100% Student Engagement Series: UA Student Lands Macy's Internship

University Relations - Communications
Sept. 18, 2014

The University of Arizona is committed to ensuring that every student integrates and applies learning via internships, jobs, research and other opportunities relevant to the real world. This is the fourth in a five-part UANews series detailing industry-related experiences UA students have completed.

Natalie Sanchez with Terry J. Lundgren, the CEO of Macy's (and a UA alumnus).

Natalie Sanchez, a journalism senior with a minor in fashion, worked this past summer with Macy's Merchandising Group in New York City as a private brands marketing intern. 

Sanchez said she was "truly blessed" for gaining the internship with the company, which provides merchandising services to a broad range of popular brands, including Kenneth Cole, Jones New York, Liz Claiborne and Nine West. She won the internship after interviewing Terry J. Lundgren, the CEO of Macy's and a UA alumnus. Sanchez's interview with Lundgren is available online.

Sanchez shared with us about her experience with Macy's. Read other articles in the series:

Q: Why did you want to work with the Macy's Merchandising Group? 

Sanchez: Prior to interviewing the CEO, I didn’t consider having a career in retail, since I am a journalism major. But when the opportunity arose, I knew I would be foolish not to take it. During my interview, I specified that I wanted to do marketing because of the marketing experience that I gained last fall with Tucson Fashion Week. I knew I could implement my journalistic skills in video, writing and communications to be a successful asset.

UA students took part in a 5K run to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House New York. From left: Codey Villanue, Stephanie Ho, Natalie Sanchez and Stephanie Mcllroy.

Q: What were your responsibilities?

Sanchez: My responsibilities started off initially small, but as I spoke with my supervisor about ideas that I wanted to implement that is when it took off. My main focus soon centered around making corporate videos and I was even able to teach the team a thing or two. What was really exciting is that one of the videos that I edited was shown at a conference for all of the Macy's district managers to see. And if I couldn't solve a problem myself, I would ask my office team for help. They were extremely kind and provided me with much insight about their experience with the company.

Q: What have you learned in your experience? 

Sanchez: I was also placed into a group with five other interns. We were assigned a case study from the company and had to come up with a solution to present before the executives. It taught me that not everyone works at the same pace and may also not be as organized. But I loved this aspect of the internship because in order for us to find a solution it required detailed research from within the company's databases, and also external marketing databases. Something else that was great about this was the opportunity to talk with VPs about the marketing strategy I wanted to implement. So I learned a lot about the company, made connections and learned how to work with others who are successful but may have different work habits than myself.

Q: How do you envision that your summer internship will help you, academically and professionally? 

Sanchez: The internship taught me to be more understanding when working with others, since everyone works at a different pace. Professionally, I made a lot of connections in Macy's and know this will help me substantially in the future. Networking is key and is the main reason I obtained this internship. It also showed me when it is necessary to take a step away from work and to finish the task the next day instead of frequently staying later.

Q: If you could share advice with other students, what would you emphasize? 

A: Anything can happen. I work with the Arizona Opera from time to time, and something can happen unexpectedly onstage or where a recasting is needed last minute. Regardless of these obstacles, the show must go on. The same goes with the corporate world. I also appreciated the fact that Macy's Inc. is immersed in many different charities. Volunteering is important to me, and I am happy to see that even a large corporation values helping others. Mr. Lundgren is a truly inspiring and vibrant man, and I'm grateful I could interview him and intern with his company.

From left: Stephanie Ho, Terry J. Lundgren, Natalie Sanchez, Codey Villanue and Stephanie Mcllroy

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