Merchandising Intern - Jennifer, Undergraduate
If I am working alongside my buyer, I am usually attending supplier meetings to try out toys and discuss pricing, packaging, deadlines and any other business issues. During the meetings I observe interactions, voice my opinions, ask a lot of questions and take detailed notes on how business is conducted. For my project, I am researching Hispanic consumer behavior so that I may suggest ways to offer better merchandise to increase sales and presence in this specific market. Therefore, I spend most of my time setting up meetings with people inside and outside of Walmart and exchanging ideas about this type of consumer. To gather information in the field for my project, I have had the privilege to travel to Texas on the corporate jet to visit stores and work closer with Hispanic consumers. The special events that I have participated in include touring the area’s distribution centers and Walmart stores and helping maintain Walmart’s competitive prices. I have also met with the CEO of Sam’s Club, the executive vice president of human resources, the vice chairman, four senior vice presidents and the president and CEO of Walmart U.S. Stores. I have also shadowed a marketing director and other buyers in my department. The more people I shadow, the more I get to know and understand Walmart and how the departments work together to run this business. For casual meetings, I meet with my mentors from different departments. They are all more than willing to help me on my project or discuss any problems I have. My days are always busy, and no day is ever the same. I am consistently meeting new people and gathering information with co-workers. It’s an extremely friendly environment with a lot of decision-making influence. Walmart offers the perfect environment to learn and develop your skills. Walmart works with you to give you the tools you need to have a successful internship that could extend into a career. |
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I usually arrive at work at 7:30 or 8 a.m. and print up sales and in-stock reports. This helps me understand and keep track of the numbers, which is important for a merchandiser. I attend my department’s morning meeting, where I report the numbers. For the rest of the day, I work on a variety of jobs and attend meetings with my buyer. During this time, I also collect data either on the computer or through meetings that I have set up. I participate in special events such as shadowing co-workers from other departments, traveling, meeting executives and sharing information through formal or casual meetings.
