First Job Confessional: The First Shift Shifts Everything

Many people downplay their first job, but a first job teaches you more than you think – foundational skills like collaboration, problem-solving and time management. For many Americans, those first job stories started at a McDonald’s restaurant. But no matter where you first clocked in, those lessons helped build your career.

That’s why McDonald’s is celebrating first jobs everywhere. Starting March 6, the First Job Confessional Tour is hitting cities nationwide, inviting you to get real and talk about the skills you gained at your first gig.

Join us on tour and share your first job story for a free McDonald’s meal. The Tour includes stops in New York City, Austin, Pittsburgh and Chicago. Stay tuned for more!

The Tour includes New York City, Austin, Pittsburgh and Chicago

Can’t make it in person? Share your first job on Instagram or LinkedIn with #FirstJobConfessionals and you might just see your story on McDonald’s YouTube.

Download the official First Job Confessional background below and use it in your own confessional with hashtag #FirstJobConfessionals.

First Job Confessional Background

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A Decade of Impact:

Celebrating 10 Years of Archways to Opportunity

Since 2015, Archways to Opportunity has helped 90,000+ crew members by providing the flexibility and financial support they need to further their education.

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Kendall Hurns: Creative Entrepreneur, Former Crew & 1 in 8 Member

Designer, entrepreneur, and artist are just a few of Kendall Hurns' many titles. But perhaps the most relatable: former McDonald's Crew. What started as a part-time restaurant job evolved into a life-long membership, making Kendall Hurns a part of the 1 in 8.

Joy Frank-Silmon: McDonald’s Owner-Operator, Former Crew & 1 in 8 Member

When Joy Frank-Silmon started working at her father’s McDonald’s restaurant, she figured it was just another high school job. But twenty years later she returned to the Golden Arches – this time to take over the family business as an owner-operator.

Elizabeth Gomez: Surgical Technologist, Former Crew & 1 in 8 Member

Elizabeth Gomez discovered her calling to help others while working as a McDonald's crew member. Eventually trading in her spatula for a scalpel, she studied surgical technology through Archways to Opportunity and applies the same skills learned in the kitchen in the operating room.

Yenis Blanco: Student, Current Training Manager & 1 in 8 Member

After arriving in the U.S. from Central America, Yenis Blanco knew little English when she began working as a crew member. Now, she's a college student studying business through Archways to Opportunity and oversees the training programs at 15 McDonald's restaurants.

A Documentary Shorts Collection: Stories from America’s Dining Room

Everyone has a McDonald’s story. In partnership with Breakwater Studios, McDonald’s presents Stories from America’s Dining Room, a powerful collection of short films that share five inspiring, real-life stories and the impactful, yet subtle role McDonald’s plays in American life as a community hub and employer.

Explore Now

Arches & Ambition: The 1 in 8 Mentorship Program

A dynamic four-part YouTube series pairs four current Crew members with former McDonald’s employees who’ve gone on to make their mark in entrepreneurship, food, fashion, and sports.

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Are You Part of the 1 in 8?

We want to hear from you, the Crew, who make up the 1 in 8. Tell us how McDonald's played a role in your journey.

Share your story

Important Note:

McDonald's and McDonald's independently owned and operated franchisees are equal opportunity employers committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Most McDonald's restaurants are operated by independent franchisees who are independent employers, and set their own employment policies and practices, including pay and benefits for the people working in their restaurants. McDonald's USA does not control the independent franchisees' employment policies and practices and does not employ those working at franchised restaurants.