Thoughts on working at HEB (Mart: home, employment, college)

[Ryedog87]

Hey guys! I was wondering if anyone here has worked or is working for HEB and what do you think of it? I'm in college and looking to take a part time job during the weekend. I've heard they're a really great place to work, but I wanted to hear from yall. Thanks a bunch!

[oldoak2000]

It's a well-ran company & decent place for a paycheck (worked there a few years while I was in college); was flexible yet still provided advancement opportunities.
What are you studying; long-term you should try to find something that intertwines with your study interests (& possibly lead towards internship after degree) - you'll be much better off . . .

[texasdiver]

I've got an HEB 2 blocks in one direction and a Wal-Mart 2 blocks in the other direction. The HEB employees generally seem to be enjoying their work. At least it seems a pleasant place to work. By contrast the Wal-Mart employees are almost universally sullen and in slow motion and don't appear to want to be there. The contrast between the two places of employment is frankly striking.

But I've never actually worked at either place so what do I know.

[Redlionjr]

Originally Posted by texasdiver

I've got an HEB 2 blocks in one direction and a Wal-Mart 2 blocks in the other direction. The HEB employees generally seem to be enjoying their work. At least it seems a pleasant place to work. By contrast the Wal-Mart employees are almost universally sullen and in slow motion and don't appear to want to be there. The contrast between the two places of employment is frankly striking.

But I've never actually worked at either place so what do I know.

Never worked at H-E-B but worked at Wal-Mart. I've had friends who worked at H-E-B though and they're experiences are far better then mine as an employee. I worked there in college and it was still a horrible job even for a college student. So if you want to work at a grocery store OP H-E-B won't be too bad. Depending on the store that is.

[Matthew Duck]

H-E-B was a great place to work. They are really flexible and provide plenty of opportunities and events for their employees. Especially for a young college student, it would be a great place to pick up a small income on the side.

[lonestar2007]

I'm in agreement with Texasdiver regarding the very distinct difference between the two sets of employees. At least, that is the case in my neck of the woods. Our H--E-B has a large number of young, presentable employees and all of them are extremely pleasant to the customers as well as to each other and appear to very much enjoy their jobs.

Walmart on the other hand consists of mostly older (and some very old) people who don't even attempt to hide the fact they wish they were anywhere else (and who can blame them, my gawd, most of them need to be at home in a rocking chair). I imagine they are tired and their feet hurt and you can pretty much get the distinct impression they need the money or else they wouldn't be there. I feel bad for them.

So, having said that (and I need to add I have never worked at either place), I would think H-E-B would be a good place to work. You can always go to the store you are thinking about applying to and just ask some of the employees there if they like it. That way you can know if the managers are nice, if they are flexible, etc.

[Trainwreck20]

It all comes down to who your supervisor is, but there is much more opportunity at an HEB and they generally reward hard work and positive attitude. On the flip-side, I think you pretty much get fired if you are rude, short with customers (or co-workers), and don't even pretend to have an interest in doing your job. Not sure that happens at WM.

[lonestar2007]

Originally Posted by Trainwreck20

I think you pretty much get fired if you are rude, short with customers (or co-workers), and don't even pretend to have an interest in doing your job. Not sure that happens at WM.

Obviously not.

[Westerner92]

I'll echo what others are saying here. I've had a couple friends who worked at HEB in college, and they had nothing but positive things to say really. Flexible hours, decent pay, and positive work environment.