Kelly

"Everyone has different backgrounds that come together to add to the whole puzzle. It is interesting to bring so many different levels of experience to a project."

What do you like best about your work environment?

The thing that I like best about the environment is that there is a lot of variety in what I can do and get involved in. Everyone has different backgrounds that come together to add to the whole puzzle. It is interesting to bring so many different levels of experience to complete a final project. I like contributing to that process. At my level of being out of school for three years now, I'm able to give advice and experience that they value, and we are able to get everything accomplished.

What do you see in the future for Federated?

This company is definitely about growth and is not afraid to take risks. Being that way is a very positive aspect in retail. We try many different things. We have different Internet companies as well as the traditional department stores, and we've tried marketing a variety of products over the years. In the future, I see a lot of growth for Federated and a very dominant company.

Why did you join Federated and why have you stayed?

I joined Federated right out of college. I joined the company because I saw a lot of diversity as far as work experience goes and a lot of work opportunities. Coming out of college, I didn't really know what I wanted to do. I went through four-and-a-half years to pursue a mathematics and statistics degree, so I knew I wanted to do something analytical. But I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do with my life. In Federated, I saw a big company with locations all over. If you just look at the things our divisions do, it tells part of the story about Federated's uniqueness. As you know there's the Macy's Parade, which is not your typical corporate project. I thought, "Wow, a company that does something like that must really get involved in lots of different things and I could try anything." I've stayed because I've had a great time and have learned so many different things.

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

I've learned about working with different people, and I definitely think my "team player" skills have improved. I've been taught to think outside the box, not to just tackle a problem in one specific, single way.

What do you enjoy most about what you do and what are your overall job responsibilities?

Currently, I have the title of Treasury Analyst in the Treasury department and I do a variety of projects. This is an ideal job for me, so I am very excited right now. I assist everyone in the Treasury department by analyzing any projects that come to the table. I look at all the financial responsibilities associated with different projects and I give advice on how to improve them. I also troubleshoot different problems, and basically oversee the overall analytical processes involved in the projects. It is really great because it feels like what I say matters. I get to play around with the numbers and let them tell a story.

What contribution do you make to your division and how do you feel you make a difference?

I contribute by doing a lot of analytical work and sitting in on many of the meetings and discussions going on. My boss is really great because he keeps me involved in everything. People ask for my opinion, so that means they really do listen to me. A lot of times when you are young in your career, you are kind of overlooked. I don't feel like that here. I feel like what I have to say is really valued and what I say is taken into consideration.

What personal interests/hobbies do you have and how do you balance them with your work?

Well actually, I like shopping, music, and reading, but these are things that don't conflict with work. Retail is actually affected by many different arenas. For instance, music really affects retail. So, all of my hobbies affect my retail environment. I might be watching MTV and I could see a hot new boy band and a new design, and then maybe for a particular event we could get that band to do a signing for a line of clothes and that could boost sales. So, everything is kind of connected. I don't have a problem balancing. I feel that everyone is very supportive and the hours are very flexible. So, if I did need to leave, my boss is very cooperative and I could always adjust my schedule very easily.