The Tomorrow Bookstore welcomed me into the store like no other. Julia and Jake were amazing employers to work for. They offered me many task that challenged my strengths and allowed me to attempt my own approach and ask questions only after struggling to find a solution. While talking with my boss, Jake Budler, he told me, “You have to find out what you like about business because everything is a business.” This really helped me narrow down my career path and choose what direction I would like to go.
The bookstore helped me form a stronger understanding of my Clifton Strength with the store being so inclusive. Including others really helps me feel like I can have a more direct influence on someone’s life. Another strength I got to improve while working at my internship was using context within my research. This allowed me to make sure I had the correct information when searching for past book industry statistics.
The bookstore helped me face many mental and physical obstacles that made me comfortable with being uncomfortable. My fear of cats is no longer because of the store cat, Sweet Potato, who was honestly a sweetheart. This grew me deeper into the bookstore culture because I feel like every good bookstore has a pet cat. Additionally, as an intern, I got stuck with the tedious task of stamping bags, registering books, shelving, and of course taking out the trash. To say the least now, I am no match for a tedious task, as my boss and I have scanned every book in the store to take inventory.
I would like to thank my bosses Jake and Julie Budler, for offering me endless opportunity for growth. They allowed me to see the behind-the-scenes of a small business and it has offered me a new perspective on marketing, business, and entrepreneurship.
