Gina

"I think wanting to grow, wanting to shine, and working to my full potential has kept me motivated. I really do love working here - I have been here five years and it has been a great experience from day one."

1. What do you like best about your work environment?

I like that I get to work with many different people. I work at a counter where there are 40 employees on the floor, so I also get to interact with many different backgrounds. I think that is what I really like the best, getting to know people and getting to know a little bit about everyone's personalities.

2. Why did you join Macy's, Inc. and why have you stayed?

I joined because there are many opportunities here. It is such a big company so there's always room for growth. Being able to step to the higher levels of management is definitely a plus for me.

3. What has been your most memorable moment since joining the company?

Being able to satisfy the customers are the memorable moments for me. For example, having a customer come in for a return and being able to turn that into a sale, or having that customer come back repeated times to me because they enjoyed my service really gives me a sense of satisfaction. I have this one customer, Rosa, she came in because she bought the wrong products and had come to return them. So, I sat her down and skin-typed her and was able to tell her what she really needed. After that she always comes in and looks for me because I gave her great customer service.

4. How has the training you've received since joining the company benefited you?

I have gone through many different types of training here, from both my division and my vendor. Both really have helped me better assist the customer, provide better customer service, and enabled me to feel comfortable dealing with different types of situations.

5. Is the community involvement important to you, have you been involved in any projects in your division, and was this considered when joining the company?

I have to say that I like the fact that Macy's, Inc. has different projects, like the clothing and food drives and United Way, which I have been involved in year after year. I don't think it was something I considered five years ago when I joined because it wasn't as important to me then as it is now. I give a percentage from my check weekly to United Way - at the end of the year it comes out to be about $200.

6. What advice would you give to a new associate joining the company? What helped you establish yourself and move ahead with your career goals?

I would say get excited for all the new and fun things that happen here at Macy's, Inc. If they are ready to grow, then this is the place they should come. I have worked with my merchandise line for five years, so knowing that I want to reach the next level with them has allowed me to move ahead with my career goals. I think wanting to grow, wanting to shine, and working to my full potential - so that people notice the great job that I am doing - has kept me motivated. It also helps me strive to move up and do the things that are going to help me move up. I really do love working here - I have been here five years and it has been a great experience from day one.