For over eight years, I worked in the quick service industry specifically for Biggby Coffee, a regional Michigan-based chain. Every day was different. Every customer, every order, every interaction mattered. And though the work could be fast-paced and chaotic, I learned to thrive under pressure, stay adaptable, and genuinely care for the people I was serving. What I didn’t realize at the time was that these skills were a form of cultural intelligence.
In July 2025, I transitioned into a completely new industry, joining 7C Lingo, a language services provider that specializes in bridging cultural gaps. The shift has been eye-opening. Going from selling a tangible product like coffee to offering services like interpretation, translation, and cultural intelligence training is a big leap. The pace, the people, and the expectations are different and the cultural difference is felt.
One of the biggest surprises? The pace of work. In the quick service world, the mantra is often “just make a decision and go, even if it’s the wrong one.” You adapt on the fly because the line doesn’t stop moving. At 7C Lingo, I found myself holding back more often, thinking through options carefully before making a move. It’s a different rhythm but it gave me a chance to reflect on how well my past experiences had prepared me for this new environment.
My personal aha moment came when I realized that staying calm under pressure was just as valuable at 7C Lingo as it was behind the counter. Every job has its own unique pressures; an interpreter struggling to connect to an appointment, or the need to set clear expectations during an uncomfortable conversation. Whatever the situation, the mindset of “panicking now will only make it worse” is always a valuable skill. In retail, every order mattered equally, every customer deserved attention, and the stress of a drive-through line teaches a resilience few other jobs do. That calm under fire translates directly to my work with interpreters and clients, helping them feel supported, heard, and understood. And, I have to admit, I get to do it with far fewer milk spills on my shirt!
Another transferable skill I didn’t fully appreciate until now is my genuine care for customer service. Even in interviews with interpreters, they would often compliment my demeanor: “I just feel comfortable talking with you, and I love the energy you give off.” That same energy, empathy, and focus on human connection that guided me in coffee shops now guides me in navigating cultural nuances, building relationships, and solving complex problems across languages and cultures.
In the end, adaptability, empathy, and people skills are universal. Whether you’re serving coffee or bridging cultures through language, these skills allow you to connect, respond, and thrive in any environment. What started as “just a job” in quick service has become a foundation for understanding people, navigating culture, and creating meaningful connections in a completely new industry.
