Styli-N-tern

As part of my degree, I completed an internship with Nordstrom worth 12 classroom credits. In order to do this, I had to complete 300 hours work with the company. It has been the most interesting, challenging, fun, and rewarding summer. Two months have never gone by so quickly!

My main role has been as a sales person and Assistant Department Manager (ADM) in training. I was lucky enough to be part of the Men's Sportswear and Rail departments in Washington Square. As interns, we got to work with some of the best and brightest people in the store and the company. Some of our days were dedicated to training and experience, while some were spent on the selling floor getting to know the most important people to the company: the customers.

It was a challenge at first to find my footing in a department I knew little about. It became even more challenging when my manger moved to a different job in the middle of the internship. The experience taught me that you cannot control every situation, and the most you can do is be flixible and find a way to make the best of a difficult or unforeseen situation. Nordstrom stands for embracing change and taking risks, and I definitely experienced those values in action.

Part of the internship program through Nordstrom also includes a project with only one guiding question: "How can we make the customer experience more convenient?"

Our project consisted of several steps for upgrading the customer experience through e-commerce. The need to update our online channel was recognized by almost every intern group within our store. We outlined steps and compared other companies who are successful in their online venues. Our main goal was to create a unified Nordstrom culture and experience.

Overall, the experience has taught me more than I could put down on a page. I accepted an assistant position, and I look forward to continuing to grow with the company and being able to put what I have learned to the test. One of my most valuable takeaways is that every situation and experience you go through gives you more knowledge and ability as you take on your next role.