Week 2 at Macy's Corporate

Ashley Long

06/16/2013

WEEK2 - Day 14 Sunday

Upon entering this internship, I already had an idea of what Macy's was like. I always thought of it as a family store with personable people who are always willing to help. Now that I have been working in the office, learning from my mentors, and talking with upper management, I have learned that Macy's is all about teamwork, everyone's opinions matter, and the number one rule "the customer is always first". The reputation of this company is world renown. Macy's has always been known to have the magic of making the best shopping experience and is called America's Department store. The image of this employer is of an older more mature women who is looking for great clothes at a reasonable price. Working in the corporate office, I do not work directly with customer service. However, with my experiences at Macy's stores and learning the corporate philosophy of "be everywhere, do everything, never fail to astonish the customer", I can only assume that the drive to create the most memorable shopping experience is instilled into every single Macy's worker. 

I believe that I fit into this culture because I have always shopped at Macy's and knew every single brand going into this internship. The company has also treated me as an equal by facilitating my learning, working on real products, and valuing my input. I currently work in the men's division of private labels called Tasso Elba. The products that this Private brand creates include hard pieces, golf wear, island styles, and activewear.

So far the most challenging difficulties would be the fact that I am not proficient in Excel nor in the CS6 programs. It has been hurting me to be against the curve on these two programs since I have hardly used excel since freshmen year and do not have the necessary training the CAD software <not the same as Mrs. Brooks class). So far I have been combating these obstacles, by working after my internship in learning excel and asking for designers help in figuring out the CS6 CAD system. It is still a work in process since I am learning a years worth of work in only a short few weeks. I have also learned that being a southern girl has its advantage. Everyone in the office thinks I am the sweetest thing by having the normal southern hospitality and always smiling. I have also learned that to work in an atmosphere where everyone works as a giant team, communication and team skills are KEY!!! (Thank you to all teachers who have ever made me do group projects!)

Currently I have had no issues with my boss nor mentor, they have been extremely helpful and sweet so far. I have, however, had a confrontation with a coworker. When the head designer of the men's division asked for my opinion an a shirt the coworker was working on, I was honest and told him the truth of the design looking a little off in the collar. The coworker glared at me and stormed out of the room. Afterwards, I went and confronted the coworker. I apologized to him if I had said anything wrong, and that I just wanted what was best for the company and for those who are buying the divisions products. After resolving the miscommunication, we are now back to being friends.

I currently love my living arrangements! It is a little tight however the amount I pay for my living is unbelievable. I currently am staying with Olivia Barrett and Erica Boyd. We are staying in a 1 bed 1 bath studio apartment in Upper East of Manhattan. I can not wait for this week since I will be presenting a selling report of the past weeks men's shorts to the division head! Wish me luck!!