Kit

Kit has been promoted to Analyst II, Programming.

"In my time at Macy's Systems and Technology, I have yet to view any gaps in my growth and development. The training is a never-ending process."

What do you like best about your work environment?

The supportive atmosphere and how everyone is willing to help you with your problems. It is sort of an open-door environment even with our management. It is a really relaxed atmosphere.

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

I don't really have any one memorable moment that stands out the most, but I would have to say it would be my involvement in recruiting college students that has been the most memorable. I've met and spoken with a large number of college students from all over the southeast because I have attended college recruiting fairs in Florida. I was what we call an open-house ambassador here at our campus, and I acted as a guide for students that are here for interviews. I was even a participant on our panel discussions with our college students.

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

Due to the nature of my division's business, training involves both professional development and technical training. But this doesn't mean that either one is more important than the other. In fact when entering the Excel program, there are a certain number of professional development classes that we are required to attend. Some topics included product management, managing meetings, and even conflict resolution. On the technical side, it varies from project to project based on business needs. We have technical training on program languages. Because we are involved in so many things, I believe that in my time here I have yet to view any gaps in my growth and development. The training is a never-ending process.

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

I give my division the ability to handle multiple tasks at one time, whether it is a support role or development role. I guess it just boils down to multi-tasking. I believe the flexibility that I have frees up other resources used elsewhere. As for how I feel I make a difference, I believe I contribute to Macy's Systems and Technology's bottom line. I help our merchants directly. They make decisions based on the reports that I help develop, so in my mind that is as direct contribution as can be without being physically in the stores and on the selling floor.

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

What I enjoy most is that there is always a new challenge everyday. It is especially true from a technical perspective where Murphy's Law really rules - something will always go wrong, even though you think it won't. But the great thing about my division is that even though you may have problems, and even though there will be times when your team might not be able to help you - we have so many resources here and the knowledge base is so big that someone somewhere in this building can help you with your problem. There always is a willingness for people to help you around here, and that is what I enjoy the most because you won't just get stuck on something. My overall job responsibilities right now are to develop new reports for our application, which is called FedView, and also to support existing reports. FedView is basically an application that accommodates reporting for real-time decision making. It is currently in use by about 3,000 buyers and planners throughout Macy's, Inc.

What advice would you give to a new associate joining the company? What helped you establish yourself and move ahead with your career goals?

Join Macy's Systems and Technology with an open mind and an openness to learn. Ask questions and be a helping hand around here. It's no big secret. I knew clearly what was expected from me the moment I joined Macy's Systems and Technology, so there was no confusion on my part at least. And this along with my willingness to work helped me establish myself. It also helped that management is very supportive of us and wants to see us as trainees, be successful. Work hard, let management know how you are doing, and the rest will take care of itself.