Emily at Caribou Coffee
The morning rush at Caribou Coffee in Stillwater, MN was frantic. Orders flew in, espresso machines hissed, and an impatient line stretched out the door. I balanced a tray of lattes in one hand while ringing up a customer with the other, remembering that Customer 5 still needed their extra caramel drizzle. It was chaotic, but I thrived. Working as a barista sharpened my ability to multitask, communicate effectively, and live my values.
At the Customer, I’ve carried these lessons into every part of my college experience. Whether managing group projects, prioritizing assignments, or engaging with peers and professors, the multitasking, communication, and value-driven mindset I gained behind the counter continues to shape my success.
LEARNING COMMERCE AT CARIBOU COFFEE
During high school, I was not only working part-time at Caribou, but also managing a packed schedule as a full-time student at Stillwater Area High School while also taking courses at the local community college. Add volleyball practice into the mix, and my days were a constant juggle. Keeping up with these overlapping responsibilities forced me to develop strong organizational habits early on. I relied on tools like Google Calendar and a physical planner to stay on top of class deadlines, shifts, and practices.
That discipline paid off when I transitioned to college life at the Carlson School. Now, I manage an 18-credit course load, participate in multiple student organizations, and work part-time. The organization isn’t optional, it’s foundational. I’ve found that planning, prioritizing, and sticking to a routine helps me thrive and even landed me on the Dean’s List. Balancing these responsibilities also built a deep sense of resilience. Driving from class to work to practice taught me how to manage stress, adapt quickly, and stay committed—qualities I still lean on today.
Multitasking was non-negotiable at Caribou. During a typical shift, I juggled drink preparation, cleaning, mobile orders, and in-store guests—often with just one other team member for support. I learned to stay calm, move purposefully, and take things one drink at a time. When the orders were flying fast, getting stressed didn’t help. I’d just put my head down and focused on each task before me, doing it well before moving on. That same approach keeps me grounded now when my to-do list feels overwhelming. I’ve found that breaking things down and staying present is key, whether I’m studying for back-to-back midterms or attending several student organizations on top of homework.
Effective communication became just as vital. There wasn’t time for long conversations during the lunch rush; we had to rely on short, clear cues, eye contact, and quick check-ins to keep things moving smoothly. That experience helped me become more intentional with my words and more aware of how I connect with others. At Carlson, this shows up in how I lead group discussions, respond to feedback, and build relationships with classmates and professors. I’ve realized that strong communication isn’t just about talking—it’s about listening, understanding, and making sure everyone’s aligned. I also used these communication skills during my interview to become a Carlson Ambassador. As an Ambassador, I am going to support prospective students through campus tours, recruitment events, and Q&A sessions—requiring clarity, empathy, and confidence. This role relies on the same communication foundation I developed at Caribou.
COMMUNICATION, COLLABORATION, CONFIDENCE
Living my values may not have been part of the official job description, but it was at the heart of what I did every day. Looking back, I see how my experience aligned with Caribou’s deeper purpose—to create “day-making experiences that spark chain reactions of good.” Whether it was serving a tired regular their usual latte with a smile or offering to cover a coworker’s shift last minute, I saw how even small gestures could have a big impact.
Emily Elletson
That idea of meaningful connection stuck with me. When I didn’t get a social media role I had applied for at Carlson, I followed up with the manager to ask for feedback. Not only did he remember my name and enthusiasm, but he also recommended me for a similar position as a Content and Design Assistant. I got the role and have loved getting to explore the communication side of the undergraduate program ever since. I’ve also taken advantage of coffee chats with both a marketing professor and a fellow student to talk about study abroad options. Those quick conversations turned into real connections. I now feel more comfortable asking questions in class and often bump into that student around campus. It reminded me that small efforts to reach out and engage can lead to meaningful relationships and unexpected opportunities.
This value-driven approach made Carlson the perfect place to keep growing. Its location in the Twin Cities means it’s easy for me to connect with real-world and professional opportunities. From day one, its innovative curriculum and discussion-based classes have challenged me to think critically and collaborate meaningfully. I’ve also been inspired by Carlson’s belief that business can and should be a force for good. That mission resonates deeply with me because I’ve already seen how values-driven action, whether in a coffee shop or a classroom, can create real change.
Looking ahead, I plan to continue building on these skills through leadership roles on campus, internships, and eventually a career that blends impact with innovation. With a Bachelor of Science in Business from Carlson, I know I’ll have the foundation and network to go on a meaningful path—whether that’s with a startup, nonprofit, or global company.
Being a barista showed me far more than how to steam milk or clean espresso machines. It taught me how to lead with purpose, stay grounded in service, and find meaning in the everyday. Thanks to both Caribou and Carlson, I’ve learned to embrace every opportunity with curiosity, confidence, and my heart.
Emily Elletson is a Marketing major at the Carlson School of Management, minoring in Business Analytics and Media & Information. She’s a Content & Design Assistant for the Carlson School undergraduate program and actively involved in Carlson Ambassadors and the Student Marketing Association and Women in Business. She enjoys writing to highlight her experiences within the Carlson School community.
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