Michael

Michael has been promoted to Planner.

"The thing I enjoy most about my work environment is the people. Macy's has a very diverse work force. It's a pleasure to come to work every day and work with such outstanding people."

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

I had an internship with Macy's, Inc. during college that gave me the opportunity to apply what I was learning in school to a practical work environment. The internship gave me exposure to many different areas including buying, marketing and planning. Following my internship, I was offered a position with Macy's, Inc. I enjoyed the experience that I had during my internship, and I felt it would be a great place to begin my career and improve my skills.

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

What I enjoy most about my position is that I'm constantly challenged. I learn something new on a day-in and day-out basis. I'm not afraid to ask questions which helps me to learn from a number of different people. Whether it is from my immediate supervisor or middle to upper management, I'm able to increase my learning. My current job responsibilities as an associate planner are as an advocate for the stores to select the necessary assortment. I work as a team with the buyers to decide how best to allocate the merchandise to the stores.

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

I feel that one of my strongest assets is my willingness to be flexible and to continually adapt and learn no matter what position I am put into. It is my willingness to learn and openness to change which allow me to make a continuous contribution to my division. I make a difference because I work hard, and I'm willing to challenge myself and be challenged.

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

As an intern, I was fortunate to participate in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I had the opportunity to be a celebrity escort. While they took part in the parade, I was able to watch the parade right from the street. I watched the parade on national television every year when I was growing up so being able to participate in the event was a wonderful experience.

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

Macy's, Inc. offers a wonderful training program. They provide system classes, negotiating classes and services to help college students adapt to the working environment once they graduate from school. I feel the training has helped me a great deal on the job.

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

Community involvement is very important to me. Macy's, Inc. encourages their employees to give back to the community and to get involved. While working at Macy's, Inc., I've been able to participate in activities such as Partners in Time where I read to an elementary school child. That was a very rewarding experience, both for myself and for the young student. I've also taken part in food drives and I'm a member of one of Macy's softball teams. I wanted to work in an environment where I would have the opportunity to learn on the job as well as to take part in activities outside of work. It gives myself and my coworkers the opportunity to get to know one another outside of the office.

What do you like best about your work environment?

The thing I enjoy most about my work environment is the people. Macy's, Inc. has a very diverse work force. It's a pleasure to come to work every day and work with such outstanding people. Another thing I enjoy is the flexibility that is offered. Over the past few years, they have implemented a compressed work schedule where you can work an extra hour during the week and leave early another day in order to have a longer weekend. This allows us to enjoy our friends, family and free time more. Our casual dress code provides a much more relaxed working atmosphere. Macy's, Inc. has also implemented a cross-Macy's, Inc. discount program where employees can take advantage of their employee discount at all divisions of Macy's, Inc.

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

I enjoy traveling as much as I can. I'm originally from Canada so I try to see as much of the U.S. as possible. It's a pleasure to live in a country where there is such a diverse landscape with urban and suburban areas. My other hobbies include athletics. I enjoy taking part in sports as much as possible in order to keep fit and relieve stress. I like to play basketball, baseball and tennis. Macy's, Inc. does offer different softball teams that employees are encouraged to take part in.

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 encourage them to get involved, ask questions, be flexible and be prepared to be challenged. You have to be open to change and willing to work in a number of different areas because no two days are the same. It's important to work hard during the day but also to maintain a work-life balance. What helped me establish myself was my willingness to be flexible and versatile. I have the capability to work in a number of different areas. I'm willing to accept challenge and risk to take advantage of whatever opportunities present themselves.

What do you see in the future for Macy's, Inc.?

Macy's, Inc. is the leader in the department store industry. They will stand the test of time. Macy's, Inc. has continually been able to adapt to various trends and has been innovative in the industry. They will have nothing short of success in the future.