More than a first job: why so many Canadians start at McDonald’s

The value of a first job isn’t always obvious at the time. 

Most people start out hoping to gain experience, build confidence and maybe make a few new friends along the way. It’s often years later that they realize how many of the skills they rely on every day — communicating with others, solving problems or stepping up when someone needs help — first took shape during those early shifts. 

That’s something McDonald’s crew member Shin Carisma understands firsthand. 

When she applied, she was looking for the same thing many young Canadians hope to find in their first job: meaningful work experience and an opportunity to grow. 

“I applied because it’s a brand with a great reputation for training and career growth,” she says. “I wanted to gain work experience and develop new skills.” 

A first step for generations 

What surprised Carisma most was realizing how quickly those lessons extended beyond the workplace. 

“Working with people every day has improved my confidence and taught me how to handle challenges. These skills have helped me in school, with my family and in everyday life.” 

It’s an experience shared by generations of Canadians. Up to 1.5 million people have had their first job at McDonald’s restaurants. More than 70 per cent of staff in McDonald’s corporate and franchised restaurants are youth, many of whom are gaining practical experience that extends well beyond the workplace. 

Skills that last beyond the job 

The lessons learned in a first job often have less to do with the tasks themselves and more to do with the people behind them. 

“When people think about restaurant jobs, they often think about learning operational skills,” says Laura Coogan, chief people officer at McDonald’s Canada. “But what stays with people long after their time at McDonald’s are the human skills they develop.”  

Crew members learn to work as part of a team, communicate with different people, solve problems in real time and stay calm in a fast-paced environment — skills that can benefit them wherever their careers take them. 

For Coogan, that’s what makes a first job so meaningful. 

“Your first job is often where you learn lessons that stay with you for the rest of your career,” she says. “Those experiences help build confidence and shape the way people approach work long after they leave their first job.”

Supporting education and everyday life 

The brand’s commitment to learning extends beyond the restaurant floor. Programs such as Archways to Opportunity help eligible corporate and operator employees pursue their education, with many Canadian colleges recognizing the quality of McDonald’s training and granting academic credit, allowing some students to graduate sooner while continuing to work.  

Balancing school, extracurricular activities, family commitments and work is a reality for many young Canadians, making flexibility just as important as the work experience itself. 

“My managers work with my availability, making it easier to balance personal commitments,” says Carisma. “That flexibility has helped me stay organized while gaining valuable work experience as well.” 

Coogan says that flexibility can be an important part of the restaurant workplace experience. 

“We know that for most people, work is just one part of a busy life filled with school, family, sports, caregiving responsibilities and personal goals,” she says. “That’s why restaurants work to provide flexible scheduling that helps employees balance the commitments that matter most to them.” 

A foundation for what comes next 

It’s an approach appreciated by parents, too. Colin Ravnaas is the parent of a 19-year-old crew member and is a McDonald’s corporate staffer himself.  

“My daughter had been looking for a part-time job and, to be honest, she was a little nervous about working in the hospitality industry,” says Ravnaas.  “Today, she absolutely loves her job. She comes home after every shift excited to tell us about what she learned, how she helped someone, the new friends she’s made and how quickly her shift went because she was so busy. As her dad, that’s exactly what I hoped this experience would be for her.” 

Ravnaas’ daughter is off to college in the fall and plans to look for a restaurant near campus so she can keep earning money for school. 

Whether someone works at McDonald’s for a season, throughout school or for the long term, those early experiences often open doors in unexpected ways. As Coogan puts it, “Those stories are a reminder that a first job can be much more than a first job. It can be the start of something bigger.” 

If you’re looking for a job, check out what McDonald’s has to offer at careers.mcdonalds.ca. 

This story was provided by McDonald’s for commercial purposes.