Starbucks is an international coffee corporation, originating in Seattle, Washington in 1971. Initially, they were a roaster and retailer of whole bean and ground coffee, tea and spices with a single store in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Today, Starbucks serves millions of customers daily and boasts over 22,000 retail stores in 67 countries around the world. Starbucks is known as a  neighborhood gathering place, and is used by college students needing a place to study, old friends meeting up, or business people looking for a place to meet.

Rated as one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Ethisphere and  “Employer of the Year” by US Business Leadership Network Annual Leader, and many other awards, this treatment of the community doesn’t stop at their customers. Starbucks offers comprehensive health coverage for eligible full and part time employees. They are also known for their college achievement plan that offers student employees the opportunity to be reimbursed through Starbucks for their education. As quoted on Starbucks’ website “Our mission: to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.”

Community, ethical sourcing, environment, and global responsibility. These are the four top responsibilities Starbucks feels are crucial for them to have a positive and lasting impact on. From water/energy conservation to veteran support and nearly everything in between, Starbucks strives to be a responsible contributor to the global wellbeing.

While the corporate culture of Starbucks is more formal, the entry level barista culture is far more causal. The CEO, Howard Schultz, is typically seen wearing a business suit and tie, and most other corporate employees dress similarly. The baristas however, wear simple black pants and a top with the Starbucks apron and hat. Overall, this promotes unity and a sense of comfortable professionalism from the baristas, all the way up to the CEO.

Seattle, Washington, where the Starbucks headquarters reside, has a relatively low violent crime rate, and their schools are ranked at a decent national standing. Their weather however, is not for the faint of heart – racking up merely 100 sunny days in a good year. Overall Seattle is a sought after city to live in with the bustling downtown region where Starbucks’ original store still resides, the Space Needle, and Pike’s Place market to name a few.

Overall, Starbucks appears to be a beneficial company for work for at any level, barista or corporate office. And if the headquarters in Seattle aren’t a good fit, dozens of offices exist world wide allowing for a multi-cultural career if so desired.