Sales Associate/Barista

The hiring establishment is Starbucks, a globally renowned coffeehouse chain recognized for its commitment to delivering high-quality coffee experiences and fostering welcoming environments. Located specifically at 1855 Place and Library, this Starbucks branch operates as a dynamic retail destination within Michigan State University, offering not just beverages but an exceptional customer experience. Known for its iconic green apron, Starbucks prides itself on its culture of warmth, inclusion, and professional excellence in the coffee and service industry. Employees are empowered to be ambassadors of the Starbucks brand, delivering expertly crafted beverages while engaging meaningfully with customers and contributors alike.

This opportunity is for the position of Sales Associate/Barista, a role pivotal to bringing the Starbucks experience alive for every customer who steps into the store. This hourly position offers a competitive pay rate of $14.73 per hour. The Sales Associate/Barista works collaboratively with team members to ensure each customer’s visit is memorable by demonstrating expert knowledge of coffee and other Starbucks products, maintaining the operational excellence of the store, and delivering warm, personalized service. The role requires enthusiasm for both customer engagement and coffee craftsmanship, as well as the ability to thrive in a fast-paced retail environment.

Beyond preparing beverages, a Sales Associate/Barista is expected to contribute to the overall success of the store by supporting colleagues, ensuring cleanliness and safety, following standardized procedures, and effectively communicating with team leaders. This position also emphasizes inclusivity, encouraging baristas to build genuine connections with a diverse customer base as well as among team members. Candidates for this role must be enrolled students at Michigan State University during the academic year, reinforcing Starbucks’ commitment to supporting student employees with flexible scheduling.

In this role, baristas enhance their skills through ongoing training and active use of Starbucks’ proprietary operational tools and resources. The job offers an exceptional platform for individuals passionate about both high quality service and product expertise. It positions the employee not just as a service provider but as a valued contributor to a vibrant community hub. The position requires availability for shifts early in the morning, late into the evening, and on weekends, with a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week and a maximum that flexes according to the academic calendar and summer season.

Ultimately, this role is designed for motivated individuals who are eager to develop professionally while making a positive impact every day on customers’ experiences and their team environment. The position supports growth in transferable skills such as interpersonal communication, punctuality, task prioritization, troubleshooting, and active listening. Starbucks ensures an equitable workplace by providing employment opportunities without discrimination based on diverse backgrounds or personal attributes, making it a welcoming and inclusive employer.