Elisa B. - Target

Elisa B.
Executive Team Leader - Guest Experience, Target

What is your role at Target?
I am an assistant store manager at a Target Store. My areas that I am directly in charge of are: Guest Service Desk, Food Court, Cash Office and the entire Front End Staff. I also am the Leader on Duty 2-3 times a week, where I am in charge of the whole building and all the employees.

What experience(s) in the past  helped you prepare for this internship/job?
Classes at Stony Brook involving direct management and consumer behavior have proven to be the most beneficial classes. I have taken classes that have helped me "jump start" my career. Having worked with the company prior to the internship, did not prove to be as beneficial as the support I received from my teachers at Stony Brook.

Why did you choose Target?
Target is a great company overall. There are so many things the company does to give back to the community and also to its own employees. Target always ensures that the work environment is fast, fun and friendly. Working at Target feels like your working more with family than just co-workers.

How did you find this position?
I was recommended internally by some of my Executives at the Target store I worked for in New York. Then they informed me of Stony Brook's Career Fair and of the interview dates. I then worked with the Career Fair to find out when the event was and when interviews were taking place.

Can you describe a typical day at Target?
At Target, there is never a typical day. The same thing never happens two days in a row! That's what makes the job so interesting. One thing we do everyday consistently however, is review our overall store ratings online and provide consistent follow up and feedback to our team.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your time at Target?
The experience that I have gained at Target does not compare to any other employers. Target prepares you not only for the job you are assigned, but for life. Target teaches you more about yourself than you ever thought you could know, and helps you grow to become a better person.

What has been the most challenging aspect?
The most challenging aspect so far, I would have to say is time management. Some days, there is just a TON of work that needs to be done with not enough hours in the day. Because of this, you need to use your time efficiently and always plan ahead!

How has this experience affected your future plan?
Target has prepared me to become a Store Manager either of my own store or of a franchise of Target! The company has well-prepared me to move up through the ranking quickly.

Did you utilize any of the skills you gained from your classes?
The one class that stands out the most was Consumer Behavior class. This class teaches you not only about yourself, but about the purchasing habits of people in general. This information really helps when you are seeing it first hand. My financial classes also help me when it comes to working with my Cash Office team. The information I learned from these classes have really helped me when it comes to learning new tasks.

Any general advice/comments you can give to students?
Retail is not always what you think it is! There are many amazing career opportunities, both inside and outside of stores, that most people don't know about. Secondly, hard work always pays off. If you don't think someone is noticing your extra efforts, you're wrong! One day it will pay off and you will be very successful in the future.

My last piece of advice would be to not let a company decide about what your potential is, you decide this yourself. When you realize your full potential, the sky is the limit!