A successful career could start behind a cash register or at a drive-thru window. More than 3 million people work at fast food restaurants across the U.S., according to the latest numbers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Working in fast food offers opportunities to cultivate "critical soft skills" including time management, customer service, communication and adaptability, Boyd says. But the most important skill you develop as a fast food employee is learning to work quickly and efficiently under pressure. "It was the first opportunity that gave me a strong work ethic and started me on my way to my career," Rigsby, 36, said.

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Persons: Tiffanie Boyd, McDonald's, Boyd, Jeff Bezos, Barack Obama, Queen Latifah, Cody Rigsby, — Rigsby, he's, Rigsby, it's Organizations: Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNBC, Amazon, Global Locations: U.S, McDonald's, Greensboro , North Carolina, New York City