Today at the Miami University Center for Career Exploration and Success, we’re happy to spotlight UniFirst! UniFirst is a uniform rental company that has over 260 facilities across the United States, Canada and Europe, employing over 14,000 people. Today, Talent Acquisition Coordinator Aliza Strachan tells us about the best parts of working at UniFirst, its leadership development program, and why they #HireMiamiOH.
If you had to describe UniFirst in three words, what would they be and why?
- Customer-Focused
- Family-Oriented
- Charitable
What’s the number one thing you look for in a new team member?
Team Player
What qualities do your coworkers have that makes you love working with them?
Everyone is so welcoming and friendly. They are always willing to help!
What do you want people interested in working at UniFirst to know about the company?
UniFirst is a well-established company. We were founded in 1936. We have over 14,000 Team Partners, and 260+ locations in the U.S and Canada. UniFirst is able to provide career stability, while still embodying a culture that truly feels like a family.
How do you describe UniFirst’s family culture? What makes you excited to work here?
UniFirst’s family culture cultivates a supportive environment where people have the opportunity to really develop their careers. We want to encourage our Team Partners to be the best versions of themselves, so that they can, in turn, be a contributing team member and consistently drive the company forward toward continued success.
Can you tell us more about the career development options available at UniFirst? Specifically for entry-level employees?
We will be at the career fair recruiting for our Leadership Development Program, Management Trainee position in Franklin, OH. It is an 18 month rotational program, where LEAP Associates rotate through different areas of our company: service, production, sales, and operational leadership. After the 18 month program, LEAP Associates are extended permanent employment in the area of their choosing. This is a great developmental opportunity because LEAP Associates will be cross trained in different areas of our business. In addition, they also take leadership courses and are coached by different mentors in the company. Because of this well rounded experience they get during the program, we believe that they will also be great leaders in our company!
What makes you enjoy going to work, and how does the culture promote that? What about the office encourages that supportive environment and family culture?
The environment at UniFirst is very supportive. One way we do this is by celebrating milestones. We always celebrate birthdays here, whether it is a bagel breakfast from our favorite bagel shop, or celebrating at lunch. We also have a fun celebration where we recognize Team Partners with exciting work anniversaries, whether that be one or 50 years at UniFirst!
Why did you originally choose to work for UniFirst?
I chose to work for UniFirst because of the amazing team environment and the internal mobility. There are so many opportunities for advancement in my career, and I genuinely enjoy working with my peers. It doesn’t get much better than that!
We’d love to hear more about this great group environment! Do you have any examples or remember a specific time that you loved working with your team?
In our headquarters office, where I work daily, we have a collaborative work space and we are always bouncing ideas off of each other.
If you remember anything specific, can you talk about your interviewing/hiring process when you started at UniFirst?
What really stood out to me during my interview process was that I felt like I was having a conversation with friends, instead of being interviewed. Everyone made me feel so comfortable and I understood the family feel of the company as soon as I walked through the door.
What internal mobility is available, and how soon can employees take advantage of growth opportunities?
Employees can take advantage of growth opportunities as soon as the 18-month LEAP Program is completed. It is a really exciting day! LEAP Associates from all over the U.S and Canada travel to the UniFirst headquarters in Wilmington, MA, where we have a graduation ceremony. It is always exciting to find out what positions LEAP Associates accept and where!
What positions are you currently hiring for?
We are hiring for our Leadership Development Program (LEAP). It is an 18-month rotational program that creates a fast-track to management positions within UniFirst. Every year we choose different UniFirst locations to hold the LEAP Program and this year our Cincinnati location in Franklin, OH was chosen!
Why do you #HireMiamiOH?
Miami OH has been so welcoming to us. The caliber of partnership that we have gotten from faculty at Miami OH has been unmatched by any other university. Additionally, Miami does such a fantastic job in preparing its students for post-grad opportunities. We are genuinely impressed with the high-quality professionalism that we’ve seen from Miami students so far. We are so excited to hire Miami alumni to join our company!
What are you most excited to show Miami students in your Instagram Story takeover on @miamiohcareers?
We’re excited to show Miami students a live look into what it’s like to be a part of the LEAP Program, and the diverse experiences that they will be exposed to as a UniFirst Team Partner. To learn more about UniFirst, LEAP Associates will be taking over the Miami University Center for Career Exploration and Success’ Instagram Stories (@miamiohcareers) on February 10th. Be sure to tune in for a behind-the-scenes look!
Want to learn more about UniFirst? Be sure to check them out at Spring Career Fair!