Careers at Costco

Coming up this July, I will celebrate 4 years of employment at Costco Wholesale.

I was working as a doggy daycare staff member, particularly with the "big dog" group, spending 10 hours each day separating dog fights, cleaning up their messes, and getting the fans and beds turned on for the pups that would board with us overnight.

Costco was my second job and I got it when I was a freshman in college after being overworked at my previous daycare gig. As much as I'd miss working with 25+ dogs every day, I needed higher pay and better treatment.

I was a college student with a limited schedule; Costco accommodated that. What is not so widely known is that this company offers college retention, which is marked on your paystub as "limited part-time". They don't owe you anything, and you don't owe them anything. It works out if you're a young kid still riding on your parent's insurance, as you aren't given any of the health insurance benefits. All that is required is that you work 200 hours a year in order to maintain this college student status. They need photo proof of the school schedule and transcript and then you're all set.

I worked summer vacation and winter break, easily gaining my 200 hours as Costco is busiest around those times, so getting extra hours was no problem. The starting rate for Costco Wholesale today is $16 an hour, with time and a half pay every Sunday. They offer many opportunities to cross-train in other departments, which may pay differently.

And get this...Costco is closed on all major holidays.

You also get free Executive membership as an employee, which allows you to get a 2% cashback check annually, based on every purchase you make at the company. Not to mention, Costco's Kirkland brand is high quality, with great deals. And we sell just about anything, in bulk quantities.

I'll be honest, Costco Wholesale is not where I want to spend the rest of my life. But they have been a God-sent for me while in school, graduating, and starting a master's program. They are extremely flexible and for those who work part-time or full-time, offer great benefits, and health insurance with Aetna.

If Costco Wholesale is for you, they are always offering ways to move up to management and supervisor positions, where the pay, training, and experiences become more advanced. This company allows you to move up, rather quickly.

If you're looking to apply, you must be 18 years or older. No specific education is required, though a GED or high school diploma is recommended. This company is known for its benefits and the way they treat their employees. It is common that many people who work at Costco remain there for their entire career, as the raises occur faster than in most corporate retail or wholesale companies.

This company values teamwork, kindness, and prime customer service. Those who shop with Costco are not merely customers, but members. As I'm sure you've heard, no one coming into Costco gets in for free, as they all pay an annual membership fee. The only way in without a membership is to use the food court or if an appointment is booked with the pharmacy, optical team, and hearing aid specialist.

Costco is competitive; it is not the easiest to get a job there. My word of advice: mark that you are not picky when it comes to the department you are applying for. The more flexible you seem, the better. Odds are that once hired, you will be able to cross-train in the department you originally applied for.

If you know someone who works there, drop their name in your application or when you are being interviewed. In the locations I've worked, those who have a family member or close friend already employed at Costco have a much better chance of getting in over someone who doesn't.

Costco Wholesale has allowed me to make money while pursuing my dream career. I have worked at two different locations and can attest that the attitude of the organization as a whole is unwavering. Costco will treat you like family.