Great jobs to work at McDonald’s in 2025

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If you’re hunting for great jobs to work at McDonald’s in 2025, you’re in good company. With over 43,000 restaurants worldwide and new locations opening every year, McDonald’s remains one of the world’s most consistent entry points into the workforce—and a surprisingly powerful springboard into management, tech, marketing, and supply chain careers. (McDonald’s Corporation)

Below, you’ll find a complete, practical guide to the best roles (restaurant and corporate), the skills you’ll gain, what benefits you can realistically expect in the US, UK, and Canada, and how to apply with a resume that stands out. We’ve included legit references to real programs like Archways to Opportunity in the US, apprenticeships in the UK, and scholarships in Canada, so you can plan your next move with confidence. (Archways to Opportunity, McDonald’s Careers, McDonald’s)

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Table of contents

1. Why McDonald’s is still a smart career move in 2025
2. 17 great jobs to work at McDonald’s in 2025 (restaurant + corporate)
3. Pay, hours, and benefits (US, UK, Canada)
4. Real education and career programs you can use
5. How to apply and get hired (ATS-proof steps)
6. Resume keywords and bullet examples
7. Interview questions you’ll likely face (and how to crush them)
8. Growth paths: where these jobs lead in 1–3 years
9. Frequently asked questions

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1) Why McDonald’s is still a smart career move in 2025

Great jobs to work at McDonald’s in 2025

Scale & stability. Few employers can match McDonald’s for sheer volume of roles, locations, schedules, and promotion opportunities. A system that spans tens of thousands of restaurants across 100+ countries means a higher probability you’ll find hours that fit your life, plus internal transfers if you move cities or go to college. (McDonald’s Corporation)

Skills for life. Whether you’re working the front counter or analyzing supply chain data, you’ll practice customer service, communication, reliability, time management, teamwork, and process discipline—the exact soft skills employers keep listing in job ads.

Step-up programs. In 2025, McDonald’s continues to back education and training:

• US: Archways to Opportunity (tuition assistance for eligible crew and managers). (Archways to Opportunity)
• UK: Apprenticeships from Level 2 to Level 6 (Degree) with 20,000+ supported since 2006. (McDonald’s Careers)
• Canada: Long-running scholarship and training programs for crew and restaurant leaders. (McDonald’s)

Clear ladders. Many corporate managers, franchise owners, and tech leaders started as crew. If you want momentum, McDonald’s gives you a visible 1–2–3 step path: Crew → Shift/Department Leader → Assistant/General Manager → Corporate/Franchise leadership.

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2) The 17 Best McDonald’s Jobs in 2025 (and why they’re great)

Great jobs to work at McDonald’s in 2025

Below are 17 roles—from entry-level to corporate—ranked by how quickly they build transferable skills, unlock growth, or offer standout benefits.

A) Restaurant roles (frontline & leadership)

