My Experience Working for the Iconic Australian Brand: Koko Black

As an eager 18-year-old, I left behind my country roots in Victoria and ventured into the bustling city of Melbourne for university. Armed with a modest $2000, I believed it would sustain me for months while I found my footing. Little did I know that my journey would be a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs.

The transition to independent city life was marked by a series of unwise decisions. Late-night adventures fueled by one too many goon bags, diets consisting of two-minute noodles buried under a mountain of tasty cheese, and academic struggles that left me gasping for air. The mounting pressure led me to a dark place, one of anxiety and depression, a pit I had never imagined I'd fall into.

In my time of need, I turned to my family for the bare minimum to keep me afloat. A job was what I craved, but fear gripped me. It was a friend, Imogen, who became my guiding light. She took me under her wing, compelling me to put on my best attire and hand out resumes to different businesses. And so, with sweaty palms and trembling resolve, I embarked on the nerve-wracking journey of walking into establishments and boldly asking to speak with the manager. The key difference was that I had no connections, no parental endorsements, just myself and a hope that it would be enough. Koko Black was one of the places I'd been most excited about, and to my surprise, they responded the very next day with an interview offer.

Thrilled beyond measure, I dived into intense interview preparation. I familiarized myself with the business and desperately hoped I wouldn't sweat through the shirt I had meticulously chosen for the interview. Fast forward to the interview's conclusion, and the news was too good to be true—I had secured my first job as a team member at Koko Black's flagship store. The thought of working for a company known for its Australian-made premium chocolates filled me with unparalleled excitement.

My journey truly took flight from there. Under the guidance of an exceptional manager, Lou (Hi Lou, if you're reading this), I was taught the art of selling. She instilled in me the confidence to approach customers, a task that had once terrified me. I had evolved into a retail aficionado, unearthing newfound confidence, improved people skills, and the art of interpreting customers' cues, all while selling mouthwatering chocolates (a task that, frankly, wasn't difficult at all).

In my heart, I regained the self-assurance that I had lost along the way. Koko Black was not just a job; it was a transformative experience, one that provided a renewed sense of direction and an incredible job that coexisted harmoniously with my university degree.

After dedicating myself to the company for a couple of years, the ultimate challenge came: a retail Christmas at Chadstone Shopping Centre (for those in the know, that's a marathon). Days that felt like 14-hour sprints, all to ensure that we maintained our spot as the top-selling business in the company. The hard work paid off, and I was promoted to Senior Supervisor, a title I held with deep pride. In this role, I wore multiple hats, from stock ordering and visual merchandising to organizing meetings, fetching bubble tea for the managers, attending education sessions on new seasonal menus, and even teaching new staff. This journey exposed me to the dynamics of welcoming new management and addressing the challenges posed by some team members. At Koko Black, I was learning invaluable lessons.

Around the third year of my employment, the unexpected happened. On one sunny day, the national Marketing Manager, Sara, strolled into the store. I knew I had to seize the opportunity and introduce myself. I candidly shared my career uncertainties and my past success in marketing at university. To my astonishment, she offered me an internship at Koko Black's head office, an experience that would change the course of my career forever.

With great excitement, I embarked on a journey that would acquaint me with the intricacies of marketing. My new role involved attending digital meetings and conducting market research on the legalities surrounding the use of the term 'natural' on products. As I delved into my internship, a promising collaboration with Penfolds, the renowned Australian wine brand, awaited me. I was set to engage in local area marketing for their campaign. Although I was initially clueless about local area marketing, my determination to excel was unwavering.

I eagerly crafted an email to accept the Penfolds internship. With a racing heart, I hit send and nervously awaited a response. To my delight, Sara replied, confirming my internship with Koko Black x Penfolds! The collaboration with such a prestigious brand filled me with pride.

However, the global pandemic had other plans for me. COVID-19 halted the collaboration, leaving me disappointed. They assigned me another task: attending digital meetings and conducting market research on the legal aspects surrounding the use of the term 'natural' on products. The experience opened my eyes to the complexities of marketing and provided a stark contrast to the monotony of pandemic lockdowns.

Ultimately, COVID-19 forced me to leave my job at Koko Black after a year of unforgettable experiences. I made the difficult decision to return to my parent's home, seeking a more relaxed lifestyle with fewer restrictions (and free rent). Upon returning home, I found myself stepping into the role of a store manager at a local cafe—a significant stride in my career growth. But that's a story for another time.

I will always be proud to say that I worked for such an iconic Australian brand. Koko Black gave me the space to learn and grow my career, and the memories I created there will forever hold a special place in my heart. My first real job at Koko Black was pivotal in shaping who I am today. It broadened my network, honed my skills, and instilled in me a profound sense of purpose. I'm grateful for the opportunities it presented. To any young people reading this, remember that even a seemingly ordinary retail job can be a gateway to achieving your dreams if you ask, show initiative, and work hard.