Maren Stegh
Summary
- Diligent assistant instructor and hostess with 3+ years of experience in customer service and team leadership. Proven ability to manage reservations and customer interactions effectively while maintaining a positive environment. Skilled in teamwork, time management, and quick problem-solving. Committed to leveraging strong communication and organizational skills in a graphic design internship to contribute creatively and collaboratively. Experienced with digital and print design, using Adobe Creative Suite to create engaging visual content. Utilizes collaborative and communication skills to work effectively within team environments. Knowledge of typography and layout principles to produce cohesive and appealing designs.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Front of House Staff
Whatcha Smokin' BBQ + Brew
07.2023 - Current
- Fully trained across multiple roles in a fast-paced restaurant environment, including:
- Expo: Managed food orders during service, ensured accuracy and quality control before table delivery, and monitored inventory levels in real time
- Food Runner: Delivered orders promptly and accurately to guests, maintained memorization of table numbers and orders, and supported overall guest satisfaction
- Phones: Handled high-volume phone lines, processed takeout and catering orders, answered customer inquiries, and managed payment transactions efficiently
- Host Stand: Oversaw waitlists during peak hours (up to two-hour waits), seated parties based on availability and server rotation, provided excellent customer service, and assisted in coordinating front-of-house staff
- GRAPHIC DESIGN: Selected from a competitive pool of submissions to feature my design on restaurant merchandise, including t-shirts and sweatshirts
Assistant Instructor
Dojos Family Martial Arts
07.2020 - 08.2024
- Assisted in teaching youth martial arts classes, supporting students' skill development and discipline
- Provided front desk support by managing customer inquiries, handling paperwork, processing payments, managing memberships, building clientele relationships, and answering phone calls
- Contributed to a positive and organized learning environment over 3.5 years of dedicated service
- Managed creating and distributing a weekly email newsletter for staff and customers, reaching approximately 300 recipients
- Maintained accuracy and consistency in all communications by tracking past and upcoming events, ensuring timely and informative content
- GRAPHIC DESIGN: Designed and printed all promotional and event flyers, ensuring high-quality visual communication
Hostess
Esplanade
04.2023 - 08.2023
- Managed reservations, coordinated table setups, and warmly greeted and seated guests in a fast-paced restaurant environment
- Demonstrated strong organizational skills, quick problem-solving, and adaptability to accommodate guest needs and reservation updates
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Graphic Design
Iowa State University
Ames, IA04.2025
Skills
- Teamwork
- Adobe InDesign (3 years)
- Guest services
- Leadership (3 years)
- Illustration (5 years)
- Phone etiquette
- Restaurant experience
- Host/hostess experience
- Adobe Illustrator (3 years)
- Hospitality
- Customer Service
- Karate (3 years)
- Organizational skills
- Adobe Photoshop (5 years)
- Food preparation
- Fast Learner
- Food industry
- Analysis Skills
- Canva (7 years)
- Food service
- Time Management
- Order taking
- Greeting guests
- Cleanliness
- Memory retention
- Reservation management
- Seating arrangements
- Money handling
- Payment processing
- Training and mentoring
- Guest relations
- Open-close procedures
- Multitasking Abilities
- Problem-solving
- Task prioritization
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Active listening
Additional Information
- I am a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design at Iowa State University, completing my third year. I am seeking a summer internship opportunity to apply and expand my design skills in a professional setting. Based in Ames, I am open to remote work or commuting within an hour's distance. I am a quick learner and a collaborative team member, and I bring strong communication and leadership skills developed through previous customer service and supervisory roles. These strengths will contribute positively to any creative team or project.
- To answer the question, "What sets you apart?":
- My unique combination of creative problem-solving, adaptability, and strong communication skills sets me apart. My background in graphic design, coupled with years of hands-on experience in fast-paced customer service roles, has honed my ability to think quickly, collaborate effectively, and manage multiple priorities under pressure.
- Beyond technical design skills in Adobe Creative Suite and illustration, I bring a people-centered approach to my work. Whether it's assisting in martial arts instruction, managing restaurant operations, or leading design projects, I thrive in dynamic environments that require both precision and flexibility. My experience balancing artistic creativity with real-world logistics makes me an asset to a team working at the intersection of healthcare and strategic communication.
- Additionally, my commitment to continuous learning and community engagement—is demonstrated through my leadership in service projects and my adaptability across roles. I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute fresh ideas while gaining hands-on experience in a field where design creates a meaningful impact.
Timeline
Front of House Staff
Whatcha Smokin' BBQ + Brew
07.2023 - Current
Hostess
Esplanade
04.2023 - 08.2023
Assistant Instructor
Dojos Family Martial Arts
07.2020 - 08.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Graphic Design
Iowa State University
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