1. Crew Member (Front Counter / Drive-Thru / Kitchen)
   Why it’s great: Best on-ramp for first jobs, flexible shifts, and cross-training. You’ll master customer service scripts, POS systems, quality standards, and speed-of-service targets.
   Skills you’ll gain: Communication, cash handling, food safety, teamwork, timeboxing (e.g., “30-second window” drive-thru tasks).
   Where it leads: Trainer → Shift Lead → Department Manager.
2. McCafé Barista
   Why it’s great: Coffee skills are portable across hospitality. You’ll learn drink builds, espresso calibration, milk texturing, and upselling.
   Where it leads: Café lead/barista trainer, or transitions to specialty coffee shops.
3. Guest Experience Leader (GEL)
   Why it’s great: A people-facing job that builds hospitality and conflict resolution. You’ll manage table service, help with the app, and solve problems on the floor.
   Where it leads: Shift leadership, customer success/service roles elsewhere.
4. Overnight Crew
   Why it’s great: Often higher pay differentials and quieter periods to cross-train. You’ll run clean-down and maintenance routines—valuable for compliance-focused jobs.
   Where it leads: Maintenance, shift leadership, or ops coordinator roles.
5. People/Training Ambassador (Crew Trainer)
   Why it’s great: You’ll coach new team members on stations, safety, and service standards—your first taste of leadership and instructional design (think checklists, SOPs).
   Where it leads: Department Manager; L\&D roles in other industries.
6. Shift Leader / Shift Manager
   Why it’s great: First true leadership step—scheduling, labour planning, cashouts, waste control, drive-thru metrics, and incident handling.
   Where it leads: Department Manager → Assistant Manager.
7. Department Manager (e.g., People, Kitchen, Guest Services)
   Why it’s great: You’ll own a KPI set (food costs, training completion, guest satisfaction), run coaching sessions, and partner with the General Manager.
   Where it leads: Assistant Manager → General Manager; operations analyst roles.
8. Assistant Manager
   Why it’s great: Full exposure to inventory, P\&L basics, labour optimization, vendor relationships, and marketing activations.
   Where it leads: General Manager or multi-unit supervisor (Area Coach).
9. General Manager (GM)
   Why it’s great: You’ll run a small business: hiring, budgeting, audits, community outreach, and growth. Many GMs progress to multi-site leadership or franchise ownership.
   Where it leads: Area Supervisor, training consultant, franchise operator.
10. Maintenance / Tech Specialist
    Why it’s great: Hands-on work with food safety systems, refrigeration basics, digital kiosks, and kitchen equipment.
    Where it leads: Facilities coordinator, vendor technician, or field service roles.
11. Delivery & Digital Orders Coordinator
    Why it’s great: Manage aggregator tablets, order batching, “Ready on Arrival” app flow, and kiosk uptime—great for tech-ops resumes.
    Where it leads: Store systems specialist, digital ops coordinator.
12. Community & Events Champion
    Why it’s great: Local marketing with schools, charities, and sports clubs, plus fundraisers. Excellent if you enjoy communications and partnerships.
    Where it leads: Brand ambassador roles, community manager, PR assistant.

B) Corporate, tech, and professional roles

13. Field Operations Consultant
    Why it’s great: Coach multiple restaurants on operational excellence, audits, and KPI improvement.
    Where it leads: Regional ops leadership; franchise performance advisor.
14. Supply Chain & Logistics Analyst
    Why it’s great: Work on forecasting, vendor performance, demand planning, and cold chain—skills that transfer to any major retailer or CPG.
    Where it leads: Planner → Senior Analyst → Manager across industries.
15. Marketing & Digital Engagement Specialist
    Why it’s great: Campaigns for app loyalty, seasonal menus, and local activations. Learn A/B testing, loyalty funnels, and CRM.
    Where it leads: Growth marketing, brand roles at agencies or tech companies.
16. Restaurant Technology Support (Help Desk / Systems Analyst)
    Why it’s great: Support kiosks, POS, mobile ordering, and integrations with delivery partners.
    Where it leads: IT support → Systems admin → Product analyst.
17. Early-Career / University Programs (US & UK)
    Why it’s great: Rotational programs and degree apprenticeships (UK) or early career pathways (US) to give you hands-on development and a fast start in corporate roles. (McDonald’s Careers, McDonald’s Careers)

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3) Pay, Hours, and Benefits in 2025 (US, UK, Canada)

Important: Most McDonald’s restaurants are independently owned by franchisees. Pay and benefits vary by location but must meet or exceed local labor laws.

United States

• Pay: Typically set by the franchise or company-owned restaurants in line with local market rates. Many locations offer differentials for overnights or busy shifts.
• Benefits to look for: Flexible schedules, employee meals, uniforms, bonuses, and US-specific programs (see Archways to Opportunity, below). (Archways to Opportunity)

United Kingdom

• Baseline: The National Minimum and Living Wage rates changed April 1, 2025. As a reference point, the National Living Wage (21+) is £12.21 per hour in 2025. Younger rates and apprentice rates apply below 21. Many restaurants pay above the legal minimum depending on region and experience. (GOV.UK, GOV.UK)

