On the Job: Missy Coulter

Just six months ago, Shaz’sas’che Coulter – better known as Missy – was at a Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce Job Fair when her friend told her that the Rite Aid table had some cool swag.

She checked it out, not realizing that the brief conversation she had with the Rite Aid representative would land her a job as a pharmacy technician.

“He asked about my previous work experience and I told him I had worked at McDonald’s for five years,” Coulter said. “He said, ‘She really knows how to hold on to a job – we should hire her!’”

From there, she interviewed for a job opening with the well-known drugstore, and within a few days, the Hamady High School graduate was starting a new job.

Below, Coulter talks about her life, future ambitions and how her volunteer efforts with TeenQuest and SYI are helping her as an adult.

What stands out to you as TeenQuest’s most memorable lesson?

Checking my attitude. You can’t let you get in the way of what you want. You have to have a positive perspective. With that, you are sure to succeed.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

I help fill prescriptions that have been dropped off, and file prescriptions that need to be picked up. I also send refill notices to doctors and get insurance authorizations for prescriptions.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I like interacting with the customers. Whether it’s a good experience or bad, you meet so many different people. I make it a point to remember their names and their birthdays. It helps me build relationships, so we chat whenever they come in.

What advice can you offer to current and future TeenQuest students?

When interviewing, you have to have the expectation that you are going to do well. Don’t go into it doubting yourself. Go in with confidence in yourself and your abilities. Keep your head up and have the mindset of, “I am going to get this job today.”

What can they do to stand out in the workplace?

Have a good work ethic. Be dependable and let them (your employer) know they can trust you. Be there when they need you.

What are your future plans?

I plan to go back to school at Mott Community College to complete my business administration major. I want to work in an office.

TeenQuest and Summer Youth Initiative are made possible through the generous support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.

This article was featured in the May 2017 issue of Afterschool Download. Also in this issue:

• Career Edge: Helping Adults Stand Out in Today’s Job Market
• YouthQuest Teams Up with Lavarne Ross for 2nd Friday ArtWalk
• On the Job: Missy Coulter
• Connecting YouthQuest & Home: The Mirror
• YouthQuest’s Monthly Highlights: April 2017

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