s began earlier through the pre-employment job-readiness and soft skills training program, Youth Opportunity.
She was struggling with some personal issues when she heard about McDonald's program and it inspired her to try to overcome her battles.
Maria explains: “It inspired me because I knew that I wanted to become a better version of myself.”
While participating in Youth Opportunity, Maria toured a McDonald’s restaurant and learned about Archways to Opportunity, McDonald’s comprehensive education program for employees, including college tuition assistance that she is taking advantage of.
She applied for a crew job on the spot and was invited to interview.
“I remember when I came here dressed up, trying to make a good impression on my manager,” Maria says. “I got really happy because it was going to be my first job. I saw that as an opportunity as a person and to help out my mom.”
Pursuing future career goals through a supportive employer
Maria is now in her first year of college and majoring in dental hygiene. Her long-term goal is to become a dentist.
“If I wasn’t at McDonald’s I wouldn’t have had that opportunity to grow and study what I want to study,” she says.
Maria adds that she is more social and outgoing as a direct result of her job at McDonald’s and time spent with her work community of co-workers and manager.
“I feel really supported,” she says. “I feel proud of myself because now as a young woman I get to inspire other young women to continue and better themselves.”
Start building your own future with McDonald’s
There are many opportunities at McDonald’s, an exciting company committed to supporting its team members.
Search and apply for your own career opportunities today.
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Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.