Canada

• Baseline: Minimum wages are set by province/territory, and the federal minimum wage increased to \$17.75 on April 1, 2025 (applies to federally regulated sectors; restaurants typically follow provincial rates—some provinces are higher). (Canada, Retail Council of Canada)
• Benefits to look for: Canadian franchisees commonly highlight scholarships, training, uniforms, and performance reviews that boost earning power over time. (McDonald’s Canada)

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4) Real Programs That Make McDonald’s Jobs “Great” in 2025

Great jobs to work at McDonald’s in 2025

US: Archways to Opportunity (Tuition, Education & More)

• What it is: A set of education benefits for eligible US restaurant employees—high school completion, English under the Arches, college advising, and tuition assistance.
• How much: Up to \$2,500/year for crew and \$3,000/year for managers at participating restaurants, typically after 90 days and meeting hours/performance thresholds. (Always check your specific franchise; eligibility can vary.) (Archways to Opportunity)
• Where to learn more / apply: The Archways official site. (Archways to Opportunity)

UK: McDonald’s Apprenticeships (Earn While You Learn)

• What it is: Award-winning apprenticeships from Level 2 through Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, fully funded by McDonald’s for eligible employees.
• Track record: The company notes 20,000+ people supported since 2006. (McDonald’s Careers)
• Why it matters: You can progress from crew to a degree-level qualification without pausing your career or taking on traditional student debt.

Canada: Training & Scholarships

• What it is: A long-running program of scholarships and skills training for crew and managers. McDonald’s Canada reports thousands of employee scholarships awarded over 25+ years, totaling \$2M+. (McDonald’s)
• Why it matters: Financial recognition and training milestones help you accelerate wage growth and promotion readiness.

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5) How to Apply and Get Hired (Step-by-Step)

Great jobs to work at McDonald’s in 2025

Step 1: Choose your role and location.

• US: Start with the official US restaurant hiring portal (search by ZIP/postal code). (Mchire)
• UK: Visit the UK careers site for restaurant, early careers, and apprenticeships. (McDonald’s Careers)
• Canada: Explore the national career portal, then filter by province/city. (McDonald’s Canada)

Step 2: Build a 1-page, ATS-friendly resume.

• Use a clean layout (no tables or graphics).
• Mirror the language of the job ad (keywords below).
• Show quantified achievements: “Processed 180+ drive-thru orders per shift,” “Maintained 98% order accuracy,” “Trained 8 new teammates.”

Step 3: Apply online—then follow up.

• After submitting, call or stop by during non-peak hours (2–4pm) to introduce yourself, confirm receipt, and ask about next steps. Friendly persistence often gets you an interview.

Step 4: Prep for the interview.

• See the question list below. Draft bullet answers using STAR (Situation-Task-Action-Result).
• Bring right-to-work documents and a printed resume.

Step 5: After the offer—ask smart questions.

• “How soon can I cross-train on a second station?”
• “What’s the typical timeline from Crew to Shift Lead here?”
• “Is this restaurant participating in [Archways/apprenticeships/scholarships] and how do I qualify?”

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6) Resume Keywords & Bullets That Win

Great jobs to work at McDonald’s in 2025

Keywords to include (sprinkle naturally)

customer service, cash handling, POS, drive-thru, order accuracy, food safety, sanitation, time management, teamwork, shift leadership, training, inventory, scheduling, KPI, waste reduction, problem solving, conflict resolution, digital orders, kiosk support, app loyalty, hospitality, communication

Bullet examples you can copy-edit

• “Delivered under-90-second drive-thru times during peak hours while sustaining 98% order accuracy and top-quartile guest satisfaction.”
• “Trained and certified 12 new hires across grill, fries, and front counter, reducing onboarding time by 25%.”
• “Managed \$2,500+ in daily cashouts with zero variances across 3 months.”
• “Coordinated mobile/kiosk orders and delivery tablets, resolving sync errors and keeping ‘Ready on Arrival’ orders on-time.”
• “Cut food waste by 15% via daily counts, FIFO rotation, and coaching on batch sizes.”
• “Scheduled 25–30 weekly shifts to balance coverage vs. labor targets; maintained labor % within plan.”

