Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Serving Others
Honors And Awards
Leadership Experience
Certification
Timeline
Bartender

Sara Van Aken

Summary

A motivated individual with experience in customer service and sales. Skilled in building customer relationships and understanding customer needs. Strong communication and interpersonal skills for providing superior customer service. Extensive experience developing and implementing investment strategies tailored to clients' individual needs and objectives. Passionate about providing sound financial advice and helping clients reach financial goals. Successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Bartender

Yeehawg
07.2023 - 11.2023
  • Able to delegate tasks and work under pressure in a high energy setting
  • Able to multitask, keep attention to detail, and possess people skills while providing service
  • Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
  • Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Waitress

Walk On's Sports Bistreaux
01.2023 - 10.2023
  • Provided notable service to customer needs, recommended menu items, worked in a well achieved team environment
  • Successfully managed and served 4-8 tables per shift.
  • Assisted in training new waitstaff, sharing best practices and improving overall team performance.
  • Contributed to the restaurant''s positive reputation by consistently delivering exceptional service and building rapport with regular patrons.

Financial Intern

Capital Financial Group, LLC
01.2023 - 05.2023
  • Increased financial accuracy by assisting in the preparation of monthly financial reports and reconciliations.
  • Analyzed financial statements and ratios, helping identify growth opportunities and potential risks.
  • Supported senior analysts in conducting due diligence on potential investments, resulting in well-informed decisions.

Waitress

McCormicks
08.2022 - 01.2023
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing attentive service and anticipating guest needs.
  • Streamlined order processing for increased efficiency through clear communication with kitchen staff.
  • Maintained a clean and organized dining area, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere for guests.
  • Managed high volume of customers during peak hours, maintaining prompt and efficient service.

Retail Assistant Manager

Buff City Soap
05.2021 - 01.2023


  • Wrote sales reports, handled opening and closing duties
  • Handmade products and assisted clients with their selections
  • Maximized revenue growth through proactive management of store promotions, markdowns, and clearance events.
  • Collaborated with store manager to develop action plans for improving overall store performance metrics.
  • Contributed to successful store audits by consistently adhering to company policies and procedures regarding cash handling, inventory control, and other operational processes.

Financial Planning Intern Academy

Northwestern Mutual
07.2022 - 12.2022
  • Became Life, Accident, and Health or Sickness certified and licensed.
  • Participated in networking events within the local community, building strong relationships with potential clients and partners.
  • Improved financial planning processes by analyzing client data and providing relevant recommendations.

Management Intern

The Inn At Ole Miss
07.2022 - 08.2022
  • Improved project efficiency with thorough planning, organization, and execution of assigned tasks.
  • Streamlined check-in and check-out processes by utilizing hotel management software effectively.
  • Increased staff retention by participating in hiring processes, interviewing candidates who aligned with the Inn's values and culture.

Retail Sales Associate

HEMLINE
05.2021 - 09.2021
  • Boosted customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Increased sales revenue through effective product recommendations tailored to individual customers.
  • Maintained a clean and organized store environment, enhancing the overall shopping experience for customers.
  • Assisted in managing inventory levels, accurately processing shipments, and restocking merchandise as needed.

Education

Master of Science - Operations Management

University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
05.2025

BBA - Management Minor in Entrepreneurship

University of Mississippi
Oxford, MS
05.2023

Skills

  • Suggestive Selling
  • Customer Service
  • Financial Advising
  • Client Relations
  • Retail Operations
  • Accident & Health or Sickness, Life Licensed

Serving Others

Razorback Pen Pals

  • Fayetteville, AR 2023

Back to school @ The New School

  • Fayetteville, AR 2023

Leading for Impact

  • Oxford, MS 2022

Annual Adopt a Basket Project

  • Oxford, MS 2019-2022

Willie Price Preschool Spirit Day

  • Oxford, MS 2021

Track Volunteer Coach

  • Shortsville, NY 2020-2021

Shoot to Cure Cancer

  • Oxford, MS 2019

Coaches vs. Cancer Basketball Tournament

  • Shortsville, NY 2017-2020

Honors And Awards

  • 2021-2023 Track & Field Team Captain
  • #3 Pentathlon Score Ole Miss All-Time Record Book
  • #4 High Jump Ole Miss All-Time Record Book
  • 2021 University of Mississippi Junior Homecoming Maid

Leadership Experience

2019- 2023 University of Mississippi Women's Track & Field Team

Pentathlon/Heptathlon

Collegiate Student-Athlete

  • Able to balance multiple different events, at least 22 hours weekly to athletic accomplishments, while maintaining a full academic schedule and part-time employment.


2023-2024 University of Arkansas Women's Track and Field Team

Pentathlon/Heptathlon

Collegiate Graduate Student-Athlete

  • 2024 Southeastern Conference Women's Indoor Track and Field Champions
  • Able to work well and contribute in a team environment, achieving both personal and team goals.

Certification

MS & TN Insurance Producer : Accident & Health or Sickness, Life #20424978

Timeline

Bartender

Yeehawg
07.2023 - 11.2023

Financial Intern

Capital Financial Group, LLC
01.2023 - 05.2023

Waitress

Walk On's Sports Bistreaux
01.2023 - 10.2023

Waitress

McCormicks
08.2022 - 01.2023

Financial Planning Intern Academy

Northwestern Mutual
07.2022 - 12.2022

Management Intern

The Inn At Ole Miss
07.2022 - 08.2022

Retail Sales Associate

HEMLINE
05.2021 - 09.2021

Retail Assistant Manager

Buff City Soap
05.2021 - 01.2023

Master of Science - Operations Management

University of Arkansas

BBA - Management Minor in Entrepreneurship

University of Mississippi
Sara Van Aken