Career Talk Profile: Careers with McDonald's

Career Talk Profile: Careers with McDonald's
By Scott Albert of The Albert Institute

There are many myths about working for McDonald's. In fact, there are so many myths that often job seekers miss out on unique opportunities because they believe what they have heard from a friend or what they have read on the Internet. In an effort to look beyond the myths and into the truths of a career with McDonald's, here are some basic facts about the benefits, training and education opportunities, and growth opportunities that McDonald's employees receive.

Restaurant crew people may receive certain benefits. These benefits could include free or discounted meals, flexible hours, medical insurance, prescription drug coverage, 24-hour nurse line access, vision discount, and dental. In addition, many McDonald's employees may be eligible to receive short-term disability, term life insurance, 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and educational assistance. Those who advance within the business to careers as corporate staff have access to additional benefits which could include incentive pay, flexible spending accounts, company car programs, profit sharing and more.

There are a plethora of training and education opportunities available at McDonald's. For example, the average McDonald's restaurant manager has completed the equivalent of approximately 18 credit hours – hours that can be transferred to many colleges and universities, both private and public, and applied toward a two- or four-year degree. McDonald's Corporation is one of only 12 Fortune 500 companies to receive college credit recommendations for training. Education assistance, a McDonald's USA National Employee Scholarship Program, and other scholarships are available to be applied for at company-owned restaurants and many franchisees.

Finally, those who take advantage of McDonald's training and education opportunities also have the opportunity to grow within McDonald's. Nearly 50% of McDonald's Corporate Restaurant Managers started out as crew. More than 60% of McDonald's Owner-Operators started out as crew as well. And, it is a fact that in the United States minorities and women represent over 40% of those franchisees.
Whether it is a job to make extra money while going to college or the first step into the corporate world, McDonald's does offer its employees many benefits, unique education opportunities and the potential for growth. Interested job candidates can learn much more by visiting the McDonald's Career Resource Center at www.aboutmcdonalds.com. Local employment and career information can be found at http://mcdonaldstam.com.