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7) Interview Questions You’ll Likely Face (and How to Answer)

Great jobs to work at McDonald’s in 2025

• “Tell me about a time you handled a difficult customer.”
  Use STAR: Describe the incident, what you tried, how you stayed calm, and the outcome (refund, remake, manager assist).
• “How do you prioritize during a rush?”
  Mention ticket triage, station roles, communication (“callbacks”), and keeping the line moving without sacrificing accuracy.
• “What does great teamwork look like here?”
  Cross-coverage (fries jumps to assembly), quick handoffs, clean talk (“behind”), sharing wipes and tools, and picking up slack before it’s asked.
• “Why McDonald’s?”
  Emphasize growth paths, education programs, and your interest in operator-level metrics (speed, accuracy, waste).
• “When are you available?”
  Offer specific windows and two flex options (e.g., “I can do Friday nights, or swap to Sunday mornings if needed”).

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8) Where These Jobs Lead (Your 1–3 Year Growth Map)

Great jobs to work at McDonald’s in 2025

Year 0–1:

• Master two stations, then cross-train a third.
• Volunteer for crew trainer tasks and close/open routines.
• Track personal metrics: items per labor hour, order accuracy, drive-thru times.

Year 1–2:

• Promote to Shift Lead; learn scheduling, cashouts, waste tracking.
• Complete food safety certifications and any available operations modules.
• In the US/UK/Canada, plug into Archways/apprenticeships/scholarships early. (Archways to Opportunity, McDonald’s Careers, McDonald’s)

Year 2–3:

• Step into Department Manager or Assistant Manager.
• Choose a specialty (people/training, digital/kiosk, kitchen production, community).
• Build a portfolio of before/after KPIs (e.g., “Cut late-night drive-thru times by 18%”); these numbers power corporate transitions in ops, supply chain, or IT support.

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9) FAQs (2025 Edition)

Great jobs to work at McDonald’s in 2025

Q1) Is McDonald’s a good first job in 2025?
Absolutely. You’ll build reliable soft skills and get structured training that many retail/hospitality roles don’t provide. It’s also among the most flexible employers for students and caregivers.

Q2) How much does McDonald’s pay in the US, UK, and Canada?
Pay varies by franchise and location. In the UK, 2025 legal minimums (effective April 1, 2025) include £12.21 for 21+ (National Living Wage), with lower rates for younger workers and apprentices. In Canada, the federal minimum wage rose to \$17.75 on April 1, 2025 (restaurants follow provincial wages; some provinces are higher). US wages vary by state/city and restaurant ownership, and many locations add shift differentials (overnight/evenings). Always check the specific posting. (GOV.UK, GOV.UK, Canada)

Q3) What education benefits can I really get?

• US: Archways to Opportunity—eligible crew can receive up to \$2,500/year and managers up to \$3,000/year in tuition assistance (participation and criteria apply). (Archways to Opportunity)
• UK: Apprenticeships up to Level 6 (Degree), fully funded for eligible employees; 20,000+ supported since 2006. (McDonald’s Careers)
• Canada: National training plus scholarships with a 25+ year track record and \$2M+ awarded. (McDonald’s)

Q4) How many McDonald’s locations are there?
McDonald’s reported 43,477 restaurants worldwide at year-end 2024 (useful for understanding how many opportunities exist in your region). (McDonald’s Corporation)

Q5) How do I move up fast?
Consistently hit speed and accuracy targets, volunteer to train others, learn inventory and labor basics, and ask for a personal development plan tied to promotion milestones.

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Role-by-Role Details (Duties, Skills, Perks, and Application Tips)

Great jobs to work at McDonald’s in 2025

Below, dig deeper into responsibilities, success traits, and interview-ready examples for the 17 great jobs to work at McDonald’s in 2025.

1) Crew Member (Front Counter / Drive-Thru / Kitchen)

Core duties:

• Take orders (in-person, kiosk, and drive-thru), prep and assemble food, keep stations clean, restock, follow food safety and hygiene.
• Use POS, communicate clearly (headset etiquette), and keep accuracy + speed balanced.

