Working at Wawa is more than just a job. Wawa is a family and associate-owned company that inspires commitment to create a diverse and inclusive atmosphere where everyone can be themselves and participate. Wawa’s values-based culture sets a tone that ensures people feel regarded for what they bring to the team, and associates have opportunities for competitive benefits, career growth, and skill-building.
Sound like the company you’ve been searching for? Wawa is hiring associates for their College Graduate Leadership Program! Learn more about the program here and apply today. [Pro tip: After you click on “Apply Now,” if you enter “College Graduate Leader” in the search box, it will take you to all of the CGL job postings.]
Plus, get an inside look at what it’s like to work for Wawa in our interview below…
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This week, Campus Philly had the opportunity to chat with Zachary Fox, a College Graduate Leadership program participant and Food & Beverage Manager at Wawa. We talked with Zachary about the launch of his career at Wawa, heard his valuable advice for college students and young professionals in the region, and learned more about Wawa’s CGL program.
Read on!
It’s great to meet you, Zach! First off, tell us a little about yourself.
Hi! My name is Zachary Fox. I graduated from Rutgers University-Camden, where I studied Business and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Management. I grew up in Cherry Hill, NJ, and currently live in Mount Laurel!
Tell us more about your role at Wawa. How did you find and land the job?
I began my training at Store 477 in Oaklyn, NJ. I then went on to be a CSS (Customer Service Supervisor) at store 8428 in Cinnaminson, NJ. I am now currently an FBM (Food & Beverage Manager) at store 965 in Pennsauken, NJ.
I am currently on the bench for AGM (Assistant General Manager). I oversee the food service area and manage my team on a day-to-day basis. I found out about this opportunity through a recruiter at Rutgers Camden and a fellow co-worker when I was employed as a CSA (Customer Service Associate).
What are some key lessons you’ve learned since beginning your career at Wawa?
As a CGL, I have a few key takeaways that I have learned since beginning the program:
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- Always value your people and listen to them.
- You need to have what it takes to be a leader of a team.
- Worry about what you CAN control.
- Not every day is going to be perfect.
- Always be the better person.
How did your education and extracurriculars prepare you for your this position?
My degree in management definitely played a huge part in becoming a successful manager, but soccer played an even bigger part. There were so many similarities between soccer and management that I was able to implement a lot of the tools from the game into my work life. Some big takeaways from soccer that I use every day are communication, teamwork, and leading by example. I highly recommend tying in a club/sport with your work life!
How are you building your network in the Philly region? Do you have any advice for college students or recent grads looking to expand their professional network?
I am currently building my network in the South Jersey region by connecting with other managers in the area. It is important to get as much feedback as possible and to obtain as many perspectives as you can throughout your journey at Wawa. I learned to never be scared to speak up and say what is on your mind—there is no such thing as a dumb question!
What’s some advice you’d give a student seeking a job at your organization this upcoming spring semester?
My advice would be to go into a Wawa and try to envision yourself working in this fast-paced environment. Reach out to a couple managers and ask them multiple questions to get a feel for what their day to day looks like. Definitely dive deep and review the great benefits that Wawa has to offer, too.
Tell us more about the College Graduate Leadership program, and how others can get involved.
The College Graduate Leadership program is a well-structured 2-year program that anticipates you graduating from it as a GMIT (General Manager in Training). It takes you through the necessary positions to help you be a successful manager of a store one day. Since joining the program, I have gained a ton of experience and it has been super beneficial to my life.
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