Exploring the Possibilities

And so my manager saw that, and just like yourself, he promoted me into what was called a selling specialist position, and I did that for a little while, and then got promoted on into a team lead position, and was able to lead a group of people in that job, and had a lot of fun doing that, and then became what was called a selling manager at the time, and really got to hone in on some business skills, and really try to develop a drive a team. And then I got my first department, kids, and that was funny, because when I interviewed for the kids job, I said-I was 24 years old. I go, "I don't even have any kids." [laughter] And so, but any way, ended up really loving that role, because that role provided me an opportunity to really drive a business that had all aspects of different businesses. So, that was a great foundation to learn from, and it really helped me to move forward into my next role, which was a little bit bigger of an assignment, which was Men's Collections-young men's and designer, and basically loved doing that. It was a little bit bigger of a role, and I had a lot more people, and was able to actually develop an assistant who I had had at the time as well, too. So, it really helped me develop my management skills even further.

And then I had an opportunity to go over to the ready to wear side of the business, and was a manager for Juniors, Expressions, I.N.C., and impulse, and did that for a little while, and then was able to-someone else had seen something in me that they thought I would be good at, and it was actually staffing. And the position was called a staffing analyst. I never thought that I would go into a job like that, because it was very numbers driven. But what I really loved about that role was it allowed me to go to different stores, and really get different perspectives from different store managers and group sales managers and really learn from each one of them how they did their job, and got to see different aspects of how they did their job. But something was missing, and I wanted to go back into the store line. And that's one of the great things about this company, Macy's, is that there's so many different avenues you can go into and so many different opportunities that are out there for you, as long as you seize them.

So, I had an opportunity to become an assistant store manager, and interviewed for that position, and luckily, got that position, and really loved that, because it got me back into the store, got me back in with the team, day in and day out, and I was able to manage managers now as an assistant store manager, and really teach them the kind of things that I had learned so that they can teach their staff and grow their staff, and did that for about a couple years, and then had an opportunity to interview for my own store. And I think that was one of the defining moments, going from a seasonal to a store manager within a 10 to 11 year period. Someone can walk into a Macy's and fill out an application, get hired as a seasonal hire, and then 10 years later, be sitting in the CEO's office, interviewing to manage your own store, which is a great, great experience. And I've never looked back since. I've been a store manager now for about a year and a half, and I have loved every single minute of it. It's been a vehicle that has allowed me to express myself in every way I could imagine.

Fedalia: You know, I hear that a lot, too, that executives within the company have started off as seasonal hires, and that they've developed their careers from there. Many years ago, I started off as a seasonal person in a seasonal department. So, I really didn't anticipate staying, but there was that one person that took an interest in me, and you know, said, "Hey, you have talent. You have real talent with the customers. You engage them. Let's see if we can develop your skills." And just because that person took the time to do that and to say that to me, you know, it meant a lot, and that's why I've stayed for now 19 years. So, [laughs], yeah, it's a testament to the work environment that is provided to us in Macy's.

Adam: I also started as a seasonal hire, and it was actually my first job out of high school. I had just graduated out of high school, just started college. So, I needed a job to help pay for school. My mom and my sister had worked for the company before part time. So, I knew about the company. I loved to shop there also. So, I went in and applied, got hired in men's furnishings. I didn't even know how to tie a tie. [laughter] But they hired me there as seasonal-they taught me. I really enjoyed working with the customers, especially during the holiday season where you know, they're looking for a gift, and you're pointing them in the right direction to get the gift. When they get that right gift for the person, they're just so happy that they found it. You kind of made their day, and I really like that. And you know, my manager also took notice of me and said, "You're doing a great job. You really work well with customers," and kept me on after the holidays. And I worked my way through the company through there.

Sandra: I share a similar experience. I started off as a sales associate in the junior department, and my manager also saw in me the potential to lead a team. So, I became a team leader. And I've been with the company for nine years. And what's really kept me part of the company is I have a clear understanding of what the priorities are. Mark is my store manager, and he really guides me in regards to what our priorities are and guides me in my career. So, I feel very fortunate to be a part of this company, which analyzes your growth in the company, and directs you to what you should do in regards to get to your path in this career.

Vicky: One of the priorities that is important to me is the one that says you count, because you know what? We really do count. And they helped us all grow. They saw the potential in all of us being part time-you know, even being on the sales force. I was only here in the evenings. I mean, I didn't think that those people (management) saw me. You know, because the manager, you know, works mostly during the day, but I was really surprised that they did see me, and that I did count, and that we all counted, and it's great, because we're all promoted. Anybody can be promoted, if you have the willingness, the motivation-if you can just get yourself out there, and you work hard, you will count to this company. Everybody counts.