Shine with:

• A calm, friendly tone, quick problem-solving, and strong memory for menu builds.
• A habit of calling back orders and repeat-checking modifications.

Pro tip (interview): “Tell me about a rush” → Walk through your priorities: correct builds, timers, communication, and guest recovery for any mis-fire.

2) McCafé Barista

Core duties:

• Espresso calibration, milk texturing, temperature checks, cleaning routines, and latte art in some markets.
• Upsell: bakery pairings, size upgrades, seasonal drinks.

Shine with:

• Patience and attention to detail, especially with customizations (oat milk, sugar-free).
• Excellent product knowledge to suggest alternatives.

Pro tip: Bring a short cheat sheet you made for drink builds during training—shows initiative.

3) Guest Experience Leader (GEL)

Core duties:

• Greet dine-in guests, support table service, explain the app and loyalty, help seniors with kiosks, and handle small complaints on the spot.
• Collect guest feedback and note patterns (e.g., “bottleneck near kiosk #3 after 5pm”).

Shine with:

• Empathy, patience, and a problem-prevention mindset.

Pro tip: Track one micro-metric, like “% of guests I helped to place their first kiosk order,” then share the impact with your manager.

4) Overnight Crew

Core duties:

• Operating with lean teams, handling clean-down, equipment sanitation, and prep for the morning.
• Often coordinate with delivery drivers and check inventory.

Shine with:

• Self-management and checklist discipline.

Pro tip: Ask about overnight differentials and safety protocols—shows professionalism.

5) Crew Trainer / People Ambassador

Core duties:

• Onboard new hires, demonstrate stations, validate competencies, document progress.
• Run micro-huddles to reinforce safety and service standards.

Shine with:

• Clear communication, patience, and documentation.

Pro tip: Keep a small portfolio of training plans or before/after metrics.

6) Shift Leader / Shift Manager

Core duties:

• Assign stations, maintain food safety logs, manage breaks, cashout, and close/open procedures.
• Hit drive-thru times, order accuracy, labor %, and waste targets.

Shine with:

• Prioritization and coaching. You’re the calm center during the lunch rush.

Pro tip: Ask to learn basic scheduling and truck-day receiving early.

7) Department Manager (People, Kitchen, Guest Services)

Core duties:

• Own departmental KPIs, manage training completions, and partner with GM on targets.
• Run performance check-ins and corrective coaching.

Shine with:

• Data literacy (reading dashboards) + coaching.

Pro tip: Present a 90-day plan to improve one KPI (e.g., “reduce refunds 10% via order double-checks”).

8) Assistant Manager

Core duties:

• Inventory counts, vendor orders, P\&L basics, roster building, and local marketing.
• Lead by walking the floor and securing each station’s success.

Shine with:

• Ownership mindset and cost awareness.

Pro tip: Build cross-functional credibility (maintenance basics, kiosk troubleshooting).

9) General Manager

Core duties:

• Full-store leadership: hiring, retention, budgets, audits, community partnerships, labor law compliance.
• Develop future leaders and a bench for promotions.

Shine with:

• Strategic thinking, people development, and community presence.

Pro tip: Track community sponsorships and their foot traffic impact.

10) Maintenance / Tech Specialist

Core duties:

• Daily/weekly routines for grills, fryers, refrigeration, and kiosk/POS upkeep.
• Coordinate vendor service and downtime prevention.

Shine with:

• Troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.

Pro tip: Create a maintenance calendar with visual checks; it’s interview gold.

11) Delivery & Digital Orders Coordinator

Core duties:

• Oversee aggregator tablets (Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Deliveroo, etc.), ensure order syncing, bagging accuracy, and handoffs.
• Monitor app/kiosk performance and help guests with redemptions.

Shine with:

• Systems savvy and process mapping.

Pro tip: Keep a playbook for peak surges and share it with the team.

12) Community & Events Champion

Core duties:

• Organize charity nights, school partnerships, and event sampling.
• Boost local awareness and recruit talent through community ties.

