 Senior AnalystAaron has been promoted to Senior Analyst, Enterprise Projects. "When new projects come up, I might need to learn more about a specific item. Whether it is something infrastructure or technology related, I am able to take a class and learn more about that prior to kicking off the project."
 | Why did you join Macy's Systems and Technology and why have you stayed? |
I joined Macy's Systems and Technology because I enjoy working with new technology. The reason I stayed is because I like working on enterprise-wide projects that deal with all divisions. I also enjoy working with associates that are in the different Families of Business (FOBs) and divisions.
| What do you enjoy most about what you do and what are your overall job responsibilities? |
What I enjoy the most is being able to work on enterprise-wide projects which have to deal with all divisions and FOBs. My overall job responsibilities are that I'm a project manager in the infrastructure and field services project management office. I manage projects that deal with client server technology and network infrastructure.
| What contribution do you make to your division and how do you feel you make a difference? |
I think my contribution to the organization is my drive and leadership on enterprise-wide projects. I am able to organize, coordinate and manage them to completion. I think that makes a difference because my organizational skills provide the means for other associates to use the tools that we develop. Each project we do is going to deal with all divisions. So we don't manage division-specific projects. Projects are going to be like rolling out XP to all the divisions, or managing an active directory that's going to deal with all divisions and all FOBs. The projects are huge; I'm not just developing an application, I'm developing and implementing infrastructure-type projects for Macy's, Inc.
| What has been your most memorable moment since joining the company? |
My most memorable moment was the completion of the NT store server upgrade project. It dealt with approximately 460 stores, putting in a new store server and network equipment. It was big because of the coordination and management necessary to meet the timing that was set and do it well. I felt that the project team had successfully finished a huge project. It was a good feeling.
| How has the training you've received since joining the company benefited you? |
It has definitely helped me to be more efficient. I went to Georgia Tech and got an IT project management certification from them. That has helped tremendously, and we've used the Pin Box project management body of knowledge that they teach. When new projects come up, I might need to learn more about a specific item. Whether it is something infrastructure or technology related, I am able to take a class and learn more about that prior to kicking off the project. That has helped tremendously, and the Macy's Systems and Technology training here has helped to provide a broader knowledge of the different technologies and the ways that Macy's, Inc. does business.
| 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? |
From a community involvement standpoint, I've coached a couple of basketball and softball teams. I've been able to get Macy's Systems and Technology to sponsor teams. I've also been involved in the Corporate Challenge that Macy's Systems and Technology participates in every year. I video taped the events for Macy's Systems and Technology. The Corporate Challenge is a big deal here in Atlanta. The proceeds from the race benefit Atlanta charities, the Atlanta Braves Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta.
| What do you like best about your work environment? |
Definitely that I am able to wear casual clothing and that it is laid back. I think it's important that we have the casual, laid-back environment. That is the biggest thing about Macy's Systems and Technology. It helps to relax you. Also, we have an open door policy to talk to anybody at any time.
| What personal interests/hobbies do you have and how do you balance them with your work? |
I play in three basketball leagues, I'm on three flag football teams, I'm on a soccer team, and I play tennis. I play all of those year round, and I definitely have to be flexible. I usually don't have any problems with getting to the games after work and of course the majority of them are on the weekends. So, I have not had any issues being able to play all those sports and also do what I'm expected at work.
| What advice would you give to a new executive joining the company? What helped you establish yourself and move ahead with your career goals? |
I would definitely recommend that they ensure that they're organized, prepared and take on challenges. They should also be flexible since technologies change every day. I think I've done well by setting project and personal goals upfront, meeting those timelines, being organized and efficient and making that extra effort to ensure that the customer is getting what they required out of the product that we provide.
| What do you see in the future for Macy's, Inc. and the department store industry? |
I see that Macy's Systems and Technology will continue to develop new applications and many new infrastructures for Macy's, Inc. to take advantage of, allowing us to streamline our business and reduce overhead cost. I can see Macy's, Inc. working on developing the new assortments and simplifying our prices, improving the in-store shopping experience within Macy's, Inc. locations and working on marketing to our customers.
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