Shine with:

• Storytelling and relationship-building.

Pro tip: Track redemption codes from events to tie activity to sales.

13) Field Operations Consultant (Corporate/Franchise Support)

Core duties:

• Coach franchise restaurants on standards, performance dashboards, guest experience, and audit readiness.
• Roll out new processes and menu launches.

Shine with:

• Influence without authority, analytics, and training.

Pro tip: Bring a portfolio of turnaround stories (with metrics).

14) Supply Chain & Logistics Analyst

Core duties:

• Demand forecasting, vendor scorecards, logistics coordination, and cold chain compliance.
• Collaborate on limited-time offers (LTOs) and seasonal spikes.

Shine with:

• Excel/Sheets mastery, SQL basics, and scenario planning.

Pro tip: Learn the bullwhip effect and show you can mitigate it.

15) Marketing & Digital Engagement Specialist

Core duties:

• Run local campaigns, manage CRM pushes, A/B test loyalty offers, coordinate in-store visuals.
• Report on redemption, incremental visits, and ticket size.

Shine with:

• Creative + analytical balance.

Pro tip: Build a mini case study on a loyalty campaign you admire (even from another brand).

16) Restaurant Technology Support

Core duties:

• Triage POS/kiosk/app issues, coordinate with vendors, document fixes, minimize downtime.
• Train staff on best practices to avoid recurring errors.

Shine with:

• Calm troubleshooting and clear documentation.

Pro tip: Keep a runbook—interviewers love process thinkers.

17) Early-Career & University Programs

Core duties/benefits:

• Rotational exposure across teams, mentorship, and structured skill development.
• Ideal for graduates aiming at ops, marketing, analytics, or IT. (McDonald’s Careers)

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External Links You’ll Actually Use

• Restaurant roles (US): official US hiring portal. (Mchire)
• UK Careers & Apprenticeships: official UK site. (McDonald’s Careers)
• Canada Careers & Training/Perks: national careers + perks page. (McDonald’s Canada, McDonald’s)
• Archways to Opportunity (US): official info & tuition details. (Archways to Opportunity)
• Restaurant count by market (global context): McDonald’s investor docs. (McDonald’s Corporation)
• UK wage reference (2025): GOV.UK. (GOV.UK, GOV.UK)
• Canada wage reference (2025 federal): Government of Canada + provincial overview. (Canada, Retail Council of Canada)

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Suggested Internal Links (add these to your site)

Great jobs to work at McDonald’s in 2025

• /career-resources/fast-food-resume-template – free ATS-ready resume for crew/shift roles
• /interview-questions/mcdonalds-crew – 25 common questions + STAR answers
• /guides/first-job-checklist – documents, availability, references, dress code
• /education/working-while-studying – compare tuition/work programs (US/UK/Canada)
• /hospitality-careers/pathways – where QSR jobs lead in 3–5 years

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Quick Application Checklist (Copy & Save)

Great jobs to work at McDonald’s in 2025

• □ 1-page resume with quantified bullets
• □ Availability grid (days/times + two flex options)
• □ Right-to-work documents ready
• □ References (teacher/coach or past supervisor)
• □ Interview outfit (simple, neat, closed-toe shoes)
• □ Two STAR stories: (1) difficult customer, (2) peak-rush prioritization
• □ One growth question for the manager (training/promotion timeline)

Final Word

Whether you’re looking for your first job or aiming to build a management or corporate career, these 17 great jobs to work at McDonald’s in 2025 give you real pathways—not just shifts. The global scale of McDonald’s (over 43k restaurants) means more openings, flexible schedules, and transferable skills you can leverage anywhere. Add in US tuition assistance, UK apprenticeships, and Canadian scholarships, and you’ve got a credible platform to earn, learn, and level up faster than you might expect. (McDonald’s Corporation, Archways to Opportunity, McDonald’s Careers, McDonald’s)

If this guide helped, bookmark it—and when you land your interview, circle back to the resume bullets and interview questions above to turn opportunity into an offer.

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